Myofascial Release and Mental Health Therapy

ABQ School of Massage Therapy

Myofascial Release has always been shrouded by doubt, for many reasons. Proponents have taken the basic core of the work and moved it in a direction that few in the scientific or medical community can accept. Basic science is lacking, at least from the traditional mechanical model that has been presented for decades. (see "Myofascial release: an evidence-based treatment approach? " and "Why myofascial release will never be evidence-based")

So what has been learned? A good place to start is www.FasciaResearch.com, which lists dozens of research and commentary papers with objective insights into the mechanisms of fascial change. Learning (or relearning) the basics of neurology can expand your awareness of the multiplicity of systems and interactions which may open your eyes to different perspectives on pain and treatment. Good places to start include www.SomaSimple.com. While not fans of Myofascial Release, most of the therapists there are willing to share their wealth of knowledge and experience on the workings of the human body, as well as their take on intervention. Don't expect a warm welcome, but be prepared to learn. 

Take advantage of learning other modalities, even though you may think your modality is the best. Let me give you an example. Most of us understand that fascial restrictions (bear with me if you oppose even this wording) can create pain in distant regions. Careful palpation, evaluation, and treatment will often lead us to the cause. Basic, right? Move out of MFR training as it was presented and look at, for example, at Visceral Manipulation. In doing a bit of research for this newsletter, I can across this article. Scroll down to the right side of page 64. 

How Colon Suspensory Ligament Tension  

Affects The Knee

Cecal suspensory ligament tension can produce phantom medial right knee pain. Sixty percent of women have a ligament of Cleyet attaching the right ovary to the cecum. Tension in the ligament of Cleyet can compress the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve, producing medial right knee pain in the absence of objective signs of knee dysfunction.  (Jeffrey Burch, Massage Therapy Journal, Summer 2003; 59-66) 

While you may have been able to help with this type of knee pain using your existing approach, the connection between the two areas may have been missed. Despite what anyone says, no one intervention works for everyone, nor does one intervention teach all. Why would I be telling you this, given that I teach the Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars and have a vested interest in MFR? Simply because I have become a much better therapist and teacher by broadening my own perspective. Take advantage of what is out there; it is a big, therapeutic world. 

For well over 200 research articles on Myofascial Release and Bodywork, please refer to the:

Myofascial Resource Research Page.