What is Fascia?

The word 'myo' means muscle and 'fascia' refers to the band or connective soft tissue that supports your entire body. If you could see connective tissue beneath your skin you would observe that it is fibrous, densely woven, continuously connects and surrounds our internal organs, permeates the entire body from head to toe, and has characteristics that provide cushioning and support to our complete body.

Time, injury, wear and tear, poor posture, stress and other factors can cause this connective tissue to manifest tension, restrictions and imbalance within our bodies. Check out Dr. Gill Hedley's video about fascia called The Fuzz Speech to see what these restrictions look like.  Myofascial release techniques aim to release and rebalance our muscle and connective soft tissue system.

Your therapist will first observe your posture and discuss any pains or physical conditions that cause you discomfort or restrict movements. Skill and knowledgebase allows your therapist to feel and observe where releasing fascial restrictions will help eliminate pain and restore range of motion. Fascial restrictions are treated either with hands-on techniques or through the use of myofascial cupping.

What is Myofascial Cupping?

Myofascial cupping targets the musculoskeletal system, using one or more plastic cups in which vacuum suction is induced by a hand held pump.  The vacuum lifts the soft tissue perpendicular to the skin, providing tensile force, which can be left in one site for a period of time or moved along the skin.  When the cups are moved, the rim of the cup creates a compression factor that aids in releasing layers that may be adhered or restricted. 

Cupping should be pain free and bruising minimal; however, in areas of dysfunction some bruising may be possible, which typically resolves within a couple of days.

Benefits include

• Increased nutrient-rich blood circulation through the tissue
• Increased lymph movement; decreasing edema and congestion
• Increased tissue mobility
• Decreased fascial adhesions
• Decrease discomfort and pain

Myofascial Release -
Stretch... Hold... Release... Restore Range of Motion