Myofascial Release & Hot Stone Massage: An Overview

In the arena of holistic wellness and massage, myofascial release and hot stone massage have soared in popularity.  The unique synergy of these two modalities create a healing container for the body through various different mechanisms.  This article explores the benefits, theories, and application of these two complementary massage therapies.  

Myofascial Release: What is it?

Myofascial release (MFR) is a massage therapy technique focused on relieving restrictions and dysfunction within the fascia.  What is fascia?  It is a connective tissue that covers muscles, bones, and

IASTM or instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is one modality that addresses fascia restrictions

organs to provide a supportive framework for our bodies to build upon. You can remove all of the bones of the human body and remarkably, it will retain most of its shape!  Why? FASCIA! How and why does the fascia develop restrictions?  Poor posture, stress, trauma, limited mobility/activity, and injuries are just a few of the reasons that restrictions and dysfunction may become an issue.  

So what is myofascial release like?  Well everyone’s experience is a little different.  Massage therapists are different, people are different, so the clear as mud answer is, it depends.  Here are a few of the universal principles that form the pillars of myofascial release:

-Gentle sustained pressure to areas of tension.  This allows soft tissues (including fascia) to relax and elongate

-Patient participation.  This isn’t always a massage therapy that is going to allow you to lay there and not participate.  Your therapist may ask you to perform certain slow movements to aid in the release of restrictions.  Your participation will be worth it though; reduced pain, increased mobility, and reduced stress are just a few benefits of this massage modality.  More on this later. 

-Not painful.  When you experience pain, your sympathetic nervous system becomes active and you guard your muscles through tightening them.  When you tighten your muscles, you tighten the fascia that surrounds every single muscle cell and the work of the therapist is undone.  This goes back to gentle, sustained pressure.  

Now that we have an understanding of what MFR is, let’s talk about what it does to your body.  Fascia is being studied intensively in the medical community.  In the past, its significance has been largely ignored due to lack of understanding.  Thankfully the medical community is coming around as people search for complementary health interventions such as massage to meet their treatment goals and reduce their pain.  Some benefits of myofascial release include: reduction of pain/tension, improved mobility, better flexibility, enhances circulation, speeds the flow of lymphatic fluid, reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and supports recovery from surgery or injury.  

Hot Stone Massage: An overview

Hot stone massage combines traditional massage techniques with the use of heated stones (which can be made from salt or stone).  The heat from the stones penetrates into the soft tissues and promotes relaxation while enhancing the massage experience.  So how do the two work together?  First and foremost, heat aids in the relaxation of soft tissues within the body, so does MFR.  When you use the two together (heat and MFR) it’s like 2+2=6.  Yes.  There is a synergy that is so difficult to quantify until experienced.  When you go to a spot on the body that holds pain or tension and use both myofascial release paired with hot stones, the results speak for themselves.  Improved tissue response is another benefit.  The addition of heat to MFR can lead to greater degree of release of tension in the muscles & fascia.  Again, the addition of hot stones is an amplifier.  Finally, holistic healing is a major benefit.  Not only are you addressing sources of chronic muscle tightness, now you’re specifically addressing fascial restrictions as well.  Two layers being treated, muscle and fascia, for a synergistic improvement.

Conclusion

Myofascial release paired with hot stone massage is a winning combination that offers a wealth of benefits.  You can enjoy these benefits with a hot stone or himalayan salt stone massage at Integrated Bodywork from now until March 31.  Just enter the code TENOFFSTONES at checkout to receive your discount when booking on our website.  In the meantime, take care, be well, and see you next week.