Self myofascial release (SMR) technique is a form of stretching utilizing the concept of autogenic inhibition to improve soft tissue extensibility. This relaxing of the muscle/fascia helps to restore the normal hyaluronic acid viscosity. This helps to correct the positional relationship between adjacent tissue, which also aids the restoration of normal proprioceptive function to the injured area.

Fascia is a sheet or band of connective tissue beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles. It also surrounds internal organs to keep them separate. Like ligaments and tendons, fascia is made up of fibrous connective tissue containing closely packed bundles of collagen fibres oriented in a wavy pattern parallel to the direction of pull. Fascia is consequently flexible and able to resist great unidirectional tension forces.

Fascia becomes important clinically when it loses stiffness or becomes too stiff or has decreased shearing ability. When inflammatory fasciitis or trauma causes fibrosis and adhesions, fascial tissue fails to differentiate the adjacent structures resulting in a loss of muscle performance.

For an in-depth body massage, post-sport cool down, myofascial release or rehabilitation

This technique can be effective for many muscles

• gastrocnemius (calf)
• latissimus dorsi (under the arm to the spine)
• piriformis (hip to spine)
• adductors
• quadriceps (thigh)
• hamstrings
• hip flexors
• thoracic spine

SMR is accomplished by rolling the Sissel Fascia roller under each muscle group until a tender area is found, and maintaining pressure on the tender areas (known as trigger points) for 30 to 60 seconds

• anatomically shaped optimal size, with hand holds
• size: 15cm ø
• length 40cm
• composition: EPP (expanded Propylene)
• phthalate free
• recyclable