INDICATIONS

Myofascial Release is the treatment of choice in the

following situations:
1. The patient's pain complaint has not been alleviated
by traditional physical therapy treatment.
2. The patient has a complex, global, or specific pain
complaint that does not follow dermatomes,
myotomes, or visceral referral patterns.
3. The patient has an underlying chronic condition that
causes tightness and restrictions in the soft tissues
(e.g., fibromyalgia and post-polio syndrome).
4. The patient has painful complex postural
asymmetries.
5. The patient has asymmetrical muscle weakness
due to an acute or chronic peripheral or central
neuropathy.
6. The patient has impaired respiration and an
inflexible rib cage due to chronic respiratory
disease, central nervous system injury, or faulty
mechanicaI relationships of the skeletal structure
and the soft tissues.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Myofascial Release should not be used in the
following situations:
1. The patient does not understand or respect
boundaries.
2. The patient does not tolerate close physical
contact or touch.
3. The patient has an unstable medical condition,
e.g., unstable angina.
4. The patient has a dermatitis.
5. The patient has a contagious or infectious disease
that is transmitted by the upper respiratory tract
or by direct contact with the skin.
6. The patient does not understand the concept of
the "Good Hurt."
7. The patient does not trust the therapist.
8. The patient is under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
9. The patient is unable to give informed
consent to treatment due to his mental status.
10. The therapist does not feel comfortable with
the patient (i.e., after the initial interview and
evaluation, the therapist's "gut response" says
not to treat this patient with Myofascial
Release or not to treat this patient at all).
Precautions
1.Myofascial Release consistently lowers blood
pressure. All patients must rest in a horizontal
position for 10-15 minutes following treatment.
The patient should get up slowly and not get off
treatment table until any dizziness has resolved.
2.Myofasial Release may lower blood sugar levels,
when deep Trigger Point Releases are performed.
Individuals wh are diabetic should check their
blood glucose Ievel prior to treatment. Individuals
who are prone to hypoglycemia should have a
snack prior to treatment.
3.Individuals with healing fractures or wounds
may receive Myofascial Release to uninvolved
areas.
4.Individuals with compromised circulation may
be treated with Myofascial Release to the
uninvolved areas and to the area of
compromise while being closely monitored.
5.The patient is taking medication that increases
blood-clotting times and causes the patient to
bruise easily.
6.When treating a child or a mentally
incompetent adult, the caregiver or other
responsible adult should always be present.