Myofascial Stretch Therapy Improves Range Of Motion
You may have already heard about the innovative lower back stretching techniques that bring welcome sciatica relief and reduce pain, but what is Myofascial Stretch Therapy? This groundbreaking therapeutic and rejuvenating practice is actually a combination of several elements. The first is stretching itself which helps, among many other things, to improve the range of movement of the body in general. Capitalizing on our body’s natural inclination to “stretch” after a period of sitting or lying down, there simply is not a more natural way to regain your flexibility and reduce pain.
Stretching incorporates the multiple elements of neural re-patterning, muscle strengthening and relaxation techniques that serve to accomplish a number of actions that facilitate complete relaxation and effectively enhance the release of good endorphins. Those are the “feel good” hormones that kick in after a workout or a run that leave you feeling relaxed and confident. But Stretch Therapy or ST as it is often called, does so much more.
Myofascial Stretch Therapy and fascia stretching exercises are highly beneficial for regaining flexibility, balance, posture improvement and muscle functioning. As we age we lose as much as 10% of our ROM (range of motion) every ten years unless we are taking proactive measures to retain our flexibility. Flexibility is not a physical attribute that is automatic, it is it something we must work and strive for. It is also very joint specific so while you may have good flexibility in some parts of the body, you may not have it in others.
Myofascial Stretch Therapy also works to reduce pain levels and releases adhesions in connective tissues. Fasciae, in a nutshell, are bands of fibrous tissue that are connective and surround our muscles, acting as a binder for some things and yet allowing flexibility for others. Similar in some ways to ligaments and tendons, they are composed of collagen, something we naturally have less of as we age. The result, of course, is reduced flexibility, pain, tightness, reduced range of motion, and muscle weakness.
Myofascial Stretch Therapy then, is designed to address these concerns. Most techniques are “core” and are directed for relaxation, re-patterning the brain with new messages, maximizing posture and body alignment, overall strengthening and performance enhancement. Low back stretches to reduce pain are an integral part of the therapy but are only one of the many advantages of ST. Inactive muscles are called back into use, with an end result of improved movement and flexibility the natural way. Myofascial Stretch Therapy is a win-win on every level.
