Myofascial Evaluation

Myofascial evaluation refers to the assessment of the myofascia as part of a treatment called Myofascial Release.  A therapist needs to evaluate the trouble areas or trigger points and the corresponding muscles which are tight and contracted.  At that point he or she can begin to apply techniques to address the condition.

Myofascia refers to the tissue that covers all the bones and muscles of the body.  It is like a body casing providing strength, flexibility and support for the whole musculoskeletal system.  Myo is a prefix meaning muscle based on the Greek word ‘mus’.  Fascia is based on a Latin word ‘fasces’ meaning band or bandage.  Due to trauma, lack of activity or overuse, the fascia becomes restricted and muscles tighten.  There is pressure on nerves, bones, muscles and organs.  Inflammation and referral pain result.  Myofascial release is an approach to address this.   It can be done with gentle sustained pressure on the myofascial tissue or stretching with a little less pressure of the restricted tissue.  The objective is to reduce or eliminate pain and restore mobility.  The foremost practitioner of this therapy is John F. Barnes, an American physical therapist who developed The John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach®  in the 1970’s. 

Conditions which can be addressed with myofascial therapy include but are not limited to:  arthritis & bursitis, neck & back pain, headaches, TMJ, sports injuries, disk pain, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome.

Look for registered massage therapists and physiotherapists who offer myofascial release techniques in their treatment programs.  Sessions can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Myofascial release is done in a gradual process where micro-adjustments are done in relation to the condition and to the client’s response during the process.