What is Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release also called MFR and NMT is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal column and nerves) with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system. NMT is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system maintains homeostatic balance. The application of NMT is dependent on several key factors:

• The location of myofascial trigger points based on identifying postural patterns

• Force must be applied perpendicular to the skin surface if muscle is to be stimulated

NMT is based on research that identifies the fundamental causes of pain, typically by incorrect loading on the skeleton or from acquired trauma and how the central nervous system responds and initiates pain responses in the body. By understanding how pain originates and by being able to locate the actual source of pain, NMT treats the cause of pain (primarily musculoskeletal dysfunction), not just the symptoms by specifically manipulating the connective tissue in the correct directions based on your postural patterns.

Connective tissue massage is distinguished from other types of massage in that semi-static pressure is applied to the connective tissue in specific areas based on observing your posture, identifying your pattern and working on those particular groups to realign and restore balance and function to your entire structure.  Using the established patterns based on the works of Ida Rolf and John Barnes ensures that my connective tissue bodywork is represented in its original and true forms.  It is an intense but deeply satisfying massage session.

What is Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points were first discovered and mapped by Dr. Janet G. Travell (who was President Kennedy's physician) and Dr. David Simons. Dr. Janet Travell coined the term "trigger point" in 1942 to describe a clinical finding with the following characteristics: Pain related to a discrete, irritable point in skeletal muscle or fascia, not caused by acute local trauma, inflammation, degeneration, neoplasm or infection. Trigger points, also known as trigger sites or muscle knots, are described as hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. The trigger point model states that, 1) unexplained pain frequently radiates from these points of local tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. 2) The painful point can be felt as a nodule or band in the muscle and a twitch response can be elicited on stimulation of the trigger point. 3) Palpation of the trigger point reproduces the patient's complaint of pain, and the pain radiates in a distribution typical of the specific muscle harboring the trigger point. 4) The pain cannot be explained by findings on neurological examination.

Trigger point therapy uses sustained or vibrational pressure to the trigger points.  Trigger points are located by their referred pain areas and the use of palpation should verify their correct positions.  The referred patterns by Travell & Simons show the correct positions as you could palpate a trigger point in your pain region, but you then need locate the referred pain region and work there as well to achieve the proper technique and results.