Myofascial Release Helps with Pain Relief
Back Pain
If you are an athlete, then chances are you already know what myofascial release is. If not, this may be the magic formula you are looking for to relieve muscle pain. I like to think of myofascial release as a scientific form of stretching. It relaxes tight, contracted muscles, improving blood flow and subsequently relieving pain.
Fascia is a thin, elastic type of connective tissue found in the body. While the fascia supports our internal structures and helps protect them, it can also become tight and restricted. Fascia and muscle go hand in hand, as you can’t stretch one without stretching the other. And this simple technique is a miracle cure for sciatica and plantar fasciitis.
There are many factors that can cause these restrictions like trauma, overuse, inactivity from a sedentary lifestyle, poor shoes, and additional body weight. Aside from pain relief, other benefits include improved mobility, range of motion, and joint function. This is especially beneficial to an athlete in terms of better performance. And you can use items you probably already have laying around the house.
Tools to get the job done:
- Golf ball – great for rolling the soles of your feet
- Tennis ball – excellent for small muscles like rhomboids in the back
- Foam roller – great for long muscles like IT bands (inflammation in this area causes sciatica) and hamstrings
Hopefully this has shed a little light on what myofascial release is and how you can use common everyday items to do it. If you have specific questions please feel free to contact me, I am happy to answer anything I can. Next week I’ll post a video showing you how to perform this technique on yourself, so be sure to check back. Live life to the optimum!
Melissa
OptimumCondition.com
(619) 252-4993
Empowering people through fitness, education, and coaching
