What is myofascial release therapy for the hand?

Myofascial release therapy approaches the hand and upper extremity in a holistic way, working with the entire fascial system, not just isolated muscles. It is based on the premise that the body’s connective tissue — the fascia — is one continuous structure that covers and connects every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ in the hand and wrist.

Myofascial release therapy focuses on releasing tense tissues that cause chronic pain, disability, and poor quality of hand function. It stretches the fascia to release muscle tightness and lengthen contracted muscles in the hand and forearm, to restore movement and improve fine motor skills.

What are the benefits of myofascial release therapy for hand conditions?

Reducing tone or tension of tissues, muscles, and myofascial trigger points in the hand and forearm can improve the patient’s quality of life by significantly reducing pain and improving range of motion and mobility in the fingers, thumb, and wrist. Treatment promotes improved mechanics and circulation and allows for normal stimulation of the intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles. In addition, many patients also report improved grip strength, enhanced dexterity for daily activities, reduced stress levels in the hand, and an overall sense of improved hand function.

What causes tense tissue and muscle pain in the hand?

Tense tissues and muscle pain in the hand occur when the fascia becomes restricted due to trauma, repetitive stress, or inflammation, which can lead to pain, muscle tension and restricted movement in the fingers and wrist. The pain is typically referred from the actual source of the pain, the pain generator, to tender points or trigger points in the hand, palm, or forearm. Common causes include repetitive typing, texting, gripping, or precision hand movements required in various occupations and hobbies.

What are the symptoms that can be treated with myofascial release therapy in the hand?

Symptoms that can be treated include hand muscle pain and tightness that impairs motion and can pull the hand out of proper alignment and puts excessive pressure on the small joints of the fingers and wrist. Patients may experience decreased grip strength, difficulty with fine motor tasks, numbness or tingling in the fingers, or pain when performing routine hand activities.

What hand conditions can be treated with myofascial release?

This safe and effective technique can be used to treat a wide variety of hand dysfunctions due to a loss of function or flexibility after an injury or chronic muscle conditions in the hand and wrist.

It is employed to improve myofascial pain syndrome in the hand (muscle pain), a chronic disorder that causes pain and inflammation in hand muscles and the fascia. Other hand conditions amenable to myofascial release therapy include carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, post-surgical hand scarring, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, writer’s cramp, thoracic outlet syndrome affecting the hand, cubital tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive strain injuries of the hand and wrist.

How is myofascial release therapy performed for hand conditions?

Myofascial release therapy breaks down these restrictions using gentle, sustained pressure and release techniques to restore balance and proper functioning to the hand. This process is often slow and gentle, as the fascia responds best to this type of treatment. The hand therapist will apply pressure to the restricted fascia in the hand, palm, fingers, or forearm, holding it until the tissue releases. Complementary treatments include the use of over-the-counter pain medications, heat and icing, self-stretching of the hand muscles, and comprehensive hand therapy.

Myofascial release therapy sessions for hand conditions involve an initial assessment to identify the source of the restrictions and evaluate the extent of lost function and symmetry in the hand. It is a small piece of the recovery process for patients and aides in getting them back to an active hand rehabilitation program, which will yield longer term functional results and improved ability to perform daily activities requiring hand function.

Schedule a consultation

When you or a loved one suffers from chronic hand pain and dysfunction, contact CAO Sports Performance and Therapy to discover how Myofascial Release Therapy can improve your hand pain and quality of life. Our specialized hand therapists have offices in California, Leonardtown, and Waldorf, Maryland for your convenience.