What is Myofascial Decompression and what are the benefits?
What is Myofascial Decompression and what are the benefits?
Myofascial Decompression is...
Myofascial decompression (MFD) is a technique used in physical therapy, sports medicine and manual therapies to address musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves the use of small suction cups to create negative pressure (think vacuum) on the skin and underlying soft tissue. This helps to release tension and separation of adhesive properties in the muscle and fascia promoting the slide and glide of the connective tissues and other structures in the body, i.e., bones and organs.
Myofascial Decompression is...
Myofascial decompression (MFD) is a technique used in physical therapy, sports medicine and manual therapies to address musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves the use of small suction cups to create negative pressure (think vacuum) on the skin and underlying soft tissue. This helps to release tension and separation of adhesive properties in the muscle and fascia promoting the slide and glide of the connective tissues and other structures in the body, i.e., bones and organs.
During a MFD treatment, the suction cups are applied to the skin and moved along the muscle(s) or joint being treated while the therapist passively moves the joint, or as the patient actively performs specific movements or exercises; typically a combination of both. This helps to mobilize the tissue and improve joint range of motion while promoting the circulation of blood and lymph. It’s important to note that we do not take a “shotgun” approach, nor an eastern medicine approach which is thought of as traditional cupping. Our MFD treatments are based on clinical reasoning focusing on postural dysfunctions, movement inefficiencies and performance recovery for long term outcomes.
During a MFD treatment, the suction cups are applied to the skin and moved along the muscle(s) or joint being treated while the therapist passively moves the joint, or as the patient actively performs specific movements or exercises; typically a combination of both. This helps to mobilize the tissue and improve joint range of motion while promoting the circulation of blood and lymph. It’s important to note that we do not take a “shotgun” approach, nor an eastern medicine approach which is thought of as traditional cupping. Our MFD treatments are based on clinical reasoning focusing on postural dysfunctions, movement inefficiencies and performance recovery for long term outcomes.
MFD is often used in conjunction with other manual therapies, such as neuromuscular, deep tissue massage and/or kinesio taping which can be effective for treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions which result in back pain, shoulder and neck pain, and knee pain, etc. However, and it should go without saying, that MFD should only be performed by a licensed healthcare professional who is trained in the technique, as improper use can result in adverse effects.
MFD is often used in conjunction with other manual therapies, such as neuromuscular, deep tissue massage and/or kinesio taping which can be effective for treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions which result in back pain, shoulder and neck pain, and knee pain, etc. However, and it should go without saying, that MFD should only be performed by a licensed healthcare professional who is trained in the technique, as improper use can result in adverse effects.
Benefits of Myofascial Decompression
- Increase Blood Circulation : The negative pressure created by the cups can increase blood and lymp flow and oxygenation to the tissues, which can help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Improved Range of Motion and Movement Efficiency: Myofascial decompression can help improve range of motion and mobility by releasing tension and adhesions in the muscles promoting more efficient slide and glide between connective tissues.
- Reduced Muscle Pain & Soreness: Myofascial decompression can help reduce muscle pain and soreness by releasing tension and trigger points in the muscles and promoting blood flow and healing.
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Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Myofascial decompression can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety by releasing tension in the muscles and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
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Improved Lymphatic Flow: Myofascial decompression can help improve lymphatic flow, which can help remove metabolic waste products and reduce inflammation.
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Treatment of Various Conditions: Myofascial decompression has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, respiratory disorders, and digestive issues.
Benefits of Myofascial Decompression
- Increase Blood Circulation : The negative pressure created by the cups can increase blood and lymp flow and oxygenation to the tissues, which can help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Improved Range of Motion and Movement Efficiency: Myofascial decompression can help improve range of motion and mobility by releasing tension and adhesions in the muscles promoting more efficient slide and glide between connective tissues.
- Reduced Muscle Pain & Soreness: Myofascial decompression can help reduce muscle pain and soreness by releasing tension and trigger points in the muscles and promoting blood flow and healing.
-
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Myofascial decompression can promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety by releasing tension in the muscles and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
-
Improved Lymphatic Flow: Myofascial decompression can help improve lymphatic flow, which can help remove metabolic waste products and reduce inflammation.
-
Treatment of Various Conditions: Myofascial decompression has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, respiratory disorders, and digestive issues.
References:
Cai C, et al. The effect of myofascial decompression on pain and disability in individuals with chronic low back pain. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2020;19(1):23-29.
Eckenrode BJ, et al. The effects of myofascial decompression on hip joint range of motion. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2021;16(1):115-123.
Kim J, et al. Effect of myofascial decompression on lumbar multifidus muscle thickness: A pilot study. Journal of Athletic Training. 2020;55(7):706-712.
Piotrowski P, et al. The Effect of Myofascial Release on Local Skin Blood Flow. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2021;27(2):124-129.
Kim JI, Lee MS, Lee DH, et al. Cupping for treating neck pain in video display terminal (VDT - “Computer Screen”) users: a randomized controlled pilot trial. J Occup Health. 2012;54(6):416-426.
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