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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Walt Fritz, PT on May 30, 2013 at 7:32pm

Hi Jorge,

There are a great many types of myofascial release and the form that I utilize uses no lubricants whatsoever. What style of MFR do you utilize?

Permalink Reply by Bert Davich on May 30, 2013 at 11:41pm

Hello Jorge,

Although many interventions (techniques) in deep tissue and myofascial release work are usually best done without lubricant. For the sustained traction approach, some clients can have skin so dry that it can be difficult to get and maintain sufficient traction, especially if the therapist has dry hands. Just a dab of pure shea butter will actually give you more traction IF you don't use too much.

If you practice a structural integration approach to myofascial work you will find that some clients may have 'sticky' skin and most clients will have dry skin from the knee down. Shea butter is the best solution I have been able to find and it absorbs into the skin quickly so it is 'forgiving' to some extent. Just a dab on your own hands, finger tips, finger pads or on the knuckle you are using will allow the grab of deeper tissue without that feeling of skin burn to your client. For perspective on amount to use, I make 3 little balls each the size of a large green pea and usually use less than 1/3 of the total, and sometimes use nothing.