How it works
A skilled practitioner is able to feel the areas of restriction under their hands and follow the lines of tension to help the tissue release. Some techniques are more direct, but never forceful.
The dense areas start to rehydrate and plump up, the fibres begin to untangle and fluid movement is improved. This not like deep tissue or sports massage, the tissue is not being forced - it’s not a ‘no pain, no gain’ kind of approach. It is more permissive, allowing the body to do what it needs to do to reorganise and heal itself and I believe it is way more effective.
By reducing inflammation and tension in an area, more space is created and the tissue can function better. The blood and lymph can flow more easily, carrying nutrients and removing toxins.
Scar tissue work
The gentle techniques of fascial release are really effective at treating scars and scar tissue. The techniques facilitate change in the connective tissue, reducing pain and restoring function. During treatment, the tissue starts to rehydrate and become less compressed. With greater elasticity comes an improved range and quality of movement, along with improved blood flow and better tissue function.
After an accident or surgery the body works quickly to repair the tissue, to keep bacteria out. As a result, the layers of tissue, which were previously smooth and able to glide over each other, can become adhered together and restricted. The repaired tissue can also become ‘glued’ to other structures like bones or organs. These restrictions can lead to pulling sensations, tightness or pain.
Even scars formed many years ago can cause restrictions in later life and can be helped with fascial release techniques.
These scar tissue techniques are effective for adhesions and scars caused by surgery, injury and also from inflammatory conditions including endometriosis, Crohn’s disease and IBS, as well as for scar tissue from radiation therapy.
Adhesions are particularly common in people who have had abdominal surgery, which means that these fascial release techniques are really useful and effective for women who have had hysterectomies and C-sections and for anyone else who has had abdominal surgery.