Fascia is a tough connective tissue enveloping every cell from head to toe like a three-dimensional spider web. It flexibly supports all structures of the body. Injury, trauma, muscle imbalances and poor posture can cause these fascial fibers to tighten, shorten, thicken and adhere, putting inappropriate pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones, organs and the brain.

The consequences are often pain, restriction of motion and structural misalignment. Sadly, modern medicine tends to micromanage symptoms, looking at the muscles, bones and organs in isolation, generally ignoring the significance of the global system that connects it all together. I’ve found that releasing fascial tissue restrictions can often be the missing link in resolving long-standing chronic cases of pain and dysfunction. The technique can be described as applying sustained pressure into the fascial barrier, allowing permanent elongation of the tissues.

As additional fascial layers are released, the patient gains greater flexibility resulting in decreased pain, enhanced daily activities of living, superior athletic performance in sport, increased ease of movement and improved structural balance & integrity. This advanced massage technique is referred to as Myofascial Release as “myo” implies muscle and “fascia” implies the connective tissue that supports it, however restrictions in this continuous web has implications on all body systems.  Myofascial Cupping is a type of Myofascial Release where cups are suctioned to the skin creating a negative pressure resulting in a broad release to the area under and around the cup.

Cheers!

Dena Liebrecht, RMT, SMT(cc), CBP, ESMT

Body Kneads Integrative Healing

Helping Okotoks & the Calgary area achieve their ultimate quality of life through therapeutic massage!