Fascial Release Series: High Five!

The best part about the course we took recently was the number of techniques and tips that we were immediately able to begin applying with our clients.  Here are the top 5 things that our staff took away from the class!

1. Less is more.  Fascia is right under the skin; sometimes, we tend to push harder or more hoping for a good result. Often, by waiting and gently going with the tissue, you get much better results.
2. Go with the flow.  When we are evaluating, we look for the directions the fascia goes easily (position/direction of ease) as well as the directions where it does not move as easily.  While it is tempting to go directly after the areas where it does not move easily, you will often get a better response by first going with the tissue, and after the tissue relaxes further, then attempting to go another way.
3. Use your levers.  We learned a number of ways to enhance/speed up the process of fascial release.  One that has been particularly helpful is looking at the arms and legs and how changes in position cause changes in tension in the area.  If the tension changes with certain movements, you can use these movements to "enhance" your release, either by having the patient move into these positions or using the aid of another therapist.
4. Breathe, Just Breathe (not the Faith Hill song):  Breathing plays an integral role in fascial release.  Breathing deeply/correctly during a release can help to enhance the results.  Learning proper breathing patterns can prevent tension from returning.  We tend to emphasize good breathing patterns in our clinic, but now we have another reason to really focus on it!  (So don't look too confused when we hand you a balloon when you come to physical therapy!)
5. It may get worse before it gets better:  We may be treating areas that your body has been protecting or holding tension in for a long time.  For this reason, sometimes clients will experience an increase in achiness or heaviness for a few sessions before feeling better.  Don't be discouraged or alarmed...we are just finally treating the root cause of your problem and it WILL improve!