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Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
Neuropathy | Last Active: Apr 6 3:26pm | Replies (315)Comment receiving replies
Oh, let's see - I do have some questions for you - have you or your wife actually experienced a physical therapist or massage therapist, whether using a device or by hand manipulation, perform myofascial release? Does she have a specific diagnosis for her chronic pain, such as an underlying disease or prior injury, or has it just increased over time due to unknown causes?
Here's the reason I am asking - I'm not a medical expert but I have lived with pain as my friend & enemy for a very long time. What causes my pain is definitely different than what causes it for others. And I have underlying issues as well. So what works for me, well, it works for me. But it may or may not work for any other person on the planet.
And what is safe for me is not necessarily so for anyone else. And that safety question is the most important. People with certain issues, implants in their bodies, heart problems, seizure disorders, and a whole host of other medical issues should never try electrical stimulation (part of what this tool does) except with expert care and instruction.
Remember, the hand held tools "as seen on TV" or in other settings are only as effective as the technique of the user. So even if it works for the therapist, the home version may not help, and ends up as an expensive paperweight.
Myofascial release, which this promotes, is a highly skilled process, and practitioners spend years learning to do it. I would be skeptical that a device could replace it.
Please share a few more details, and maybe we cah make some suggestions to help your wife.
Sue
Replies to "Oh, let's see - I do have some questions for you - have you or your..."
You are right, a machine will not replace it. In my experience it is sometime before you see improvements. At times I have even asked if they were doing anything. I did not get much out of it. But many do, and swear by it.
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Thanks for the reply. Yes, she has been through more PTs than I can count. We just started Myofascial release with someone trained in the Barnes method, but it's a 50 mile drive every time. We have a small handheld ultrasound that we use regularly and that provides some, minimal, help.
She has had two nerve ablations. Many rounds of PT. She does egoscue posture exercises. She works on SI joint, hip flexors, and glutes. But, no one has given a definitive diagnosis, which is what is so frustrating. This journey consists of ups and downs, more downs than ups.
The past week has been really bad. She can barely put weight on her left leg. Getting out of bed in the morning is one of the hardest things. I know there's no magic bullet, just always on the lookout for something that will provide some help.