Indirect Myofascial Release
Indirect Myofascial Release
The indirect method gentle stretch, the pressure is in few grams, the hands tend
to go with the restricted fascia, hold the stretch, and allow the fascia to 'unwind' itself. The gentle traction applied to
the restricted fascia will result in heat, increase blood flow in the area. The intention is to allow the body's inherent
ability for self correction returns, thus eliminating pain and restoring the optimum performance of the body. This concept
was suggested, by Paul Svacina, to be analogous to pulling apart a chicken carcass- when it is pulled apart slowly, the layers
peel off- too fast, and it shreds.
The indirect technique originated in osteopathy schools and also popular
in physical therapy. German physiotherapist Elizabeth Dicke developed Connective Tissue Massage in the
1920s with superficial stretching of the myofascia. According to Robert C. Ward, myofascial release originated from the concept
by Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine in the late 19th century. The concepts and techniques were subsequently developed by his successor, and until 1980s
they were popularised. Robert Ward further suggested that the term Myofascial Release as a technique was coined in 1981 when
it was used as a course title in Michigan State University.
John F. Barnes is a physical therapist who in the 1970s developed a unique Myofascial
Release Approach that combines direct and indirect myofascial release with cranial techniques, and provides training.
Carol Manheim summarised Myofascial Release principles:
- Fascia covers all organs of the body, muscle and fascia cannot be separated.
- All muscle stretching is myofascial stretching.
- Myofascial stretching in one area of the body can be felt and will affect the other body areas.
- Release of myofascial restrictions can affect other body organs through a release of tension
in the whole fascia system.
- Myofascial release techniques work even though the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood.
The indirect myofascial release, e.g. cross hand technique according to John Barnes is as follow:
- With relaxed hand lightly contact the fascia.
- Slowly stretch the fascia until reaching a barrier/ restriction.
- Maintain a light pressure to stretch the barrier and wait for approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Prior to release, the therapist will feel a therapeutic pulse (e.g. heat).
- As the barrier releases, the hand will feel the motion and softening of the tissue.
- The key is sustained pressure over time.
