When
the myofascia isn’t free to move, other muscle movement is also impaired. This leads
to joint dysfunction and chronic PAIN. This pain is universal with distinctive patterns that remain consistent in all people. In some cases, restrictions can be so extensive joints
become frozen, meaning joint motion is severely restricted. The goal of all myofascial therapies is to restore normal muscle function. Following are helpful hands-on therapies that work to release restrictions and help our body achieve full normal range of motion.
MYOFASCIAL
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Myofascial
pain syndrome (MPS) is a constant
pain source when trigger points (TrPs) are left untreated.
Trigger
point therapy done by a specially trained therapist releases the knotted muscle
fiber (TrP) using a compression technique. The therapist will know to look for
other TrPs, which are sometimes well away from the one that is causing you so
much pain. They know there is a consistent pattern related to the specific location
of a TrP in that taut band of muscle. Release TrPs returns muscle to normal
function. That said, the work isn’t all
up to the therapist. A good therapist will help you learn the importance of
knowing what things are perpetuating your pain. A big one for me is sitting
here at this desk staring at my computer screen, or riding in a car for too long.
Chronic
myofascial pain from MPS is often accompanied by other disorders, such as fibromyalgia,
migraine, spinal degeneration, irritable bladder, arthritis, joint
hypermobility, and more. Dr. Karl Hurst-Wicker explains “Fibromyalgia
Centralization and Peripheral Myofascial Pain” in
an interview I did for Health Central.
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| Created by Celeste Cooper, The Pained Ink Slayer(c) |
Chronic myofascial pain can be the primary source of pain or it can perpetuate pain in other disorders, injuries, or anatomical deformities. The good news is that myofascial pain syndrome is treatable. The goal is to release the trigger point/s so that the muscle tissue returns to its normal functioning position.
MYOFASCIAL
RELEASE (MFR)
As
so many of us who write about myofascial pain explain, the myofascia is like
chicken skin. It’s attached to the muscle, but still moves freely. If you have
ever cut up a chicken, you can visualize what that is. Each muscle is covered
by myofascia (muscle covering) that draws together on each end to form a
tendon. Tendons attach muscle to bone so our joints can function. The goal of myofascial
release is to free up myofascial restrictions so our body can function
properly.
Developed
by physical therapist John F. Barnes, myofascial release is a manual therapy
performed by a skilled therapist with the goal of improving movement
and promoting wellness.
My
personal experience with MFR was enlightening to the physical therapy student
following my therapist. During a session, my back starting twitching like a flickering
light bulb, the student became tongue-tied. She stated she had not witnessed
such a phenomenon. The physical therapist was glad her student was able to see firsthand
what restricted myofascia can do and how it contributes to chronic pain.
It’s
important to always check the credentials of anyone doing body work. They must
have a firm understanding of anatomy of physiology. Here is a directory of myofascial
release therapists recommended by John Barnes. http://mfrtherapists.com/
NEUROMUSCULAR
THERAPY AND REPROGRAMMING (NMR)
The
goal of Neuromuscular
Therapy and Reprogramming (NMR), founded by body-worker Jocelyn Olivier, is
to balance the central nervous system and the musculoskeletal system by
engaging the motor center of the brain. Therapists specifically trained in NMR treat
soft-tissue restrictions, which relaxes muscles, rebuilds strength, improves
flexibility, restores venous and lymph flow, and relieves the underlying cause
of pain. The therapist will assess blood flow, myofascial TrPs, nerve
compression, problems with gait, posture and body alignment, and perpetuating
factors.
Other
types of bodywork include spray and stretch, Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy, strain
counter-strain technique, and deep tissue bodywork, such as Rolfing and Active
Release Technique (ART). I caution those with fibromyalgia on deep tissue work.
It can be too painful for some. I am lucky to have a physical therapist that does
ART. Some chiropractors also use this technique, but the most important thing
is to have a working relationship with your therapist and keep the lines of
communication open.
WHAT
WE CAN DO
Any
myofascial therapy requires us to contribute for the best outcome. We can
identify perpetuating factors and practice preventive strategies like
stretching and strengthening to maintain muscle health, stamina, and general
overall wellness. (Caution: strengthening should be done once the muscle is
functioning properly again.) We can be persistent in finding the right therapy
or the right therapist. Both are equally important. Maybe you find a therapy
you want to try, insurance covers it and all seems well. However, I offer a
word of prudence, the type of therapy doesn’t matter if you don’t have a
knowledgeable therapist who is willing to work with you and teach you why
certain things are important.
A
guidebook that focuses on the work of doctors Travell and Simons will help you learn methods of self-treatment
and a good therapist will suggest that you do just that. There is information
to suggest that when home therapy is encouraged, we do better.
IN
CLOSING
Always
talk with your doctor for medical clearance. Sports medicine physicians and
physical therapists are often a good resource for those of us living with
chronic myofascial pain.
Additional
Reading:
In healing,
Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate
Think adversity?-See opportunity!
~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~
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