For questions about location, contact information, insurance, superbills, HSA/FSA, costs, session length, or Good Faith Estimates, please see General Questions about Services.
You are always welcome to schedule a brief phone call or video chat to discuss your situation.
Click on a question to jump down the page to the answer.
Why are fascial restrictions a problem?
How is myofascial release different from stretching or massage?
What is a typical myofascial release session like?
I recently had surgery. Can I receive this type of treatment?
1.
What is myofascial release?
Myofascial release is a body-based therapy that addresses restrictions in a type of connective tissue called fascia.
Fascia runs through the body in an uninterrupted, three-dimensional web that wraps around every structure.
In myofascial release, gentle, prolonged pressure is applied to fascial restrictions to help the tissue unbind so it can move more easily.
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2.
Why are fascial restrictions a problem?
Restrictions in the fascia can cause excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, organs, and other structures.
This pressure can result in a variety of symptoms including pain, tightness, movement limitations, unexplained sensations or discomfort in multiple areas of the body, digestive problems, and menstrual irregularities.
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3.
How is myofascial release different from stretching or massage?
Techniques used for traditional stretching and various types of massage don’t release restrictions in the layers of fascial tissue that are deep within the body. Myofascial release techniques can work at both the superficial and deep fascial layers to provide more effective and longer lasting results.
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4.
What is a typical myofascial release session like?
At the beginning of the session, your therapist will briefly observe your body and posture both in standing and lying down. Sessions are usually performed with you lying on a massage table. The therapist’s hands will be on your bare skin. The therapist will apply gentle, sustained pressure into one or more fascial restrictions and will follow the movement of the fascial tissue with her hands as each restriction releases. The therapist never tries to force the fascia to move or release. Each hold will generally last at least 5-10 minutes, sometimes longer. Your position on the table may change as the session progresses.
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5.
I recently had surgery. Can I receive this type of treatment?
Not immediately after surgery. After your incision has healed completely and your surgeon gives medical clearance, then you can safely be treated with myofascial release.
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6.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes, if you have an injury or medical condition (e.g., chronic pain, cancer, etc.).
Pennsylvania law requires that, for you to have myofascial release sessions through Farfalla Integrative Health, you have a prescription from your doctor for occupational therapy as myofascial release is a manual therapy treatment.
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