Fascial Hydrodissection or Fascial Hydrorelease

What is a Fascial Hydrodissection or Fascial Hydrorelease?

Fascial hydrodissection and hydrorelease are innovative, advanced techniques increasingly used in the treatment of fascial pain. Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. It’s richly supplied with nerve fibers, and when it becomes tight, scarred, or inflamed, it can contribute to persistent pain.

Fascial hydrodissection involves using ultrasound to guide the injection of fluid beneath the fascia to gently separate it from surrounding structures, relieving pressure on irritated nerve endings. Hydrorelease is a similar method that targets scar tissue and fascial adhesions, often located within muscle tissue. Both methods demand expertise and precision, and have been producing remarkable outcomes in our clinical setting.

Hydrodissection

For patients considering surgery due to a compressed or entrapped nerve, fascial hydrodissection offers a minimally invasive alternative worth exploring. There are four frequently treated regions where nerve hydrodissection proves effective.

One commonly addressed area is the dorsal scapular nerve, which may cause pain between the shoulder blades or in the upper back. This nerve can become restricted between fascia layers separating the trapezius and rhomboid muscles. Releasing it through hydrodissection can offer substantial pain relief – though multiple sessions might be needed due to the size of the fascial region.

Another area is the cluneal nerve, often an overlooked source of lower back discomfort. Hydrodissecting this nerve can significantly reduce pain, and in many cases, noticeable improvement is experienced after the first session, even if several are required for lasting results.

The median nerve (commonly involved in carpal tunnel syndrome) and the ulnar nerve at the elbow (linked to cubital tunnel syndrome) are also frequently treated. Symptoms like numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers often stem from fascial compression of these nerves. Hydrodissection improves circulation and nerve mobility by releasing the restrictive fascia.

Below is a video showcasing fascial scar tissue located just above the sacroiliac joint – a notorious area for chronic pain. This region is often difficult to address with conventional treatments like massage or shockwave therapy, making hydrodissection a highly valuable tool.