What is myofascial therapy?
Myofascial therapy is deep, manual bodywork that focuses not only on the muscles, but primarily on the connective tissue that surrounds them - the fascia. Unlike a classic feel-good massage, which is often rhythmic and fast, here I work slowly and structurally.
The aim is to make hardened tissue supple again and to bring the body structure back into balance in the long term. In TCM, I see this as releasing deep-seated stagnation so that Qi and blood can flow freely through the pathways again.
When the body fits like a suit that is too tight
Do you know the feeling? You want to stretch, but something is pulling and blocking you. You feel stiff, immobile and "rusty". People who sit a lot - whether in the office in Winterthur or in a cramped cockpit - often suffer from shortened structures. The pain is not just in the muscle, but in the tissue that surrounds it.
Myofascial therapy at Fly-TCM works specifically on this network. I loosen adhesions in the connective tissue (the fascia) so that you can move freely, smoothly and pain-free again. It is "structural work" for your posture.
What are fasciae and why do they stick together?
Fascia is the white connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, every organ and every nerve like a sheath. Think of it like a full-body diving suit under the skin. If you move too little, are stressed or adopt one-sided postures, this tissue becomes matted. It becomes hard, brittle and loses its elasticity.
Interesting from a TCM perspective: the modern "fascia trains" (anatomy trains) correspond almost exactly to the classic meridian courses. So when I treat fascia, I always treat the energy flow as well.
The method: Trigger points & deep release
Unlike a classic massage, where you knead rhythmically, I work very slowly and "meltingly" in myofascial therapy. I use:
- Trigger point treatment: I apply precise pressure to local pain points (knots in the muscle) until the pain "subsides" and the muscle lets go.
- Fascia strokes: I use my knuckles or elbow to slowly pull paths through the tissue to make the layers slippery again (rehydration).
Areas of application: When does fascia therapy help?
This method is ideal for all problems that have to do with "shortening" and chronic pain. I often use it for treatment in Winterthur:
1. chronic back pain & poor posture
If the lower back "closes up" or the neck is permanently hard. I open the front chain (chest muscles/hip flexors) to take the tension off the back.
2. sports injuries & "runner's knee"
Problems such as ITBS (runner's knee), shin splints or tennis elbow are often purely fascial problems. The inflammation disappears by specifically releasing the tension.
3. limited mobility ("frozen shoulder")
If you can no longer lift your arm or turn your head. I "iron" the tissue long again to increase the range of movement.
4. tension headache
Headaches that move from the neck to the back of the head are often caused by active trigger points in the trapezius muscle. Targeted pressure can eliminate this pain.
For whom is this work useful?
Myofascial therapy is for people who want to change their structure. It is particularly effective for:
- Frequent sitters & pilots: To break up the "sitting posture" (shortened hip flexors, rounded back).
- Athletes: For better performance and faster regeneration.
- Pain patients: Those who have already "tried everything" and where pure massage no longer helps.
Safety & intensity
I work deeply. It can be intense. We are constantly communicating: The pain may be clear ("Wohlweh"), but should never be so strong that you tense up against it. You are in control at all times and can say "stop".
Procedure & costs in Winterthur
I often combine myofascial therapy with acupuncture (dry needling) or Tui Na to maximize the effect. I look at your posture in a standing position beforehand (body reading).
The costs are billed via the 590 tariff. If you have supplementary insurance for complementary medicine (EMR), the treatment is usually covered. Please check your policy.
At a glance: Myofascial therapy
- ⏱ Duration: Part of the treatment (approx. 60 min. total session).
- 💆 The feeling: slow, deep, painful at points, then liberating.
- 🕸 Focus: connective tissue, trigger points & posture correction.
- 📍 Therapist: Niklas Lütgen (Fly-TCM Winterthur).
- 🎯 Perfect for: "Rusty" joints, tennis elbow & chronic stiffness.
Do you want to move freely again?
Make an appointment for fascia therapyFrequently asked questions
Does the treatment of trigger points hurt?
Yes, trigger points are sensitive areas. When we hit the point, you often feel the familiar pain (“Ah, that’s where it is!”). I hold the pressure until the pain subsides (“melting”). Most patients find this pain very liberating and productive, not threatening.
Do I have sore muscles afterwards?
This is very likely. As we work deeply on the tissue and loosen adhesions, the next day the area often feels like after an intensive workout or like a slight bruise. This lasts 1-2 days and is a sign that the remodeling process in the tissue has begun.
Is it like a fascia roll (Blackroll)?
The principle is similar (pressure on tissue), but manual therapy is much more precise. You can reach large areas with the roller. I can separate individual muscle strands with my fingers and find the exact angle that is blocked. This is “fascia training” for advanced practitioners.
How quickly does it work?
Mobility often improves immediately after the session (“The arm goes up again!”). However, in order for the tissue to remain permanently elastic, it usually takes several sessions and ideally also some exercise in everyday life.
Does the health insurance company pay?
Yes, as part of naturopathic treatment (tariff 590), this is covered by supplementary insurance for complementary medicine. Please clarify your cover in advance.
