THE FASCIA CLINIC - Self-Myofascial Release

Nurturing your Fascia Health with
Self-Myofascial Release

by Alexandra Shave

Join us at the serene first-floor studio of the Cheltenham Holistic Health Centre on Sunday, 19 November or 10 December 2023, from 10-11 am. Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover the secrets of maintaining your fascial health.

The benefits are manifold: reduced muscle tension, improved flexibility, enhanced blood flow, and stress reduction. Plus, it's a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals on a journey to better health.

These group sessions offer a supportive and educational environment and are guided by Alexandra Shave, a certified Integrated Myofascial Release Therapist (iMFT) and Self-Myofascial Release Therapist (SMFR). You'll learn how to use tools like balls, peanuts and foam rollers to target specific areas of tension.

Sessions are for all ages, all shapes and sizes. No previous knowledge or experience is required. Although self-MFR may challenge you, it won't be painful and will always be within your tolerance.

Join us for an upcoming Self-Myofascial Release Group Session. Your body will thank you! I can't wait to share this experience with you!

When it comes to Self-Myofascial Release (SMR), a few fundamental principles can make all the difference in your journey to improved well-being:

1. Heat before You Treat: Imagine your fascia as putty – when it's cold, it's tight and resistant, making it harder to work with. The solution? Warm up your body! Whether through a quick exercise session or a relaxing, warm shower, heat makes your fascia softer and more pliable, making it easier to target.

2. Little and Often: Rome wasn't built in a day, and the same applies to your fascia. Don't rush into it – overdoing it can lead to short-term irritation and more pain. Aim for 20-30 minute sessions daily, focusing on different areas and using various techniques to gently soften the tissues.

3. Stay within Your Comfort Zone: Forget the 'no pain, no gain' mantra when working with fascia. Intense pain causes your fascia to tense up, which is counterproductive to releasing it. Stick to a pain scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being pain-free and 10 excruciating. Keep your pain levels comfortably below 7.

4. Maintain the Pressure: Fascia responds best to sustained pressure. Spend 90-120 seconds or more in a single stretch or on a tender point to allow the fascia time to release. Unlike muscle exercises, you don't need to repeat each stretch or exercise within a session.

5. Pay Attention to Your Body: Fascial restrictions create referred pain patterns that ripple through tension lines. As you work to release these areas, you may feel pain in unexpected places. This is often a sign of where you should focus your efforts next.

Self-help myofascial release is a gradual yet effective path to relieving chronic pain and restoring balance. We call it the 'slow fix' because it takes time for your body to unwind itself. Regularly working with your fascia can bring long-term benefits, including improved balance, posture, reduced pain, and increased mobility.

If you're ready to start your SMFR practice, email Alex. Spaces are limited to 8 people.