Soon after working as a full time professional massage therapist, I realized that I needed additional training to help many of my clients who were complaining of similar ailments relating to chronic pain or over use syndrome. I performed thorough research using the internet, library and other professionals to include chiropractors, doctors, personal trainers, and of course, massage therapists. A preponderance of feedback that I received was that everybody needs deep healing work that incorporates simple techniques which create a real and lasting effect. The solution was clear. What I needed to add to my profession was Myofascial Release Massage.

      Myofascial Release Massage Therapy is an extremely effective hands-on technique that works by applying firm, sustained pressure to eliminate pain and restore flexibility and motion to the body's fascia (connective tissue). The science behind Myofascial Release states that fascia is a densely woven sheath that interpenetrates and houses every muscle, bone, vein, nerve and all of our internal organs including the spinal cord. A good visualization is shrink wrap. Shrink wrap in effect holds everything together in a neat package. Fascial tissue connects every part of the body to every other part of the body. Myofascial therapy is intuitive; it is effortless and applicable for all clients and it addresses all levels of the human structure: physical, emotional and mental.

      We know that the body holds tension and repressed emotions. Many of us, however, do not know what specific tissues are responsible for this occurrence. Myofascial Release Massage techniques manipulate and release myofascial tissue which holds chronic, painful and exhausting stress and tension. The goal is to release unwanted stress in the chest, neck, shoulders, hands, back and waist; or over the whole body. Imagine how you will feel if your hands become supple and strong, your neck and shoulders relaxed, your chest more open, naturally breathing more deeply with less effort, and your back and waist more flexible. The head, neck and hand work is suitable for on-site application as well as clinical practice.

      The body's fascia, including the collagenous component and ground substance should be fluid like to allow for proper movement. Trauma, stress etc. cause this fascia to solidify, shorten and adhere to other tissue, causing painful restrictions. Fascia surrounds every system of the body. Myofascial Release Massage technique applies prolonged light pressure with specific direction. The tissue warms, causing the fascia to return to its fluid state, releasing the restrictions. Deep tissue Swedish work and skin rolling is also used to loosen superficial fascia and prepare the tissue for deeper myofascial work.

      (Howard Rontal is the founder of Myofascial Release Massage. Howard Rontal has been a Certified Hellerwork Practitioner for over 16 years. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan. His Hellerwork training was conducted by Joseph Heller, the founder of Hellerwork. Howard continued to study privately with Heller for several years into his practice. Howard specializes in postural realignment and for the relief of the effects of physical trauma. He has been teaching Myofascial Release since 1990 and is a visiting faculty member of many massage schools in the Midwest and East Coast.)

      Sports Massage, Athletic massage or any modality of massage therapy, when applied conscientiously and correctly, always has the same objective: to provide a service that enhances the client's physical health and sense of well being. I truly hope that this review will help you in your bodywork endeavors. If you have any questions on the above, personal training or massage in general feel free to give me, Jesse Harshbarger a call at 703-981-4563 or email at jesse@alohahands.com.

Milady's Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, Beck's 3rd Edition, Copyright © 1999 (Milady Publishers)

Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, By the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Thomas R. Baechle and Roger W. Earle, Editors. Published by Human Kinetics

2002 National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, Virginia License & Professional Member AMTA -- All Rights Reserved