What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release (MFR) is a safe and effective technique used in physical therapy to loosen up tight muscles. It is a form of massage that aims to release the connective tissues (fascia) and make them more flexible, thus eliminating pain and restoring mobility.
Myofascial release is also considered as a rehabilitation program. Those who suffer from myofascial pain syndrome and chronic headache go through this kind of treatment to ease their pain and discomfort. MFR is also sought after by patients who suffered loss of flexibility or movement after an accidental injury. The injury is typically located in areas of the body where soft tissues are prevalent.
Benefits of Myofascial Release
MFR offers wonderful benefits to the body, particularly on the muscles, nerves, and tendons. Here are some noteworthy ones that have been well documented and thoroughly studied by experts:
- Improves blood circulation
- Aids in the speedy recovery of muscles
- Eases muscle tensions
- Enhances flexibility of the muscles
Self Myofascial Release Tools
Physical therapists administer MFR to patients with severe problems. In all other cases, it can be done DIY-style. The practice of self myofascial release has become popular in recent years. They are now integrated in fitness routines and sports training.
There are many self myofascial release tools that are sold online and can be used by anyone who wishes to relieve the tension in their muscles. The type of tool to choose depends on what points in the body need to be triggered.
Choosing the right one is a bit overwhelming at the start. Hopefully, the list below will guide you in picking the best self myofascial release tools for your use case:
1. Massage Balls
Massage Balls are one of the most popular choices among users of myofascial release tools. They are affordable, portable, and highly effective. Massage balls can effectively provide deep tissue massage without going to a wellness center. Simply put them against a surface, such as the floor, the back of an office chair, or a wall and roll. How effective they are will depend on the effort put in.
Peanut Massage Ball by 5BILLION Fitness
Due to its split peanut shape, the Peanut massage ball can easily reach those muscles surrounding the spine and vertebrae without much hassle. It is made from 100% natural rubber, which makes it long lasting.
2. Muscle Rollers
Muscle rollers, also known as foam rollers, are suitable for beginners. Simply place a roller beneath an area where pain is experienced, then slowly roll over to ease the tension and improve blood circulation.
Foam Roller for Deep Tissue Massage by Planet Fitness
This is an 18-inch foam roller that is designed to hit the soft tissues on the back while carefully avoiding the vertebrae. It is a great pre-workout self myofascial release tool to prevent risk of injury.
3. Massage Sticks
Massage sticks are like mountain bike handles. They fit in a backpack and can be used on almost any part of the body. Simply grip both ends of the stick firmly and rub in both directions to soothe sore muscles.
Muscle Stick Travel Massage Roller by MINGRI
This product is designed with 10 freely spinning rollers for a more effective deep muscle massage. It has dual grip ends, making it easier to use for self myofascial release.
4. Back Buddies
This is a pair of myofascial release tools specifically designed to ease pain and tensions along the back muscle trigger points. A lot of back buddies are shaped like an S so that one end can be held in front of the chest, and the other end in harder-to-reach areas of the back.
Buddy Back Massager by Body Back
The Buddy Back Massager is a self-massage cane that’s made of high quality polypropylene blend. It is ideal for easing muscle pain in the back, neck, and shoulder areas.
5. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Tools (IASTM)
IASTM is relatively new, but it is slowly gaining popularity. For instance, IASTM is used in scraping therapy because it digs into the nooks of the muscles, such as the shoulder blades. This new range of tools can immediately locate and treat fascial constraints.
Ellipse Pro by Myofascial Releaser
The Ellipse Pro’s carefully designed edges can effectively scrape and provide instant relief on the muscles. This well crafted tool has perfect edges and can be easily gripped.
Conclusion
Myofascial release is an effective way to strengthen your muscles and relieve pain in the trigger points. There are a lot of self myofascial release tools available in the market today. If you’re still starting out, try one tool at a time so that you can spend more time with each one. It may take a while before you can finally find the right one.
