Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy intended to eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and rebalance the entire body. It does this by using massage techniques to stretch the fascia and release the bonds that exist between the fascia, muscles and bones. Fascia is the connective tissue that connects and covers all muscles, organs, and skeletal structures of the body. Direct myofascial release is sometimes known as deep tissue work. Indirect release applies light pressure and gently stretches the fascia; this allows for increased blood circulation and relief from pain.

About movement

Your goal for each session may be different and that's what we aim for. My goal for each technique boils down to:

1. Increase options for movement

2. Refine the proprioceptive sense

Secondary to these goals, these techniques bring about other benefits. Pain, athletic performance, well-being, etc, all tend to improve when our two primary goals are addressed.

To accomplish both of these we'll supplement many of the techniques with various qualities of movement. This allows you to practice a common movement while we illuminate an area, with touch, that may be a dysfunctional part of the pain pattern. As we work through this process the nervous system registers this as an option for accomplishing this movement going forward.

What a session is like

The strategy for each session will be adjusted to your goals, but they are all similar in that each starts with a conversation and physical assessment, and that continues once we start the table work. I find it important to reassess and communicate occasionally to guide the session and achieve the best results.

You should come prepared to wear shorts/underwear and a bra/sports bra (the less surface area of strap along the back the better) if female. There is typically a lot of repositioning for best access, and sitting/standing reassessment throughout the work, and so there is no draping involved. Most of the work happens with you on the table but a few of the most effective techniques are done off the table.

After our initial conversation and assessment, and before the bodywork begins, I will leave the room to wash my hands and allow you time to dress down and get comfortable in the space. I will not come back into the room until you are ready. During the session, communication is important and I will ask for feedback throughout. The work does not require pain to be effective; in fact, too much pain can counteract our goals and so the communication piece is ongoing.

Many times the body requires subtle techniques for the best response and your observations will be important to maintain the right pressure and depth. Often we will integrate movement into the technique, both passive and active, which helps to refine the proprioceptive sense through both small micromovements and larger sweeping motions.

Your comfort, both physical and emotional, is key and my goal is to provide a space where you feel open to giving feedback so that it’s the best experience possible.

Emerge Bodywork

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