I’ve been asked what I think about a popular tool called the Fascia Blaster. Since I practice Myofascial Release people want to know how this tool relates to what I do.
This is a very complicated subject. My short answer is, please proceed with caution. While I have heard some people like the results they see from using the fascia blaster, I’ve also heard there are many who have injured themselves and some are even trying to sue the creator of the device. Blood clots are the most dangerous thing. Extreme detox sending folks to the ER, kidney trauma, worsening of cellulite when they stop using it, cellulite showing up in places they never touched with the blaster.
I’m happy to share what I’ve learned about these amazing bodies God created for us and so glad people are learning more about the fascial system, which has been ignored or misunderstood in healthcare for so long.
Fascia or connective tissue runs through the whole body like a three dimensional web. It surrounds blood vessels, nerves, is the casing for muscles, it is tendon, ligament, intervertebral discs, holds organs in place, etc. There is not a structure in the body that fascia does not touch.
When there is restriction in the body due to inflammation, injuries, trauma or poor posture; the tissues become tight, pulling and creating tension in sometimes seemingly unrelated areas, putting intense pressure on nerves, blood vessels, organs, pulling bones out of alignment, creating pain.
At the cellular level, fluids are squeezed out, resulting in dehydrated tissue that sometimes becomes solidified. Restricted tissues are not only easy to tear, but are an unhealthy environment for our cells, if cells cannot respirate they cannot accept hydration and nutrients, nor can they expel toxins and waste. Think of the implications... Think of pouring water onto a rock, how much is actually absorbed?
There are different forms of myofascial release. Some of them are very aggressive. If lubrication is used, you aren’t engaging all the layers of fascia. You can’t achieve true myofascial release with speed. Utilizing force is actually tearing, not releasing. The body tends to resist suddenly applied force. It is inflicting trauma to our delicate tissues. It will break up fascial adhesions and that makes people feel less tightness and less pain temporarily, but, since the fascia is damaged or torn, the body responds like it does to an injury; inflammation and scar tissue, more resistant tissue. The opposite of your intention.
Poor circulation, poor lymph flow, swelling and other dysfunction years down the road may be considered random and inexplicable. Really not what your original goal was.
The type of myofascial release I practice is taught by a Physical Therapist named John F. Barnes. Www.Myofascialrelease.com
It is a gentle approach. The results last longer than other therapies. No lotion or oil is used, so it is possible to engage the entire fascial system. A sustained pressure is applied for 3-5 minutes, or more, gently so there is no bracing, allowing the body to release and let go. As the tissues release we hold the space open for rehydration and nutrients from the nearby healthy cells to fill the spaces which gives a longer lasting result. Since the fascial web is connected throughout the whole body, when you address one area, you address every area.
Fascia lesson: There are 3 components of connective tissue. Elastin, collagen and polysaccharide gel substance.
The elastin releases easily and quickly, like during a massage.
The collagen takes 90-120 seconds of gentle sustained pressure or lengthening, opening to ‘unkink’ adhesions, it doesn’t stretch, just unlocks.
The gel component (if solidified) takes 3-5 minutes or more to soften, melt (imagine molding a piece of clay) and rehydrate, like during a John Barnes MFR session or restorative yoga class.
We have become conditioned as a society that if there isn’t any pain, there is no gain. That is an old belief system we need to let go of. It just isn’t true. Listen to your body, trust your intuition. If it hurts, you may be hurting yourself.
We also should consider the original cause of the cellulite in the first place; inflamed tissue, toxins. Could it be the body ‘walls off’ and protects itself from things that harm it?
Personally, I notice a huge difference in dimpling on my legs and abdomen when I consume grains and excess oils. As I began to eat fewer processed foods, yes even cutting out the ‘healthy’ granola cereal, I thought was good for me and I thought my body needed, the cellulite began to go away.
We should be trying to create a healthy environment for our cells. Sadly our food industry does not support us the way we think it does. We need to educate ourselves about what we put in our bodies.
If we consume chemicals, preservatives, excess oils all the time, our bodies don’t know what to do with them so it stores them away, packages them, protects the delicate cells of our body from them. The cleaner I eat, the less cellulite I have. I am not downing all oils,, I still eat avocados, coconut oil, olive oil and nuts. So I get a lot of healthy oils. Our bodies do need fat. Our brains need fat. If we can read all the labels and be as free of chemicals, sugar and preservatives as possible, our cells will be much happier.
I hope this information helps. If anyone wants to find a myofascial therapist where they live.. check out www.MFRtherapists.com
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