Self Massage Release Work

We observe that of the options we have available to us to work with a muscle, release work is the least utilised and known about.  Massage therapist are the obvious option for those of us who have a healthy disposable income.  Physiotherapists also utilise this under the heading of soft tissue work.  We feel that to be able to administer this yourself is an easy and cost-effective way to deal with muscle tension that can otherwise worsen and lead to injury. 

What is release work?

Simply put, release work is self-massage using small props like balls and rollers to put pressure on a muscle to relax tension in it.

What happens in the muscle when you release it?

When you release a muscle, you increase the blood flow to the area you are working on. This scenario speeds up the delivery of nutrients to the muscles and disposes of metabolic waste, which can slow down muscle recovery and cause pain. When we use muscles repetitively, the muscle fibres can become stuck together, which reduces a muscle’s ability to strengthen and stretch.  This can leave a muscle susceptible to overstrain and even tear, and can also make the joint less biomechanically efficient. 

What are the benefits of releasing a muscle?

Releasing muscles results in several benefits including:

-       muscles and tendons relax

-       potential to reduce nerve compression

-       heart and breathing rate slow down

-       decreased blood pressure

-       can help improve digestive process (research inconclusive but positive)

We use release work as explicitly as part of our 123 Approach to fitness.  In our approach we combine release work with strengthening and stretch, to support optimal functional movement and cardiovascular activity.  We have found this to be of immeasurable benefit to ourselves and our clients.  Let us know whether you integrate any other disciplines into you thought process of practical applications around exercise.  We would love to hear from you!