What to Expect
Before your session
All new clients will receive and complete the New Client intake forms prior to the appointment. It is recommended that loose fitting shorts and a sports bra are worn during treatment. Each session will begin with a conversation about your mobility, pain levels, and emotional well being. It will also include a postural analysis and evaluation your movement.
During your session
The therapist will use gentle sustained pressure, stretching and holding a position for several minutes until an opening or sense of fullness, called a release, occurs. The therapist may ask you to change positions, stretch your arms and legs, or rock your body. These movements are necessary to create space in the body and allow room for the healing process to begin.
As the therapist is working, you may feel movement, heat, pressure, or even experience sensations in other parts of the body. It is also possible you will experience nothing but a quiet, restful moment in time. Communicate any sensations to your therapist as this will help determine what action your body needs next.
You may feel that your body needs to move into a certain position or make a sound; do so with the knowledge that this is a natural reaction - your body is trying to reset itself and break unhealthy holding patterns.
After your session
Myofascial release is usually a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, there may be times after your session when you experience muscle soreness or fatigue, tremors, cold or flu like symptoms, a change in body temperature, headaches, or emotional changes. This is called a healing crisis and most symptoms usually dissipate within 24-48 hours. Your body has been reminded of what it feels like to be healthy and is now unwinding and relaxing chronically tight muscles and tissue. Remember to stay hydrated during this time to lesson symptoms and help keep the newly relaxed fascia moist and pliable.
Recommended Action Plan
Each client will react differently to a myofascial release session based on their individual history and unique fascial restrictions. The therapist will make recommendations for further sessions based on the goals discussed during the first session and the needs the body revealed during the session. A general guideline for treating chronic ailments is to start with a set of six sessions - either twice a week for three weeks or once a week for six weeks, then re-evaluate. It is recommended that myofascial release sessions are received frequently to prevent the body from returning to unhealthy but familiar holding patterns. For the best results, follow the therapist's recommendations for self care and maintain a consistent schedule of treatment. After the set, sessions can be scheduled for preventative care and maintenance.