Myofascial Stretching

This is a fascinating technique: myofascial stretching. To be done properly you need a fair amount of sensitivity and attention. Once you have the correct sensation for releasing triggers, this can be a very effective way to release trigger points and relax muscles.

Myofascial stretching is a subtle and effective technique. You treat yourself with this technique only in areas where you can reach with both hands.

As with all the ischemic pressure technique, you need to have focused attention. This technique works best when you do it with awareness combined with a visualisation of what it is you’re trying to achieve.

The principle of a myofascial stretch is that you are releasing the fascia over a muscle where there is a trigger point.

Myofascial Stretching with Visualisation

As you start the technique, imagine that your fingers are going in through the skin, down through the subcutaneous tissue, into the muscle, absolutely down to that trigger point. Once they’ve reached the trigger point, use your two knuckles against each other as the fulcrum, and slowly lever your fingers apart.

If you do this correctly, you’ll feel stretching movement between my fingers. Sometimes you’ll get a sensation like pins and needles. This is most likely the fascia releasing.

As you gently stretching the tissues, remain aware of the tension between your fingers. It may be that some resistance occurs at a particular point. If this happens, don’t try and force through the resistance. Just move your fingers to continue stretching at a slightly different angle. You’re looking for the angle where you can continue stretching effortlessly.

Gradually, you’ll feel your muscles will give, and you’ll continue stretching. By the time you’ve finished, the trigger point will be released, and the whole area will feel much more relaxed.

This is a very effective treatment and it’s usually either painless or you may get a slight prickling sensation.

When you do a myofascial stretch, the more conscious you are, the more effective you will be. This should take anything from 20 to 30 seconds and by the end of it, your fingers will have moved about 1-1.5 inches away from each other.

mary cisler January 21, 2012

will myofascial go away are will i have problems everytime i left heavy stuff

khairul muquim June 10, 2012

I came to know about trigger points since 2009. i work out regularly and now body has become quite flexible. however most of the time after work out i feel good but after a while i feel to get some kind of discomfort again. i know how to release but mostly i feel these could be considered as hard release. what is the correct way of doing trigger point massage with hands or with thera cane?

maria February 19, 2013

Very Helpful’ Thank You for sharing.

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