mbsportstherapy

Fascia surrounds and protects every organ, bone, muscle, tendon, ligament and tissue of the human body.

In healthy individuals the fascial system is relaxed; fascia provides cushioning and support to the structures within the body, which allows us to move efficiently without pain or tension. It responds to internal and external forces that are applied to it, but does so in a way that protects the structures in the human body. And it has the ability to contract and relax therefore plays a large role in mobility and stability of joints. All of these reasons are why it is vital for sports therapists to manage and treat the fascia to help maintain correct movement patterns, with minimal pain or restriction.

Myofascial release is a manual therapy where a low load is applied whilst producing a long duration stretch. It helps to restore optimal fascia length, decrease pain and improve function. This is normally used when there is damage to the fascia from physical or emotional trauma (where the fascia scars and hardens, causing it to lose its cushioning and potentially pulling internal structures out of alignment), or through poor posture.