Myofascial release techniques primarily affect the muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) embedded within the fascia and musculotendinous junctions. These sensory receptors provide information about muscle length, tension, and rate of change in length, contributing to proprioception the body’s sense of its position and movement in space. By applying sustained pressure and stretching to the myofascial tissues, these techniques can alter the sensitivity and firing patterns of these receptors, potentially leading to improved muscle function and reduced pain.
Restoring optimal function to these sensory organs can enhance kinesthetic awareness, improve posture, and facilitate more efficient movement patterns. Historically, bodywork practices have intuitively understood the importance of addressing restrictions in the fascial network. Contemporary research now offers a deeper understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the benefits of myofascial release, lending scientific support to these traditional practices.
