You may have heard talk about a practice called Myofascial Release, which is a complementary, holistic practice to massage. But what is fascia anyway?
Fascia is the strong, fibrous, connective tissue the envelops and isolates muscles, providing the body what a structural support system. Picture a web of thin, yet strong, fibers running throughout your body. Fascia has three layers starting with superficial fascia just under your skin. The last layer is called subserous fascia, and it’s located deep within your body.
If you’ve ever deskinned a chicken breast, you’ve encountered fascia–it’s the fibrous connective tissue just beneath the skin
What is MFR?
MFR usually begins with a gentle massage designed to warm and loosen muscles. As an MFR therapist works, she identifies areas of tension which call out for additional attention. Sometimes MFR can be intense, unlocking log buried emotions and associated wounds. Once any stiffness or soreness subsides, the client feels a deeper sense of well-being.
Myofascial Release, or MFR, is a type of soft tissue massage that incorporates stretching muscles and connective tissue. Just like I had to receive training and certification to perform massage, MFR practitioners must log hours in the classroom and in practice before receiving their certification.
Is MFR a Kind of Massage?
Although MFR uses gentle massage to begin a session and operates on similar principles that people hole stress in their muscles, MFR is different than a massage. MFR focuses on areas of blockage and tension, to release the fascia, which then frees up the muscle.
MFR tends to hone in on one or two specific areas. The MFR therapist may only stretch a muscle lightly in order to gain access to the fascia. The MFR process is quite slow and deliberate. MFR clients describe the feeling of fascia loosening as though they were melting and going deeper.
Massage + MFR
Because massage and MFR are complementary practices, you could include both in your wellness practice. If you’re working with an MFR therapist, let me know so we can support you together, providing optimal benefits. To book your massage with me, click here!