ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Do you experience aching, throbbing or tight muscle pain that doesn’t seem to be relieved by at-home remedies? Myofascial release, a therapeutic pain relief therapy, might help alleviate those stubborn aches and pains. The exact cause of myofascial pain remains unknown but generally is linked to overuse injuries experienced by athletes, chronic conditions, traumatic incidents, and more.

“Symptoms of myofascial may vary, but generally include pain in muscle areas that can feel like stiffness, burning, restriction in range of motion, and achiness,” says Dr. Andrew J. Morpurgo, Medical Director for the Ithaca Center for Pain Management. The therapy uses pinpointed gentle pressure on the fascia, the connective tissues surrounding the muscle, in order to trigger a release. Unlike other therapies that rely on aggressive manipulation, this technique uses subtle, slow pressure on trigger points to help the fascia stretch and release.

“We apply direct pressure into the areas we feel restricted, and we hold it for three to five minutes,” says Brigid Kernan-Terry, an occupational therapist at Arnot Health, a member of Centralus Health. This approach follows the body’s natural rhythm, focusing on listening to the body and working with it, rather than forcing it.

No matter what the cause, when your muscles are injured, that fascia tightens, gets restricted and causes pressure on the structures it surrounds.

This uncomfortable and often painful tightness can happen to any person at any time. It’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort or soreness after myofascial therapy. This is usually a temporary sensation, and the discomfort typically subsides within a couple of days.

Medications are sometimes needed for myofascial pain. If necessary, your provider may prescribe muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, and sometimes very specific antidepressants.

Brigid will send patients home with a list of exercises to help with the pain. She says the self-treatments are easy and manageable, especially for people with busy lifestyles. Aqua therapy at Island Health and Fitness, a partner of Cayuga Health, can also be a very effective treatment. Everyone, from infants to the elderly, is eligible for myofascial release therapy.

Andrew Morpurgo, MD has been the director of the Ithaca Center for Pain Management since 2005 and is also director of the Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Cayuga Medical Center. He received his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine and is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Call (607) 277 – 4287 for more information.

Brigid Kernan-Terry is an Occupational Therapist at Arnot Health’s Outpatient Physical Therapy and Rehab located at St. Joseph’s Hospital, 555 St. Joseph’s Boulevard, Elmira. She specializes in geriatrics and stroke care. Call (607) 737 – 7804 for more information.