What is Myofascial release?

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Myofascial release is a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. This method of therapy relaxes contracted muscles, improves blood and lymphatic circulation and stimulates the stretch reflex in muscles.

Myofascial release techniques generally fall under the two main categories of passive (patient stays completely relaxed) or active (patient provides resistance as necessary), with direct and indirect techniques used in each. Direct methods of myofascial release; involve deep tissue work, where the practitioner uses knuckles, elbows or other tools to slowly stretch the restricted area. Where as indirect methods involve gentle stretching of the muscles with only a few grams of pressure, allowing the muscles to unwind themselves.