Myofascial Release - MFR Treatment

MFR

The origins of myofascial release can be traced back to the work of the great Andrew Taylor Still. Working with patients, he was the first to notice the interconnection of fascial structures and their influence on the overall condition of the body. Later, Ida Rolf opened a new chapter in understanding fascial work through structural integration with her innovative approach. John Barnes systematized this knowledge in the 1970s, creating the basic method of MFR treatment.

MFR Treatment In the modern world, the technique continues to evolve thanks to masters such as Thomas Myers, who created the concept of anatomical trains, Luigi Stecco, who developed the method of fascial manipulation, and Jean-Pierre Barral, who made an invaluable contribution to understanding visceral fascial connections. Robert Schleip and his research on fascial innervation allowed us to better understand the mechanisms of pain syndromes and their connection to fascial structures.

Definition and Mechanism of Action

In my practice, I constantly encounter how the body responds to trauma and stress with protective tensions and associated tissue densification and mobility restrictions. These tensions are a kind of cry for help from our body; the organism tries to protect itself by creating musculofascial blocks. However, this protection often becomes part of the problem, creating a vicious cycle of tension and pain.

Fascia and Connective Tissue

Fascia is not just a shell; it's a complex communication network that penetrates the entire body from surface to depth.

Structural Organization:

Superficial fascia - located directly under the skin, contains adipose tissue and regulates thermoregulation
Deep fascia - dense connective tissue membrane surrounding muscles and internal organs
Visceral fascia - surrounds internal organs and creates pathways for their movement
Perivascular fascia - accompanies blood vessels
Perineural fascia - surrounds nerves and nerve endings

Biomechanical Properties:

Thixotropy - ability to change its aggregate state under mechanical load
Piezoelectric effect - generation of electrical charge during mechanical deformation
Viscoelasticity - ability to both stretch and return to its original position
Plasticity - ability to maintain a new shape after prolonged exposure

Functional Features:

Proprioceptive sensitivity due to rich innervation
Mechanotransduction - ability to convert mechanical signals into biochemical ones
Participation in immune responses of the body
Role in maintaining tissue hydration

Main Release Directions

Direct release - working directly with the problem area. Here it's important to feel the tissues and their readiness for change.
Indirect release - the art of following the tissues. We allow the body to show its own path to healing, only gently guiding this process.
Combined approach - used in complex cases when deeper tissue work is required.

Mechanism of Action

Mechanical Level:

Restoration of mobility between tissue layers
Softening of fascial densifications
Improvement of tissue gliding

Physiological Level:

Improvement of microcirculation
Enhancement of lymph drainage
Activation of local metabolism

Neurophysiological Level:

Normalization of proprioception
Reduction of pain sensitivity
Restoration of normal muscle tone

Application of MFR Treatment

Including in sports medicine, neurology, orthopedics:

In treating headaches
For relieving muscle spasms
When working with neuralgias
When working with back pain
For posture correction
In post-operative rehabilitation
In recovery after injuries
For injury prevention
In preparation for competitions

Technique Implementation

In the work, it's important to remember the main rule - the gentler the impact, the better the result. Brute force is the enemy of myofascial release. It's important to feel the timing of the thixotropic reaction - usually this is 90-120 seconds of holding the technique until the tissues begin to "melt" under your hands. During the release, you can feel the characteristic warming of tissues, which indicates increased local blood circulation and the beginning of the recovery process.

The patient's body is not an object of influence but a partner in the healing process. With the right approach, the patient experiences comfort and relaxation, even when we are working with painful areas. Listen to the patient's body, follow it, and it will show the right path to health restoration.