Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia Pain
Learning about Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia Pain was the breakthrough to finding my Fibromyalgia Cure.
Myofascial Release Therapy is also known as MFR. You may also find it termed as Fascia massage.
I was lucky enough to find a physiotherapist who specialized in using Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia pain. He used Myofascial Release (MFR) as well as trigger point techniques to help break down my painful fascia. Before commencing my first treatment using Myofascial Release he warned me that it could be very painful but the ultimate results would be amazing.
He spent a full hour working on my lower legs finding my trigger points and, in his words, “allowing the wave of fascia to flow”.
Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia PainI have written about Fascia in more detail, but basically Fascia is the connective tissue that envelops every muscle, organ, bone and nerve fibre throughout our entire bodies.
Fascia has 6 times more pain receptors than muscle, meaning that fascia pain can be very intense. People with Fibromyalgia will have painful fascia in many areas of their bodies.
I believe that the 18 tender points of Fibromyalgia are simply painful fascia areas. But painful fascia in Fibromyalgia sufferers is not just confined to these tender points. I believe most of the widespread pain felt by people with Fibromyalgia is fascia pain.
And because fascia is so widespread throughout the body, fascia pain will also be widespread. This explains why people with Fibromyalgia have widespread pain that comes and goes. For example my feet and hands would hurt on some days, while my shins and elbows could hurt on other days. Remember that fascia is found in and around every muscle, organ, bone and nerve fibre throughout our entire bodies.
Please bear in mind that trigger points are not the same as Fibromyalgia tender points.
Finding a Myofascial Release therapist
I cannot recommend highly enough getting professional Myofascial Release therapy. My excruciating chronic Fibromylagia pain seemed to melt away during a session. My pain gradually diminished and now I am completely pain free. I strongly urge anyone who has Fibromyalgia to seek out Myofascial Release therapy practitioner. Question them at length about their knowledge and experience of both Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Release.
If you live, as I do, in the UK you will find NHS physiotherapy departments do not offer Myofascial Release therapy. To be honest your GP and the physiotherapists themselves may have not even heard of Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia pain.
I waited weeks for a physiotherapy consultation to discuss my painful calves and was told I would have to wait a further 6 weeks before receiving a treatment. When I eventually got to be treated it was a very basic massage that lasted no longer than 10 minutes. I was told I was allowed a further 2 treatments (and no more) in 2 months time.
I decided to pay privately to see an experienced physiotherapist who was a Myofascial Release expert. It was worth every penny.
If money is tight, forego the perfume, chocolates and flowers given as birthday gifts and ask instead for a Myofascial Release session!
Releasing Fascia
Myofascial Release Therapy is used by massage therapists, bodywork therapists or physiotherapists. They apply direct pressure onto restricted, tightened and knotted fascia with their hands (or sometimes a tool) and by using slow stretching movements release the restricted areas of fascia. The emphasis is on slow hands on movements.
My experience of Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia pain
I’ve got to say that my first experience of Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia pain was both painful and emotional.
I had read of others who became emotional while undergoing Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia pain, but would not have predicted that I would burst out crying in front of a complete stranger. The physiotherapist said it was perfectly normal and very usual for people to cry while undergoing Myofascial Release treatment.
The phrase “We carry our issues within our tissues” comes to mind which means we store our emotions within our bodies. Many people hold the belief that the onset of Fibromyalgia can be triggered by emotional experiences such as rape, child abuse, sexual abuse or any other emotional trauma.
And during a Myofascial Release session there can be a release of suppressed or trapped emotions.
To be honest I thought experiencing an emotional response as a result of Myofascial Release session was bonkers. But I cannot find another explanation for my emotional out-pouring at my first session.
In my second session of Myofascial Release the physio worked on my upper legs and again it was eye watering painful but I did not get emotional at all.
Myofascial Release Video
Self Myofascial Release
There are a number of self Myofascial Release techniques that you can try yourself. Usually the use of foam rollers, sticky balls or tools are involved. There are many YouTube videos that you can watch to find out how you can release fascia yourself. But this video is one of the best I’ve seen.
Self Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia pain using Qigong stretching techniques
Self Myofascial Release using foam rollers and balls
More on Myofascial Release for Fibromyalgia pain
Myofascial release is a therapeutic technique that can be beneficial for managing Fibromyalgia pain. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness. It is believed to involve abnormalities in the way the brain processes pain signals.
Myofascial release focuses on the fascia, which is a thin, tough connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs throughout the body. In Fibromyalgia, the fascia can become tight, restricted, and painful, contributing to the overall discomfort and pain experienced by individuals with the condition.
During a myofascial release session, a trained therapist applies gentle sustained pressure and stretching techniques to the affected areas of the body. The goal is to release tension and restrictions within the fascia, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility. The therapist may use their hands, fingers, knuckles, or specialized tools to target specific areas.
Myofascial release is thought to work through several mechanisms. It helps to break up adhesions or knots within the fascia, improving tissue flexibility and promoting better circulation. It also stimulates the body's natural healing response, releasing endorphins and reducing the sensitivity of pain receptors. Additionally, it can help improve posture, increase range of motion, and enhance overall relaxation and well-being.
When used for Fibromyalgia pain, myofascial release can provide relief by reducing muscle tension, improving sleep quality, and alleviating trigger points associated with the condition. It is often used in conjunction with other treatment approaches, such as exercise, stress management techniques, and medication, as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.