When it comes to alternative treatments for infertility, most women have heard about acupuncture and the use of herbs or dietary changes, but how many of you have looked into the benefits of myofascial release therapy?

How many of you even know what that is?

Rest assured, it isn’t anything too far out there or difficult to endure. In fact, the simplest way to describe myofascial release is by comparing it to a truly incredible massage. Except, there is so much more to it than just that. In fact, the healing touch of myofascial release is hard to compete with.

Myofascial Release Benefits the Whole Body

Throughout your body, there exists a connective tissue known as fascia which ties all the pieces together. Your fascia runs through everything; your organs, muscles, nerves, and blood cells. It is a spider web that spreads endlessly throughout your body, each strand connecting and pulling on countless others. When we are functioning in optimal condition, there is a flexibility there that allows the fascia to shift effortlessly with your every movement. If we are experiencing inflammation, scarring or other issues, however, the fascia tightens up and becomes shorter, restricting movement and inhibiting peak functioning of all the systems within the body – including your reproductive system.

Myofascial release therapy aims to correct all that, with therapists applying gentle massage and skilled pressure to release some of the blockages which can exist within the fascia. It is through slow movements and stretching that therapists utilize the healing touch to loosen up pockets of tension, allowing the body to return to its normal state and limiting the ripple effects, which can occur when even just one area is experiencing increased stress. The goal is to relax the fascia; the benefits can extend beyond just system restoration. Reduced pain levels, a more balanced state of mind, and increased fertility are just some of the potential side effects of finding a good myofascial release specialist.

How to Find a Myofascial Release Specialist

When seeking a specialist in your area, start by asking friends and family members for any recommendations they may have. If no one you know has ever pursued myofascial release massage, you can begin making calls to local acupuncturists and physical therapists who may have recommendations to give. Take the time to interview specialists in order to find one who suits your needs. Ideally you would be able to locate a myofascial release specialist who has experience working with patients suffering from infertility, as they will have a better understanding of the type of treatment you will need and how to achieve the system restoration you are seeking.

Keep an Open Mind

Myofascial release massage is always an individualized approach, designed to treat the whole person and not just a specific symptom or ailment. For those used to western medicine, this can come as a bit of a shock – having a practitioner focus on your foot, for instance, when you are there because of issues with ovulation. Keep in mind the concept of fascial tissue connecting throughout the body though, with each strand tugging unseen on so many others.

The whole-body approach takes every connection into account; releasing tension you may not have even realized you were carrying in order to permit that release and improve function throughout the body.

If you are considering giving myofascial release therapy a try, commit to at least weekly sessions over the next three months. This will allow time for the treatments to begin making a noticeable difference, and for your body to begin adjusting to the changes myofascial release therapy can prompt. You will be amazed at how much better you will feel overall after your weekly massage, as these treatments will allow you to relax and begin letting go of the tension you weren’t even aware you were carrying in your body. As trauma is removed, your systems can also begin functioning optimally, hopefully leading to the pregnancy you have been trying so hard for all along.

• Fertility Long Island. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.fertilitylongisland.com/what_is_myofascial_release
• LLC, F. T. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.windsongtherapy.com/Treatment/Specialty_Services/Myofascial_Release/myofascial_release.html
• Myofascial Release Eases the Pain of Women’s Health Problems. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.saskatoonmyofascialrelease.com/docs/women_mfr.pdf
• Vanderbilt, S. (n.d.). Soft Tissue Massage and Infertility Treatment || Massage Therapy Articles. Retrieved from: https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/soft-tissue-massage-and-infertility-treatment