So, what’s the difference between myofascial release and a regular massage?
Between each muscle, there is a thin layer of tissue called the fascia. Fascia also exists between the skin and the muscles. It is made of collagen. When this fascia becomes stiff, the movement between muscles is restricted. Repeating the same motions or maintaining the same posture for long periods can reduce fascia mobility. When fascia movement becomes restricted, muscle movement also worsens. This can compress nerves and cause pain.
In many cases, nerves are located within the fascia. When fascia movement is poor, it can press on the nerves and cause pain or numbness. For example, some patients still experience numbness or pain even after undergoing surgery for a herniated disc. In such cases, the pain was not actually caused by nerve compression from the herniated disc, but rather by fascia pressing on the nerves.
By performing myofascial release, it is sometimes possible to relieve nerve pain by loosening adhesions in the fascia. These kinds of cases are not rare and are frequently seen among patients at Pain Away.
Moreover, simply performing a massage is not enough to release the fascia. Since the fascia lies between muscles, special techniques are required to release it properly. Just relaxing or pressing the muscles will not release the fascia. For instance, even if you massage the same spot for an hour, the fascia may not loosen — but with about three minutes of proper myofascial release, it can be effectively released.
With myofascial release, the so-called post-massage soreness (muscle rebound) is also less likely to occur.
At Pain Away, we regularly train our Thai staff. Since myofascial release and similar techniques are still rarely taught in Thai universities, it has become essential for us to provide in-house instruction and training.
