I’ve been using Myofascial Release for years with wonderful results. When I first began my training, I was exposed to soft tissue mobilization (STM) techniques that were less than soft, on both the therapist and patient. These deep, very painful techniques were taught as “last resort” techniques, but in truth were used quite commonly in practice. As a student on the receiving end of the STM, I wondered how this pain could be helpful. It took its toll on the therapist as well as the patient, as many of you can attest. Being told that it is acceptable to cause bruising in order to break up deep layers of muscular and fascial tightness just did not make sense.
Over the years, trial and error has allowed me to devise methods to achieve similar (or better) results with less pain for the patient and therapist. I’ve termed this method MyoMobilization. Combining the more gentle principles of Myofascial Release with the deeper pressures of STM, MyoMobilization works within the tolerance of the patient. Areas of the body that would benefit from MyoMobilization are easy to determine. For example, the marked density and tightness of the Iliotibial band or quadriceps make traditional Myofascial Release techniques inadequate. Traditional Myofascial Release schools of thought would have the therapist dig an elbow or knuckle deeply into the tissue, running the elbow slowly down the leg with multiple passes.
Using the concepts of MyoMobilization, the therapist palpates into the deeper layers of non-flexible tissue and holds at this layer of resistance. Instead of forcing the restriction with STM, simply stay at the deep barrier until it softens and releases. Follow at this deep, but patient tolerant, barrier until you’ve achieved better tissue quality of motion. The concept is not hard to learn and can be applied to the traditional cross-handed technique as well. Follow MyoMobilization with Myofascial Release or Myofascial lengthening stretches.
Any comments or questions that you would like to share?
Walt Fritz, PT
Are you teaching this MyoMobilization technique?
Yes, I teach MyoMobilization™ as a part of my Foundations in Myofascial Release seminars. I am in the process of finalizing a few upcoming dates/cities for future classes. If you’d like to be kept informed of upcoming classes please sign up for my MFRmail newsletter by clicking the link on the right side of this page.