Myofascial.release.Integrative.Physical.Therapy.Anchorage.Alaska

This is a description from a MFR course: "Myofascial Release (MFR) is a whole body manual therapy treatment to decrease pain and increase motion and flexibility. You will be evaluated to identify areas of restriction or dysfunction within your fascial system. These areas may, or may not be found in the actual areas of your pain. The focus of MFR treatment is on restoring balance and mobility in the fascial system of the body. It is thought that an extremely high percentage of people suffering from pain and loss of motion may have problems primarily due to fascial restrictions. The fascia is a tough connective tissue, which spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional "web". This "web" extends from the head to the foot without interruption, and encompasses all anatomical structures from nerves and blood vessels to muscles and bones. Trauma, poor posture, or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on blood vessels, muscles and organs. This pressure results in pain that is felt throughout the body. By freeing these restrictions, during a MFR treatment, a patient can be returned to a painfree and active lifestyle".

Fascia is a thin tough tissue. It is similar to the thin but very strong white tissue that is often encountered when cleaning a chicken breast. There are varying approaches to MFR. Some are more direct than others. In general this hands on treatment is usually not uncomfortable, but it will often involve pressures being applied and sustained in varying directions to your body.

Some believe that we store emotions in the fascial system. Thus we can physically tap the system and help release them. Restrictions often maybe due to an old ankle sprain or fall that at the time did not seem to cause significant injury. Imagine having on a pair of slacks and taping the pant leg down tightly around your ankle. Can you imagine how much that would pull and yank if you tried to take a long step, or went to bend your knee deeply? How about how you may compensate at other joints to achieve the motion at your leg? Now imagine having a fascial restriction somewhere in your body and how much it could subtly change the way you move or the postures you get pulled into.

MFR like Crainiosacral Therapy is gaining a tremendous amount of momentum in the medical community. It is a great choice for many people and can have a profound effect in symptom reduction. If you have pain and have not tolerated Physical Therapy well previously, please research and consider this approach. Addtionally, we are happy to answer any questions that you may have about the technique or if it is right for you.