Pain is an unavoidable part of life, but it doesn’t have to be chronic. Myofascial release creams and oils are a natural way to relieve pain without the use of medication or surgery. These products use ingredients like essential oils and herbs that work together to target the source of your discomfort and reduce inflammation. In addition to that, they can relax tense muscles and improve circulation for long-lasting relief from chronic aches or acute injuries. Whether you’re dealing with backaches, headaches, joint pain or soreness due to exercise, myofascial release creams and oils may provide safe relief for your body’s ailments. That said, the effectiveness of these products may vary from person to person. If you’re unsure if myofascial release creams and oils are right for you, read on. We’ll be exploring how these products work, the potential benefits and considerations to keep in mind before trying them.
Myofascial release creams and oils are loaded with natural ingredients that work synergistically to reduce pain. Common components include:
The effectiveness of myofascial release creams and oils is largely anecdotal, however there are some studies that suggest they can offer relief from pain.
For example, one study found that peppermint oil may help reduce tension headaches, while another found that capsaicin can reduce pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis (1) (24).
Additionally, various essential oils have been found to increase circulation and reduce inflammation (5). For instance, eucalyptus oil was shown to significantly reduce inflammation when applied topically (16).
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Myofascial release creams and oils may provide a number of benefits, including:
These products may help relax tense muscles and reduce inflammation to provide relief from muscle aches or joint pain.
Increased circulation may help transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, aiding in healing.
Certain essential oils may help calm your mind and reduce stress levels, resulting in a more relaxed state (15).
Aromatherapy has been known to improve your mood and reduce feelings of depression or anxiety (23).
Myofascial release creams and oils are a safe and natural way to relieve aches and pains, but there are some considerations to keep in mind before trying them.
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Massage techniques that use myofascial release (MFR) target the connective tissue of the body, known as fascia (11). By using gentle pressure and stretching techniques, practitioners attempt to release muscle tension and help restore balance within the body.
MFR has several distinguishing features that make it unique from other forms of massage. For instance:
The “myo” in myofascial refers to the muscle and “fascia” refers to the connective tissue. Fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds and supports the muscles in the body (2). Think of your body’s fascia as a continuous web that holds together our various structures and organs.
When it is healthy, the fascia provides support for our muscles and other tissue, allowing us to move more freely (2).
Fascia is made up of three layers: the superficial fascia, which is closest to the skin; the deep fascia, which lies beneath and supports muscles; and finally, the subserous fascia, which is the deepest layer and acts as a protective barrier (3).
Each layer of fascia is comprised of collagen, elastin and other proteins, which form a network of fibers much like a spider’s web.
Myofascial pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including (18):
The signs of myofascial pain include:
When left untreated, myofascial pain can lead to further health complications, including chronic pain, headaches and fatigue (22). Some conditions, such as fibromyalgia, are thought to be related to myofascial pain.
Myofascial Release Therapy can help reduce pain and restore range of motion by targeting the fascia and releasing tightness (7). This can be done through various techniques, such as stretching, kneading, and using specific tools such as foam rollers.
In doing so, practitioners aim to release the tension in the fascia and help restore balance in the body.
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Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) supports the Piezoelectric Phenomenon, which is the ability of our body’s tissues to generate small electrical current when they are compressed (8).
Unlike skin and muscle, the fascia is not as responsive to touch.
However, through MFR, practitioners can apply the right amount of pressure on the affected area and activate the Piezoelectric Phenomenon to create an electrical current that helps release the tightness in the fascia.
MFR also works by utilizing techniques like compression, traction, and stretching. These techniques help to release tension in the fascia and allow the muscles to relax.
Time under tension is an important concept in myofascial release. This means that practitioners apply pressure and hold it for a period of time in order to create the change needed in the fascia.
The length of time can vary depending on the area being worked on, but generally, it is longer than with other massage techniques.
Yes, self-myofascial release (SMFR) is a method that can be used by anyone to help release tension in the fascia. SMFR involves utilizing tools such as foam rollers and massage balls to apply pressure on the affected area (12) (13).
While there’s scanty evidence to prove self-myofascial release is as effective as hands-on myofascial release performed by a practitioner, knowing the basics of self-myofascial release is still beneficial.
SMFR can help you gain knowledge and awareness of your body. Additionally, it can help you address tightness, soreness, and other aches before they become a more serious issue.
The goal of SMFR is to find trigger points and apply pressure for a short period of time. To effectively do self-myofascial release, it is important to:
Traditional MFR techniques do not recommend the use of creams and oils. The reason for this is that the therapist needs to be able to feel the tension in the muscle and fascia in order to apply pressure correctly.
A similar concept applies while performing SMFR, you need to be able to feel the tension and pressure in order to effectively release it.
That’s not to say that these anti-inflammatory oils and creams are completely useless. Rather, they can help to reduce inflammation when applied after the massage. This can help to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by the MFR treatment, as well as aid in faster recovery.
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Myofascial Release Therapy is a powerful tool to help alleviate pain, discomfort and tightness in the body. However, it’s important to understand that it is not a standalone solution. In order to achieve lasting results, other interventions are necessary for optimal health
These include:
Myofascial release is a type of massage therapy that can help to reduce tightness, pain, and discomfort in the muscles and fascia. While it is often performed by a practitioner, self-myofascial release can be done at home as well.
When combined with the use of creams and oils, self-myofascial release can be an effective way to reduce inflammation and aid in faster recovery.
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