Self Myofascial Release techniques and deep tissue massage are considered “alternative medicine” and you’ll find people online “debunking” it as quackery… so here’s some welcome new science for people like me who can’t live without it.
Recently, The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA) published an article by Manal Zein-Hammoud, PhD and Paul R. Standley, PhD entitled “Modeled Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments: A Review of their in Vitro Effects on Fibroblast Tissue Preparations.” A lengthy title for a potentially groundbreaking bit of science to support the little understood myofascial release techniques.
Myofascial what?
To understand myofascial release, we must first understand fascia. In keeping this “science lite,” imagine a very strong dew-covered spider web encircling a shrub. And between the gaps in the threads is a clear gel, rather than air. If you can picture this, then you’re on your way to understanding fascia. This three-dimensional complex matrix threads itself throughout our body, surrounding our muscles, organs, nerves, bones, blood vessels and even our cells. Everything is held together and in place by fascia. It is impressively flexible and infinitely adaptable.
And because fascia is a very strong, very connected spider web, when one spot on it gets tugged or pulled or injured, the effects ripple throughout the body. This is why we may have pain in our knee that may have nothing to do with a knee injury, but everything to do with an injury to our lower back. The natural, fluid state of the fascia has been traumatized, causing it to harden and tighten.
Ever pull a thread on a sweater only to find the whole thing bunching up on one side? That bunching is exactly what happens to fascia when our bodies experience stress, whether it’s dehydration, injury, inflammation, repetitive activity—you name it.
Our body reacts to pain of any kind by creating a protection response, that while, initially is a good thing, over time can lead to increased pain, buildup of toxins and reduced blood flow and oxygen to the area. When we experience a slight amount of tissue damage—this can be due to a physical injury, or a psychological one like depression, or even something like an ulcer—pain signals are sent to the spinal cord which then triggers the muscles around the injury to contract in order to provide support and protection for the surrounding tissues.
This response, left unchecked, creates a vicious cycle of pain as more blood flow is restricted to the contracted area. More signals are sent, and more muscles tighten to protect the growing epicenter of pain. What may have started as something small has now grown—that sweater gets more gnarled and bunchy.
Myofascial release techniques (MFR) are designed to go in and smooth out those hard knots, returning the fascia to its normal fluid and adaptable self.
But how?
In MFR, a gentle, sustained pressure is applied to points of restriction (those bunched up spots), allowing the connective tissue to release. Picture a stick of cold butter. If you jab your finger into it sharply, you’re just going to hurt your finger, and not even make a dent in the butter. But if you place your finger on the butter, and apply gentle pressure, you’ll find you’re able to slowly sink into the stick of butter, melting your way into it. This is essentially what is happening when an MFR therapist works on the body, or when one performs Self Myofascial Release (SMFR) with myofascial release tools such as rollers and balls.
But the mechanics behind this technique have been under-studied and difficult to understand, or even explain. Some people brush it off as placebo or ineffective or even “out there,” or too “woo-woo” to be accepted in the academic medical world. Studies trying to illustrate the efficacy of MFR are often poorly designed and executed with little evidence backing their claims.
And this is why the Zein-Hammoud and Standley study is so momentous! Their experiments are not only well designed and controlled, but the results are derived from at least ten years of pertinent research and experimentation based on Standley’s studies of fibroblasts. Their research is the perfect example of how proper research should be performed—the scientific method at its best.
And the findings are not to be ignored. According to a derivative summary of the paper by Michael M. Patterson, PhD, the international associate editor of the JAOA, Standley’s work shows that “fibroblasts respond differently to various strain patterns, secreting various anti-inflammatory chemicals and growth factors, with implications for wound healing and muscle repair, among other physiologic processes.” Standley also experimented with the length of duration and the magnitude of MFR, and how they affect injuries, thus offering future suggestions for therapists on how to treat their patients.
Surprisingly, Standley’s research on non-injured tissue suggests the possibility of MFR aiding in the strengthening of the area.
“Finding the molecular mechanisms of how these therapies work would define the underpinnings of clinical efficacy and could propel OMT (osteopathic manipulative therapy) into evidence-based, first-line therapy,” said the lead author, Paul R. Standley, PhD.
Those of us who have utilized or experienced MFR tools and techniques know that they work. But now we have science finally backing us up—lending credibility to the claims. And now the next time someone brushes off MFR as ineffectual, we can point them toward Standley’s work and tell them, “See? MFR works—it’s science!”
Here’s what myofascial release technique looks like in action:
Hi Eric, I have M.E/cfs and Fibro,I also suffer with Restless Leg Syndrome which is linked to said conditions
Would/could Myofascial help with these conditions? Thanks
Hi Mark, I have ME/CFS too and possibly fibro and of course I couldn’t live without tools like these. That said, some with fibro are extremely sensitive and have to start with very soft balls for very short times…
I’m a competitive cyclist and my sternum has been hurting for a year now.
After extensive tests,the results were inconclusive.
My only relief from pain is when my physiotherapist releases certain “trigger” points from my back(deep,painful massage) which works for about a week or so.
Is there a cure to this or am I stuck with this?
PS I’m 19
What’s your diet like? How’s your alkalinity? Any other health issues in the background?
I’ve had pain problems all of my life, but gradually over the last 15-20 years it’s gotten chronic. I’ve tried everything and almost went broke. I bought a theracane years ago and it helps, but I’d really like a regimen, something I can do before my PT exercises. They say I have EDS, fibromyalgia, but I think it’s myofascial pain syndrome. Maybe they’re related, idk.
From my understanding EDS is genetic but many have also seen their symptoms disappear when they take MitoSynergy’s bioactive copper supplement. The other conditions you mention are really symptoms of more fundamental chronic health problems…
I was injected out of a semi at 70 miles an hour deal with a lot of back will myrofashial treatment help me
That sounds terrifying Debra. Yes I’m confident you would benefit from myofascial release!
Would this therapy help stenosis or osteoarthritis in neck and spine?
My experience is that anything that causes pain, causes muscle and fascia to tighten reflexively, so yes in that regard myofascial release can help counteract the secondary effects of any painful condition.
I have been involved in an accident, that has caused the arch of my right foot to become numb – the doctors are telling me that it is tarsal tunnel syndrome and surgery is scheduled to tie off an enlarged and irritated vein that is pressing down on the nerve and causing the numbness. This injury has also caused my leg muscles, from the ankle to the knee, to cramp up. Through conventional PT, we cannot get the muscles to release. Do you feel that myofacial treatment would give me some relief prior to the surgery, which is scheduled 10.26.? Pain level is between a 7 – 9… Cannot walk long distances and have had three episodes of the leg severely cramping up during the night, with relief through stretching the leg for about an hour. Pain level during those episodes, goes far beyond a 10.
Sorry to hear about this awful situation Colleen! Has anyone suggested or have you tried microcurrent / estim? I use a gadget that causes my shoulder muscles to involuntarily tighten and it’s really a marvel. I’ve read a lot about the healing powers of microcurrent and we use it extensively in my house… yes I would also try to find a myofascial release expert to help you.
Hi Eric, I need to treat my face and my feet–tops, soles, toes. What would you suggest from among your products?
Also, I am committed amazon-boycotter. Is there any other outlet for purchasing your products?
Thanks!
Jessica
Hi Jessica, I can identify with the amazon thoughts! You can use our store at https://deeprecovery.com/shop/ if you like. For face and feet tops, toes etc you might try a golf ball. The smallest we offer is our orange Sport lacrosse ball… might be too big.
Will this work on forearm pain due to mouse use? Have tried PT as well as dry needling to no avail….Thanks!
Yes, absolutely! Perfect for mouse induced pain 🙂