A while back the term myofascial release would only be heard in hospitals, physical therapy clinics as well as the chiropractors office. But it has now become a household name. Today it isn't uncommon to hear about it in the media, at the gym or even from your massage therapist. So what exactly is Self-Myofascial Release? Before we try and tackle the subject, it would be a good idea to try to understand what the fascia is.
The fascia is a very strong, web-like connective tissue that surrounds many parts of the human body such as organs, bones, muscles, joints, etc. The fascia has many jobs with some of the more important ones being: to provide a place that allows muscles to slide across each other, hold organs in place, and to transmit movement throughout the body. The prefix 'myo-' simply refers to the muscles within the body.
It is not uncommon for individuals to develop knots within their muscles due to injury or over work. This is especially common in athletes and those who live a sedentary lifestyle. Your common knot is referred to as a trigger point the the healthcare industry. Trigger points are tangled muscles within the fascia that can cause pain and soreness if left untreated. This in turn, can also lead to a loss in range of motion and flexibility of muscles. By massaging these points, you signal to the brain to release that muscle area from the surrounding fascia. This is called Myofascial Release.
Today, anyone can perform myofascial release! Hence the term 'SELF-myofascial release' or SMR. By using the proper equipment such as foam rollers and/or massage balls, you can apply the benefits of self massage in the comfort of your own home. Or you have a busy schedule, take your foam roller to work or even the gym! The days of spending tons of money for a massage therapist or visit to the spa are over. This is probably why SMR has recently become so popular.
Just think of SMR as a massage. But not just any massage, in that it requires the average person to actively search for trigger points within one's body, and release it themselves. A foam roller utilizes the individuals body weight to apply deep pressure to targeted trigger points, by rolling on top of the device on the floor. Whereas massage balls can be manipulated across the chest, thighs as well as other areas of the body. SMR can relieve pain, increase blood circulation, and increase flexibility and range of motion.
The fascia is a very strong, web-like connective tissue that surrounds many parts of the human body such as organs, bones, muscles, joints, etc. The fascia has many jobs with some of the more important ones being: to provide a place that allows muscles to slide across each other, hold organs in place, and to transmit movement throughout the body. The prefix 'myo-' simply refers to the muscles within the body.
It is not uncommon for individuals to develop knots within their muscles due to injury or over work. This is especially common in athletes and those who live a sedentary lifestyle. Your common knot is referred to as a trigger point the the healthcare industry. Trigger points are tangled muscles within the fascia that can cause pain and soreness if left untreated. This in turn, can also lead to a loss in range of motion and flexibility of muscles. By massaging these points, you signal to the brain to release that muscle area from the surrounding fascia. This is called Myofascial Release.
Today, anyone can perform myofascial release! Hence the term 'SELF-myofascial release' or SMR. By using the proper equipment such as foam rollers and/or massage balls, you can apply the benefits of self massage in the comfort of your own home. Or you have a busy schedule, take your foam roller to work or even the gym! The days of spending tons of money for a massage therapist or visit to the spa are over. This is probably why SMR has recently become so popular.
Just think of SMR as a massage. But not just any massage, in that it requires the average person to actively search for trigger points within one's body, and release it themselves. A foam roller utilizes the individuals body weight to apply deep pressure to targeted trigger points, by rolling on top of the device on the floor. Whereas massage balls can be manipulated across the chest, thighs as well as other areas of the body. SMR can relieve pain, increase blood circulation, and increase flexibility and range of motion.
About the Author:
Learn more about myofascial release exercises and techniques! Stop by Jay Rivera's new website, where he goes over the many benefits of incorporating foam rollers into your workout!
