Heal Joint Pain with Self Myofascial Release

There are a variety of ways to help relieve joint pain. One of the techniques used by massage therapists today to help treat patients with pain in their joints is called myofascial release. This technique involves massaging the soft muscle tissues that surround the joints in the body.

Myofascial release deals with fascia, which is a thin layer of connective muscle tissue that is covering each and every bodily organ. If somebody goes to work out, while exercising, they are stretching the fascia tissue, in addition to the actual muscle. If somebody injures a muscle, the fascia gets tighter, and this is what causes someone to feel pain. If it is joint pain you are suffering from, self myofascial release for joint pain is one option for you.

Performing Self Myofascial Release for Joint Pain

Self myofascial release for joint pain can be performed by anyone in their own home. This massage technique is also sometimes referred to as foam rolling, because it requires the use of a foam roller. There is not much difference if you do it yourself or if you have it done by a massage therapist. A massage therapist is the one exerting pressure onto the joint in order to help relieve the pain. If you do it by yourself, you use the foam roller and your own body weight to put pressure on the joints.

Getting Started with Self Myofascial Release for Joint Pain

Since a foam roller is essential to performing this technique yourself, before starting self myofascial release for joint pain, you need to properly equip yourself. Keep in mind that not just any old foam roller will work, as it needs to have just the right density to be effective. Having a roller that is too hard can bruise your joint muscles, as well as cause other aches and pains. If the roller is too soft, it will not be able to put enough pressure on the joints to be effective, so finding one that is the right density is the key to this massage technique succeeding.

With an adequate foam roller, you are now able to move forward with your self myofascial release for joint pain. Depending on which joints are hurting you exactly, will determine how you will use the foam roller. For example, say it is your shoulder causing you trouble. Lay on your side, with your shoulder resting on the foam roller. Roll it into position and hold that position for a couple minutes.