Integrative Fascial Release

Integrative Fascial Release (IFR) is a blend of different approaches to relieve pain and relax the various soft tissue structures of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons and especially the connective tissue known as myofascia.

An example of myofascia is the part of meat when you separate the skin from the meat, especially on chicken. You see that glistening white membranous material and probably wondered what does this do? Well that lovely fascial material is what holds your entire form and shape together.

Actually without it, we would all be holding our conversations as small puddle of liquid on the ground, amoeba-like. So this fascia has fascinating properties for the massage therapist, manual therapist or bodyworker. Most folks understand what a massage is and how it usually feels. For instance, you get your muscles rubbed and either you have a painful good sensation or a painful bad sensation or perhaps a pleasant euphoric sensation.

This type of approach is great for relaxation and circulation. But it doesn't really change the soft-tissue known as fascia. In fact some of the tension you might feel from the muscles is actually caused by the tight fascial fabric shortening and contracting.

Imagine your clothing as fascia and your body as your muscles. You are able to put on your clothing because the size fits you. But what happens if your clothing shrinks? It's harder to put on and when wearing this clothing your movement is restricted and uncomfortable. This is what happens to you when your 'fascial' coat becomes too small.

Integrative Fascial Release helps target this tissue and it does it in a way that usually is not painful. In fact it stays under radar of anything really happening, and before you know it the tissue is releasing and you have interesting side effects.

Some of these side effects happen from the release of endorphins which is the body’s own opiates. Often after the first two sessions, folks will be quite 'buzzed' from the work. As your body relaxes and the fascial fabric becomes looser, the effects lessen. Only when we contact and release deeper held fascial structures do you once again have this strong nervous system response.

So why get a treatment of this sort? Well in my practice I often see folks who have been to other therapists or practitioners and felt they were either too aggressive or didn't get the job done. I am able to unwrap and unwind soft tissue without digging. It is really quite interesting and enjoyable as a practitioner to see the results.

In IFR I've blended a variety of approaches both direct, like when you press into tissue and indirect, like when Osteopaths treat you. Indirect targets the sensory receptors in the soft-tissue to trigger an effect thru the motor nerves to relax tissue. Knowing how to press, which direction, for how long and how deep all is a form of manipulation of these receptors known as mechanoreceptors.

So IFR can treat chronic painful conditions or regional injuries, systemic soft tissue conditions, and a host of other soft tissue related disorders.

For more information on Integrative Fascial Release please check out my website

Steven Goldstein