Article Index - Myofascial Release
 
Myofascial Release and Integrated Myofascial Therapy
 
Cross-Hand Release Techniques.
 
In the last edition we discussed the important role of the fascial system with regards to health, posture and movement. Fascia is a completely continuous 3D network of fibres made predominantly of collagen and elastin. The fascial network can be considered as one complete structure weaving its way throughout the body supporting, cushioning and protecting it against any and all external and internal physical and emotional trauma.
 
The fascial system and body memory
We all have had different experiences in our lives. We are unique individuals and this individuality is stored in our body memory and is also represented in our posture and movement. The 3D nature of fascia projects what is going on in the subconscious rather like a mirror. We cannot therefore simply treat a localised present injury as that injury will be affected by, and will be affecting, the fascial history and body memory.
 
Treat the cause and not just the symptom
It is very common for patients to present with a symptom that has remained unresolved. Some patients feel let down by traditional healthcare because no one is able to diagnose or 'fix' their pain. These patients may have undergone extensive testing and even surgery to find the cause of their pain but in many cases the practitioners are overlooking fascial restrictions. When we sustain an injury our fascial network responds by adapting to prevent further strain. This happens slowly over time (fascial history) and gradually as we deliver further strain to the body by repetitive movements, poor posture, lack of rest/water/adequate diet and further injury the fascial network twists, pulls and hardens in order to compensate. This in turn can create further pain and discomfort anywhere along the fascial pull. The site of pain may be caused by a fascial restriction in an area of the body that traditional healthcare would regard as unrelated to the site of pain. This is why a repetitive shoulder problem can be continuously treated to no effect if the fascial restrictions that are pulling into the shoulder from an old low back injury remain untreated. The shoulder is compensating for malalignment of the structures and tension of the pelvic and low back area and until that is resolved the shoulder pain will never go away. We must learn to treat the whole body thus treating the cause and not just the symptom.
 
The importance of treating in a 3D manner.
With Myofascial Release Techniques we are feeling into the fascial system 3 dimensionally not just on it or along it. Fascia is 3D in nature and injures in a 3D manner and if we feel in to it, follow and release the restrictions then we can create a cascade effect within the fascial network assisting the realignment of structures and reducing tension and pain throughout the body.
 
Cross Hand Release Techniques.
Our previous article detailed Longitudinal Plane releases or basic arm and leg pulls. The Cross Hand release techniques are again fundamental techniques but ones that can be used anywhere in the body and are possibly the most used fascial release techniques. It is important for the therapist to remain rested in their own posture whilst performing all MFR techniques as this increases their sensitivity in defining the fascial pull within the patient's body.
It is also important to perform a postural evaluation to see where the body is pulled, twisted or tight and to feel into the tissue for hot, hard and tender areas. These are the areas where we can use the cross hand release techniques to open up the system and alleviate tension and discomfort.
 
Why do we call it Cross Hand Release?
For the sake of ease it is simpler for our hands to go with the direction of the release. Our intention is to allow the tissue to soften and release under our hands allowing them to stretch further apart. When working on smaller areas we can use our fingers in a similar manner too.
 
The Technique
Place your hands on the body and allow them to sink into the tissue, this is the 1st dimension. Once you feel you have met resistance then allow your hands to take up the slack in the direction that your fingers are pointing, away from each other. Go slowly until you meet resistance, still meeting the resistance on the downward pressure and wait for the release; this is the 2nd dimension. The sensation feels like butter melting or your hands softening into clay. When you go slowly and gently the fascia will not recognise you as a threat and will allow the Piezoelectric effect to occur where the fascia will soften due to the low load pressure over a sustained length of time. As the fascia softens you will feel your hands move, separate or twist away from each other, this is the 3rd dimension and is the tissue locally unwinding. Follow all 3 dimensions meeting barrier upon barrier with your pressure 3 dimensionally. Each Cross Hand release can take anywhere between 3 to 5 minutes, sometimes longer. It is also important to remember that these techniques are done without lubrication to avoid slipping on the ski
 
The Psoas Cross Hand Release Technique.
Assists in the release of pelvic pain including anterior pelvic tilt, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and low back strain as well as abdominal and leg discomfort. Patient positioned supine towards the edge of the massage table. Therapist places one hand, skin on skin, just above the ASIS, fingers pointing towards the patient's upper body with the other hand on the middle of the Quadriceps muscle, fingers pointing towards the patient's feet. The intention is to open up the space in and around the hip flexor area and throughout the pelvis. Follow the restrictions 3 dimensionally and wait for the release.
 
Upper Thoracic Cage.
Assists in the release of shoulder, neck, arm and back strain and also headaches, face and TMJ discomfort. With the patient prone the therapist places their hands, skin on skin, lateral to either side of the spine with the fingers over the medial borders of the scapula. The intention is to create space and release tension within the upper back, neck and chest. Follow the restrictions 3 dimensionally and wait for the release.
 
Lateral Trunk Release
Assists in the release of low back (up slip), sacroiliac joint pain, pelvic imbalance and compensatory twists with in the body. Patient side lying with the affected short (hip hiked) side upwards. Place their upper leg straight supported by their bent lower leg using a pillow for support. Also place a pillow under their hips to open up the affected side. Place one hand on the lower end of the thoracic cage and the other just above the iliac crest with the fingers contacting the upper attachments of the Gluteal muscles. Sink into the tissue and pick up the slack in all dimensions. The intention is to open up the space between the hips and ribs eliminating the hip hike that prevents the pelvis from maintaining balance.
 
Contraindications
Contraindications such as malignancy, aneurysm and acute rheumatoid arthritis may be considered absolute, while others such as Hematoma, open wounds, healing fractures, etc. may be regional.
1 Malignancy
2 Open wounds
3 Cellulitis
4 Sutures Febrile State
5 Hematoma
6 Systemic or localised infection
7 Healing fracture
8 Acute circulatory condition
9 Osteomyelitis
10 Degenerative Changes
11 Aneursym
12 Anticoagulant Therapy
13 Obstructive Oedema
14 Advanced Diabetes
15 Acute Rheumatoid arthritis
16 Skin hypersensitivity
 
Always perform a thorough patient history and always refer the patient back to their GP/Doctor if you are in any doubt as to contraindications for MFR treatment and also if their condition persists. Please refer to your own code of practice.
 
JFB MFR is very different to traditional MFR or soft tissue mobilisation. Ruth and Mary teach an integration of the MFR approach pioneered by John F Barnes with traditional MFR and Soft Tissue techniques. By adding these valuable fascial release skills to your treatments you will change the way you view, feel and assess your patients. You will also create structural change that is both measurable and functional.
 
All text and images are copyright©. Ruth Duncan.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TRAINING IN THE UK AND IRELAND
 
For further information on UK & Ireland Integrated Myofascial Therapy (iMFT)
Tel: 0141 942 9600
www.thenaturaltherapycentre.co.uk
www.myofascialrelease.co.uk
 
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