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Myofascial Massage Classes

Myofascial release is a form of massage that focuses on stretching the connective tissues between the muscles. The goal of myofascial release is to eliminate pain, improve the range of motion, and bring balance to the body.

Fascia connect the organs, skeletal system, and muscles in the human body. The fascia can be either directly manipulated, or indirectly. If the body is injured, under stress, or suffering trauma, the fascia can become restricted. This restriction can spread over the network of connective tissue, and cause tightness elsewhere.

Performing myofascial release requires an understanding of the fascial system. The two schools of myofascial release that are commonly used are direct and indirect release. Practitioners of direct release myofascial massage use their knuckles, elbows, or tools to apply pressure and stretch the fascia. This can be referred to as deep tissue work. While some people find this method to be painful, it is not always. Working slowly is the key to direct myofascial release without pain.

It has been suggested that direct myofascial release is descended from a school of osteopathy developed in the 1920s. It is also a part of the Rolfing massage school developed by Dr. Ida Rolf during the 1950s. Rolfing involves more holistic theory than simple myofascial massage, however.

Indirect myofascial release is a gentler way of stretching the connective tissues. The goal is to allow the fascia to stretch itself, rather than applying the pressure to release it directly. Gentle pressure on the fascia causes increased blood flow and heat in the area. This method is commonly used in physical therapy and osteopathy. The term myofascial release was coined in 1981, when Michigan State University first offered myofascial massage classes.

Many massage therapy programs teach myofascial release. Classes are available through the Rolf institute, as well as other, independent schools. Many students taking myofascial massage classes experience trepidation about doing “deep work,” but this prospect should not be frightening. A therapist does not need to work to exhaustion or cause their client pain in order to perform myofascial massage.

Myofascial massage classes vary between intensive pieces of massage therapy certification programs and weekend workshops. Which kind of myofascial massage classes you will choose depends on why you want to learn massage and what you want to do with the skills you acquire. Myofascial release is a basic component of many other disciplines of massage, and useful in conjunction with those it is not part of. Because of this, people aspiring to learn massage can benefit from an understanding of the fascial tissues, no matter what their discipline.

Index of Massage Techniques

Swedish Massage - Deep Tissue Massage - Chair Massage - Ayurveda Massage - Hot Stone Massage - Craniosacral Therapy - Reflexology - Shiatsu - Sports Massage - Thai Massage - Rolfing Massage - Lomilomi Restorative Massage - Reiki Massage - Myofascial Release

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