Case Study Shows Benefits of Myofascial Release

Case Study Shows Benefits of Myofascial Release

"Why does this massage feel so different?"

Yesterday one of the PT patients at NYC Spine and Sport rehab center made the obvious and simple observation that the "massage" work I was using for his 20minute session was so much less painful than other treatments. Utilizing the moment to illuminate the Myofascial approach of the graduating, sinking, pressure effect, I explained that the difference is FASCIA. At first, it must sound like a very strange word for someone hearing it for the first time. As the light bulb began to flicker, the patient asked, "what is fascia?" In the 30 second window of attention that I would have,I succinctly tried to introduce the difference between working on the connective tissue vs specific muscles. Connective tissue is present from head to toe, front to back, inside out. It's encases the muscle itself allowing us to release tension, restriction, restore balance, alignment more comprehensively. Hopefully,this didn't totally overwhelm my patient. All I do know is that he was delighted to receive benefits of feeling better without being terrorized through very painful tactics. Especially on the dreaded Illiotibial tract of soft tissue that runs along the outside of one's leg. So very sensitive!

Here's a great resource to learn more about this unique and especially valuable concept:
http://www.myofascialrelease.com/fascia_massage/public/fascia.asp

FASCIA..some images

Interesting NY Times article

Biochemical perspective behind why what you already know to be good..IS in fact good for you
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/how-massage-heals-sore-muscles/?emc=eta1

Solar flares. Imagine this!

Solar Flares 2012. Near Australia somewhere.

The new home of Amanda Donis Massage Therapy NYC. Seeing is Believing.

Very cool "braille" style wall art

Front hall area; Experience the exhale feeling from the beginning

Awesome and spacious treatment rooms. Always clean, welcoming, and therapeutically focused
It's a Massage therapist's dream come TRUE

Why Myofascial Massage ? What's the big difference?

Myofascial release is a form of manual therapy addressing specifically the connective tissue layer of the body. It's the connective tissue that offers a filmy kind of covering over every part of our body from Head to toe, also inside-out starting at the cellular level. So when you think of gaining balance, greater flexibility, freeing up tension in your tight hamstrings, hips, or calves, the more comprehensive approach is to work on your fascia. 

Rather than going for swedish massage or just deep tissue massage to gain valuable circulation of blood and of course, to feel good, relaxed, you can address deeper issues with alignment and pain through Myofascial massage. 

What to know?

Pressure is applied in accordance with feedback from the soft tissue that the therapist is feeling. Using a sustained pressure that only gradually deepens as the connective tissue warms up, softens, and melts to deeper layers. This is how the technique feels. Gradually, the pressure increases to more intense levels helping relieve pressure or tension in the fascia tissue. Overtime, your structure, spine, joints can then realign with a new found sense of alignment and balance. Thus giving you more freedom to move.

Myofascial massage offers the recipient time to feel the connectivity of their structure and soft tissue. Making you more aware of where your imbalances lie and helping you gain perspective.

Try it for yourself and feel the difference. 

Sanity through Nature

Here's somethings about Nature to consider amidst urban living:

Today, we enjoy the comfort of indoor living. When it gets too hot, we turn on the air conditioning; when it rains, we have a roof to shelter us. Without the sanctuary of our homes and other buildings, we would often be uncomfortable and unable to fulfill our daily responsibilities. But have we drifted too far away from nature? How might we benefit from a daily effort to experience the great outdoors?

A large amount of research suggests that there is a strong relationship between feeling connected to nature and a variety of desirable outcomes including satisfaction with life, close relationships with others, self-acceptance and feeling positive emotions. If you spend most of your time indoors, there are many ways to make nature a bigger part of your life. Here are some ways you can experience the benefits of Mother Earth:

1. Take a walk. One experiment found that a mere 15 minute walk led to feelings of enthusiasm, aliveness and positive emotions, compared to taking a walk indoors. Whether you prefer brisk morning air, the full intensity of the sun, or a cool evening breeze, spending just a few minutes outside can have a great impact on your day.

2. Look at pictures. The beneficial effect of nature is so powerful that just looking at pictures of beautiful scenery can make a difference! One study found that looking at four nature pictures for two minutes each increased feelings of vitality and vigor, while looking at pictures of urban buildings decreased these feelings. If the weather is less than inviting, this is a great alternative to get a happiness boost from nature.

3. Get some plants. In what rooms do you spend the most time? Fill them with plants! In addition to producing oxygen, plants also seem to make us feel good. In fact, one study found that being surrounded by plants was associated with being more generous toward other people! Among many other plants, the English Ivy, Spider plant, and Peace Lily add the extra benefit of air filtration.

Do you feel close and connected to the great outdoors? How often do you savor and enjoy this connection?

Make time in your day for just one short walk. If this is not possible, remember that you can enjoy the benefits of nature in your home or workplace. Regardless of how nice the weather is, breathe the air, gaze at stars and don't forget there is a moon up there in the night sky.

Article taken from Huffington Post