What is Myofascial Release Massage?

Myofascial release is stretching of the fascia, the thin tissue that covers all the organs of the body.

This tissue covers every muscle and every fiber within each muscle. When muscle fibers are injured, the fibers and the fascia surrounding it become short and tight.

All muscle stretching, then, is actually stretching of the fascia and the muscle, the myofascial unit. This uneven stress can be transmitted through the fascia to other parts of the body, causing pain and a variety of other symptoms in areas you often wouldn’t expect.

Myofascial release treats these symptoms by releasing the uneven tightness in injured fascia. Feedback from the  body tells the therapist how much force to use, the direction of the stretch, and how long to stretch.

Only small areas of muscle are stretched at a time. Sometimes the therapist uses only two fingers to stretch a small part of a muscle. Feedback that the therapist receives determines which muscles are stretched and in what order.

Why get a myofascial release treatment?
Myofascial release therapy is a technique designed to soothe clients with soft-tissue ailments. Through a combination of stretching and massage, therapists work to relieve tension in the fascia.

Myofascial release can address health complaints such as TMJ, chronic back pain, headaches, strains, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Good to know
Most patients are surprised by how gentle myofascial release is. Some patients fall asleep during treatment. Others later go home and take a nap.

Most patients find myofascial release to be a very relaxing form of treatment.

Myofascial release is not a traditional massage. Unequal muscle tension can compress nerves and muscles causing pain; myofascial release techniques are used to equalize muscle tension throughout the body.

Progress is measured by a decrease in the patient’s pain and by an improvement in overall posture.