Direct Myofascial Release

   The direct Myofascial Release method works directly on the restricted fascia, the practitioners use knuckle or elbow or other tools to slowly sink into the fascia, the force is a few kilograms-force or tens of newtons, contact the restricted fascia, then put a tension or stretch the fascia. This is sometimes referred as deep tissue. Direct Myofascial Release seeks for changes in the myofascial structures by stretching, elongation of fascia or mobilising adhesive tissues. The misconception is that the direct method is violent and too painful, it is not essentially aggressive and painful, rather the practitioner slowly going through the layers of the fascia until the deep tissues are reached.

   Robert Ward suggested that the direct method came from the osteopathy school in the 1920s by William Neidner called Fascial Twist. Dr. Ida Rolf developed Structural Integration or Rolfing in the 1950s, a holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that with the goal of balancing the body in gravitational field. She discovered that she could remarkably change the body posture and structure by manipulating the myofascial system. Rolfing is the nickname that many clients and practitioners gave this work. Since her death in 1979, various schools arose which have adapted her original idea according their own flavours, lights and remembrance.

   Teachings of direct myofascial release was kept in the school until recently (in the 1990s) where texts and courses are offered to general bodyworkers: John Barnes, PT; Art Riggs, Michael Stanborough, Tom Myers, and others.

Michael Stanborough summarised the Direct Myofascial Release technique as:

• Land on the surface of the body with the appropriate 'tool' (knuckles, or forearm etc).
• Sink into the soft tissue.
• Contact the first barrier/ restricted layer.
• Put in a 'line of tension'.
• Engage the fascia by taking up the slack in the tissue.
• Finally, move or drag the fascia across the surface while staying in touch with the underlying layers.
• Exit gracefully.

As Dr. Rolf said Put the tissue where it should be and then ask for movement.