Myofascial Release

Many people find that they have muscular aches and pains on a regular basis, but are at a loss for how to obtain lasting relief. Myofascial pain accounts for a very large portion of the population's doctor visits. Despite this, many practitioners find it a very difficult condition to treat. Myofascial pain occurs when muscles are injured, either through trauma, emotional stress or repetitive mechanical stress. They may develop taut bands with tender nodules or knots referred to as trigger points. The involved muscle that contains trigger points may affect range of joint motion, posture, and may be weak or cause other muscles to be weak or less well-coordinated. It may also cause local or referred pain. There is a fairly predictable referred pain pattern involved for each individual muscle. Other symptoms caused by the myofascial involvement in muscles include changes in circulation, tearing and bloodshot eyes, goose bumps, dizziness, and other symptoms caused by a disturbance of the autonomic nervous system.

Dr. Ward treats patients with myofascial pain syndromes by putting the muscles through a series of deep stretches and manual release techniques specifically geared towards elongating the contractions of the muscles. Her focus is to restore movement to the body caused by the muscular tension and torque, and the joint restrictions.

Some patients experience soreness following the myofascial treatment, similar to soreness following exercise or massage therapy, which will abate in 1-2 days. Patients will be sent home following treatment with home stretches and exercises that are an integral part of their treatment.