Myofascial Pain & Release Therapy
Many people suffer from chronic pain, loss of movement or reduced strength caused by sensitive spots within the muscles known as myofascial trigger points. When you say that you have ‘knots’ or tightness you may be experiencing these trigger points. Research suggests that these points are small patches of highly contracted muscles – an isolated spasm affecting a small area of the muscle which can eventually cut off its own blood supply, irritating the muscle further, causing one vicious cycle that may lead to a collection of points causing myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Trigger points generally arise as a result of muscular overload which typically can be categorised as follows:
- Exertion Overload – this is the most obvious form of overload and occurs when a muscle simply was not strong enough to perform the task that you required of it. This is most prominent in unconditioned muscles and may occur most often at the beginning of a new training regime or during adaptive phases of a regime.
- Overuse or Repetitive Stress Overload – this is most likely to be the biggest cause of trigger points, in both active and inactive people. It occurs due to performing repetitive movements at work or in training and your muscle endurance isn’t capable of dealing with the task required at such a rate.
- Biomechanical or Postural Overload – Muscles all work as a team to perform movements and biomechanical overload occurs when one of the muscles in the team isn’t as strong or active as the others. Generally, biomechanical overload occurs due to the dysfunctional muscle already have trigger points present – causing its own dysfunction and so generally type of overload is a resulting factor of experiencing a previous and different type of overload.
- Trauma Overload – Physical trauma that may occur as a result of injury can directly cause trigger points. This is due to a reflex spinal response which is created to try and protect the initial damage from further trauma, however, the trigger point often lasts much longer than is required and can then cause additional pain.
The goal of myofascial release therapy is to stretch and loosen fascia and soft tissues to allow for body structures to move more freely, restore motion and reduce pain. This allows for additional effectiveness to be gained from other treatments such as acupuncture, manipulation and often most importantly physical training; allowing you to return to full flexibility, motion and strength.
To reduce any pain you are suffering from and get back to a strong training programme book yourself in for your treatment today.