Myofascial Release is a type of physical therapy. To understand myofascial release, we must first understand fascia.

What is fascia?

Imagine an orange: If the peel is like our skin, the white stuff beneath it—you know, the thready film that surrounds each wedge and also holds the wedges together as one sphere—is like our fascia. This connective plastic wrap-like substance is made up of gelatine-esque glycoproteins (which hold water like a sponge), collagen fibers (our strongest protein), and various other cells (such as fat cells). And similar to the citrus fruit pith, its main job is to keep your internal bits–muscles, joints, tendons, bones, all of it–in place. Layers of this amazing tissue run through your entire body, from your face to your toes.

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release is a hands-on method of massage therapy that involves applying delicate pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue (known as fascia) to relieve inflammation. This is a non-traditional technique of releasing tightness of the myofascial connective tissues. It is also sometimes known as Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST), which is a gentle, safe, and effective method of stretch exercise to treat affected body tissues. The results are improved flexibility, decompressed joints, less pain, and a reduced risk of further injury. Pain in the back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, sports injuries, and whiplash from auto accidents are common conditions treated with Myofascial Release Therapy.

Most myofascial release treatments take place over a one-hour session inside a private, treatment room. Your therapist will massage the fascia and feel for stiff or inflamed areas. Normal myofascia should feel pliable and elastic. The therapist will begin massaging and stretching the areas that feel rigid with manual pressure. The therapist then aids the tissue and supportive sheath in releasing pressure and tightness. The process is repeated multiple times on the same trigger point and on other trigger points until the therapist feels the tension is fully released.