OMT: Myofascial Release (MFR) and Visceral Soft Tissue Therapy
Based on initial examination and assessment, a soft tissue therapy, such as myofascial release or visceral soft tissue therapy may be selected to treat a patient’s condition restricting flexibility and mobility. The treatment is aimed at manipulating the fascia systems.
Role of Fascia
Fascia is web-like fibrous tissue that layers throughout the human body in muscles, organs, bones, blood vessels, and nerves. The whole human body is permeated with fascia that may be superficial, deep or visceral. The fascial system is there to keep the body’s organs securely suspended, stable, and to blend the skin layers with the organs.
Fascia cannot be separated from organs of the body, such as muscles. Soft tissue fascia therefore has a mechanical function, allowing the connected structures and systems of the body, such as the neuromusculoskeletal, to flow in a state of homeostasis (balanced health).
The following sections provide information on how osteopathic manipulative treatments, such as myofascial release and visceral soft tissue therapy, facilitate homeostasis by treating the body’s fascial system.
Myofascial release
Myofascial release combines soft tissue therapies (STT) to treat dysfunction in body structures, such as the musculoskeletal, and connected systems, such as the nervous, lymphatic and circulatory, where fascia is present. STT is the therapy used to assess, treat and manage dysfunction in the neuromusculoskeletal system and damage to soft tissue that results in discomfort and pain.
The goal of myofascial release is to manipulate muscles and fascial systems to stimulate the body’s connective tissues and increase both flexibility and mobility. The treatment uses stretch and reflex to loosen joints by releasing restrictions in the fascia soft tissue. The osteopathic physician applies MFR techniques by feeling and manipulating the tissue while also twisting and compressing the joint. This helps to shift the tightness in the joint and promote flexibility for movement.
The two main types of myofascial release are:
- Direct myofascial release – deep and active fascial tissue manipulation
- Indirect myofascial release – gentle low pressure manipulation and stretches
MFR is also considered to be effective in treating scarring, such as from surgery or injury. Patients with conditions causing muscle and joint tightness resulting in pain can be treated with myofascial release.
Visceral Soft Tissue Therapy
During initial examination, osteopathic physicians may use deep tissue manipulation to identify tissue tension and motion restriction. Depending on the location of discomfort and pain, and also the physicians preference, patients may be placed on a table or seated in a chair during therapy.
The goal of visceral manipulation is to identify displacement between fascia tissue and organs, such as misaligned ligaments, that restrict movement. The manipulation treats the fascial system allowing the body to release tension for greater flexibility. People who have experienced trauma through accident or sports injury may benefit from visceral soft tissue therapy.
Benefits of soft tissue therapies (STT)
Soft tissue therapy benefits people of all ages to:
- increase relaxation and reduce stress
- release tension in the body
- relieve chronic pain in the head (such as migraine), neck, back, and joints
- treat painful conditions, such as fibromyalgia
- improve motion range and flexibility for movement
- combat infection
- boost digestion and prevent indigestion
- heal wounds and injuries
- improve sexual libido for both men and women
Soft tissue therapies may also be useful in aiding seniors to experience greater flexibility and mobility, thereby acting as a form of falls prevention.