Structural Fasciatherapy / Myofascial Release

Fasciatherapy and myofascial release

Fasciatherapy is an approach that addresses the fascias. Fascia is composed of fibrous connective tissue. They overlap, separate, protect and support the muscles and organs (viscera) of the human body. These membranes resemble cellophane envelopes, and facilitate the sliding of different structures. Fascia create links between structures and different parts of the body as they are present from head to foot and from deep to shallower. The fascias are transformed into strings that can cause tension, pain or remote compensations. Repetitive movements, poor posture and chronic pain generate tension or stiffness at the fascia and also its chain.

Fascia react significantly to not only physical stress, but also psychological. It is often said that the fascia is the body’s memory and is a demonstration of all attacks that the body could endure. Emotions that are intense and difficult to manage and unconscious trauma are stored in the fascia. Undischarged trauma, recent or old, have an impact on tissue quality and the “mobility” of the fascia. The shocks will lead to areas of tensions in which circulation, tissue flexibility and vitality will be reduced.

Lived event 1: At the age of 11, I injured my right shoulder due to overuse and poor technique by swimming on the back. The pain was so intense it was debilitating. The doctor diagnosed me with acute bursitis. So I had to rest and take anti-inflammatory. I stopped swimming afterwards. Still, I sometimes felt a snap, pain and cracking several years after my initial injury. Following my fasciatherapy course, almost 25 years later, I felt the same pain in the pool. I had very clear images and memories that came to my head instantly. By releasing the fascia, my shoulder has regained its range of motion and snaps are gone. As a bonus, I can now swim on the back pain free!

Lived event 2: I had a client with a chronic neck pain and suffering from headaches. During the session, she shouted suddenly. By freeing the fascias, we released the traumatic emotional imprint of an occurred car accident when she was a child and of which she could not remember. Tensions in the neck released right in my hands, as if they had disappeared instantly. Since then, her headaches have diminished in intensity and frequency and tensions are much smaller.

Fasciatherapy and myofascial release are very similar. The first approach is softer and the second more intense and deeper. The one-hour treatment can be carried out only in a fasciatherapy approach or be combined with other massage techniques.
The therapist will find areas of tension / stiffness / slowdowns and through manual techniques (without oil) of tensioned, mobilization and stretching, it will create mobile and malleable fascias; thus resulting with better circulation and energy stimulation.
Everyone can enjoy the benefits of a fasciatherapy treatment.

The main indications are:

• Acute injuries: to decrease inflammation, edema (swelling), pain and accelerate the healing process; for example during sprains or tendonitis
• Chronic injuries: back problems, tennis elbow
• Sports injuries
• Tension / pain associated with postures or repetitive motion
• Circulatory problems
• Tensions related to scars
• Gynecological problems (if the therapist treats visceral level)
• Digestive problems (if the therapist treats visceral level)
• Scoliosis and other postural problems
• Migraines and headaches

As a therapist, I know that using fasciatherapy makes all the difference in the effectiveness of my treatments. First, I noticed that to release deep tensions, it is best not only to go after the fiber, but also releasing the envelopes. Working first on the fascial release, I can then release the tension in depths with less pain felt in my patient. The body continues to integrate these techniques in the following days. Thus, while a sense of wellness and relaxation following the treatment, the actual effect is felt about 4 days later. I am more effective and, longer!

Yanic Szöghy
Alexander Benjamin
Pascale Alexandre
Vanessa Paré
Patrick Georgevitch