Why Didn’t My Physician Recommend Myofascial Release?
This is a common question I get from clients: How could something that helped them so much go unnoticed by their doctor? From your physician’s standpoint, I truly believe that they are inundated with “miracle cures” on a daily basis. From pharmaceutical representatives selling the newest medication, the dozens of medical journals they receive each month, as well as practitioners doing the “bagel delivery” to try to woo referrals their way, it is difficult for your doctor to keep up. It is my belief that when they send you to physical therapy, massage therapy, etc, they are assuming that you will be receiving whatever treatments are best suited for your recovery. When you return with stories of great success (or lack of it), they simply chalk it up to your condition, paying little attention to the modality that was used by the practitioner. This is not to give physicians a pass in determining what might best help you. Many have discovered that Myofascial Release, when performed by a highly trained practitioner, can produce dramatic results.
Another point of contention is the belief that there is a lack of research supporting Myofascial Release as a viable therapeutic modality. On my website, www.myofascialresource.com, I have posted over 200 citations from juried research journals and publications, showing the effectiveness of Myofascial Release. Core research on the primary effect of Myofascial Release is somewhat lacking, which is unfortunate. But, research does exist. Glance through a few of the articles on my website to see for yourself. Also, if they had heard of Myofascial Release in the past, it may have been connected with tales of so-called “emotional release” that the physician realized was out of the scope of practice for the therapist.
Part of the awareness that physicians must have can come from you, the recipient of Myofascial Release. Make them aware of your results. Remind them of all of the other things you have tried with limited results. Encourage them to check out the research on my website. Or, do like most others do; just tell your friends.
Copyright 2014 Walt Fritz, PT
www.RochesterPainRelief.com