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| Conshohocken Physical Therapy 814 Fayette Street Conshohocken, PA 19428 Phone: 610-828-7595 Fax: 610-828-7505 dcaucci@ConshyPT.com |
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Read a compilation of Dr.
Caucci's articles in
Caucci's articles in
| In my opinion, whole body healing is not possible without myofascial release. Myofascial release is taught in medical education programs as an effective hands-on approach for many pain syndromes, including those related to: sports injuries, childhood/aging disorders, traumatic and surgical scarring, acute and chronic pain, head and birth injuries, strokes, scoliosis, menstrual and pelvic pain and dysfunction, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and jaw dysfunction. There has been a recent media buzz about a treatment technique called the Graston Technique. Professionals perform this instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to break down scar tissue and |
Patient Profiles
fascial restrictions that are the cause of numerous pain syndromes. While the
use of these special instruments is newer, the approach that it utilizes,
myofascial release, is not.
The hands-on techniques for myofascial release is comprised of various ways
to apply sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions (i.e. muscle knots) to
eliminate pain and restore motion. This may include deep pressure techniques as
well as softer, superficial applications, some sustained and some with long
strokes. The theory of myofascial release requires an understanding of the fascial
system (or connective tissue).
The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance
similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering
and penetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our
internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. Interestingly, the
fascial system is one continuous structure that exists from head to foot without
interruption. Each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the
fascia, like the yarn in a sweater. You might gain a better appreciation for what
this looks like if you think about the white, stringy fibers that you see when you
cut into raw chicken.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It
has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience
physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability.
It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body.
Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time
and repetitive stress injuries has cumulative effects. The changes made in the
fascial system influence the functioning of our entire body. The fascia can exert
excessive pressure, producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our
flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand
stress and strain.
Nearly every single patient I treat has some degree of myofascial restriction
and manually releasing it is critical for full recovery. The myofascial release
theory explains why pain can be present in multiple regions simultaneously and
how dysfunction of one body part is interrelated to dysfunction of another. It is not
uncommon in my practice to treat the symptom of foot pain, for example, by also
releasing muscles in the hips or low back.
There are commonly distinct patterns of pain and imbalances that are
present in many people. For example, neck pain and elevated shoulder on the
opposite side of your dominant hand. Check yourself out in a mirror; if one side is
higher, you likely have some myofascial restriction contributions to this
asymmetry. In my opinion it is the missing link in many people’s care.
use of these special instruments is newer, the approach that it utilizes,
myofascial release, is not.
The hands-on techniques for myofascial release is comprised of various ways
to apply sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions (i.e. muscle knots) to
eliminate pain and restore motion. This may include deep pressure techniques as
well as softer, superficial applications, some sustained and some with long
strokes. The theory of myofascial release requires an understanding of the fascial
system (or connective tissue).
The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance
similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering
and penetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our
internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. Interestingly, the
fascial system is one continuous structure that exists from head to foot without
interruption. Each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the
fascia, like the yarn in a sweater. You might gain a better appreciation for what
this looks like if you think about the white, stringy fibers that you see when you
cut into raw chicken.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It
has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience
physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability.
It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body.
Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time
and repetitive stress injuries has cumulative effects. The changes made in the
fascial system influence the functioning of our entire body. The fascia can exert
excessive pressure, producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our
flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand
stress and strain.
Nearly every single patient I treat has some degree of myofascial restriction
and manually releasing it is critical for full recovery. The myofascial release
theory explains why pain can be present in multiple regions simultaneously and
how dysfunction of one body part is interrelated to dysfunction of another. It is not
uncommon in my practice to treat the symptom of foot pain, for example, by also
releasing muscles in the hips or low back.
There are commonly distinct patterns of pain and imbalances that are
present in many people. For example, neck pain and elevated shoulder on the
opposite side of your dominant hand. Check yourself out in a mirror; if one side is
higher, you likely have some myofascial restriction contributions to this
asymmetry. In my opinion it is the missing link in many people’s care.
