Practitioners of myofascial release maintain that their unique approach to human well-being can produce amazing results.
As many people aren't acquainted with the idea of myofascial reelase (MFR), it's probably a good idea to provide a brief introduction of the practice. The basic idea underlying MFR is that the body is completely covered in a fascial, or connective tissue, system. The fascial structure surrounds us and simultaneously aids in the support of our structure. Adherents to the theory make an analogy to a tent. Our skeletal structure plays the part of tent poles and fascial tissue serve as "guide wires" that provide the necessary tension to encourage structural stability.
When we're injured, the fascial structure loses its pliability. That, in turn, can cause a variety of physical maladies, according to myofascial release practitioners. It's also important to understand that those who accept MFR theory also believe that there is a strong mind-body connection at play. The way we think and feel, along with our behavioral patterns, impact the fascial structure and well-being.
Myofascial release involves physically manipulating the fascial structure to bring back pliability where it has been lost and to keep the overall structure in proper working order.
The theory is controversial and it has its critics. Those who agree with the MFR perspective, however, are willing to attribute some amazing achievements to the process. Many of these improvements, if verifiably traced back to MFR could completely change the way we deal with a variety of maladies.
MFR advocates maintain that myofascial release has improved range of motion and verbal skills in an autistic child. They claim that they've witnessed the partial healing of a cleft palate in a small child due to MFR, as well.
Restless leg syndrome? Myofascial release can solve it. Stomach problems, including gastrointestinal reflux? Again, MFR can produce tremendous results. One report credits manipulation of the fascial structure for the non-surgical elimination of breast cysts.
Those physical breakthroughs are only part of what adherents claim MFR can do. They also attribute psychological improvements to the practice. People are better able to "let go" of negative emotional experience and are capable of discovering thinking patterns that are responsible for unhappiness via myofascial release treatments. They believe that our psychological wounds are etched in our fascial structure and that by treating them on that level, we can unlock and solve a wide variety or problems.
As one might guess, there isn't a great deal of hard scientific evidence to support these claims. You won't find the work of MFR advocates filling the pages of refereed academic medical journals and there are no accepted double-blind studies putting MFR to the test. However, that lack of traditional evidence doesn't discourage those who believe in the technique. They claim to have either experienced or to have witnessed breakthroughs like those noted in response to myofascial release treatment.
