CF writes: “Could you help me understand if the practice of airrosti is ok with the Catholic Church? I understand it is a treatment similar to physical therapy but I am not sure if it has any scientific research.”

I have not found anything amiss with Airrosti Rehab centers.

Airrosti stands for Applied Integration for the Rapid Recovery of Soft Tissue Injuries and is a treatment model for both acute & chronic musculoskeletal injuries. The method they use is known as myofascial release therapy (MFR) which is a manual therapy technique that focuses on the tough membranes that wrap around and support muscles (known as myofascial tissue).

“During myofascial release (MFR) therapy, the therapist locates myofascial areas that feel stiff and fixed instead of elastic and movable under light manual pressure,” writes Dr. Brent A. Bauer for the Mayo Clinic. “These areas, though not always near what feels like the source of pain, are thought to restrict muscle and joint movements, contributing to widespread muscle pain. The focused manual pressure and stretching used in myofascial release therapy loosen up restricted movement, leading indirectly to reduced pain.”

There is nothing New Age about it but, as Dr. Bauer writes, there have been few studies that have specifically tested myofascial release therapy partly because the exact elements of this therapy vary from therapist to therapist.

However, because the massage industry is so heavily infested with New Age energy healing techniques caution must always be exercised. Check out this blog on Reiki which will give you an idea of what a New Age massage technique looks like.