What Is Myofascial Release Therapy?
Myofascial Release Therapy is a hands-on technique that helps treat pain and muscle tightness in the fascia. The fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs.
During a therapy session, your therapist will use gentle, but constant pressure on areas of tension to release restrictions in the fascia. This is done to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and restore movement. Myofascial release therapy helps individuals suffering from conditions like chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches.
Research supports its potential benefits, though more large-scale studies are still needed. Cleveland Clinic has listed several benefits of myofascial release therapy, like helping with lower back pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic migraines.
What Is Myofascial Release Used For?
The technique that myofascial release therapy uses can be applied to various situations to help individuals.
Here is a look at some of these.
- For relieving muscle pain and tightness: Myofascial release therapy helps loosen “knots” or trigger points that cause discomfort and limit movement. As a result, this provides considerable relief from muscle pain.
- Helps improve mobility and flexibility: Tightness in the fascia can lead to movement restrictions. When this tightness is released, it eases movement.
- Easing chronic pain conditions
People with conditions like fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome may feel relief with regular sessions. - Supporting injury recovery: With the right therapist, using myofascial release therapy can help reduce scar tissue and promote healing after injuries or even surgeries.
- Reducing headaches and tension: Myofascial release therapy helps reduce tension headaches caused by tight neck or shoulder muscles.
- Improving posture: By releasing tight areas, it helps align the body and correct imbalances.
Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial release therapy offers several benefits to individuals. Here is a list of some of them.
- Reduces Chronic Pain: Myofascial release therapy is particularly helpful in easing pain that is caused due to tightness in the fascia, specifically situated in the back, neck, or shoulders. A study by the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapy also talks about the acute effects of Myofascial release therapy on lower back pain.
- Improves Mobility and Flexibility: The therapy is also known to help release tight spots, which further helps muscles to move more freely and joints to function better.
- Speeds Up Recovery: Myofascial therapy is also known to heal scar tissues and can be particularly beneficial for athletes or anyone healing from an injury.
- Supports Better Posture: Since myofascial therapy helps correct muscle imbalances and releases tension in the nerves that affect your posture, it can provide a better balance in posture for individuals.
- Boosts Circulation: The pressure that is applied during myofascial release therapy helps improve blood flow, which promotes the circulation of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, which further promotes healing.
- Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation: The therapy, similar to a massage, can have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress levels.
Many people include it in their wellness routine for long-term physical health. Want to know all the advantages? Read our full myofascial benefits guide.
Who is Myofascial Release Therapy For?
Myofascial release therapy can prove to be very beneficial, particularly for certain people.
Here’s who can benefit:
- Individuals Suffering From Chronic Pain: For anyone suffering from issues like back pain, neck tension, or fibromyalgia, myofascial release therapy can help release tight tissue and ease discomfort and pain.
- Those Recovering from Injury or Surgery: The therapy can also support healing in individuals recovering from injuries or surgery, by improving blood flow and reducing scar tissue.
- Athletes and Active Individuals: Myofascial release therapy works great for improving flexibility and reducing muscle tightness. This further helps with both performance and recovery.
- People with Poor Posture or Limited Range of Motion: There are quite a few cases of poor posture in individuals. This can include sitting for long hours or past injuries as well. The myofascial release therapy helps release any restrictions in your tissues and promotes better posture.
- Anyone Seeking Stress Relief: The therapy also has a calming effect on the body and can lower stress by releasing physical tension in the body.
Types of Myofascial Techniques
Here is a look at some ot the different types of Myofascial release techniques
- Direct Myofascial Release or Deep Tissue Release)This technique applies firm pressure to tight areas using hands, knuckles, or tools. The main goal of this technique is to stretch and release stiff fascia.
- Indirect Myofascial Release: Under this technique, very gentle pressure is used that helps the fascia relax on its own. It’s light and slow, perfect for sensitive areas.
- Active Myofascial Release: This technique is used by therapists to break up scar tissues and improve mobility. They do this by pressing on a tight spot while the individual is made to move that particular body part.
- Passive Myofascial Release: This technique involves the therapist holding pressure on the fascia while the individual receiving the therapy remains still. This helps release any built-up tension without needing to move.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Targets painful “knots” or trigger points in muscles, and pressure is applied to reduce tightness and pain in them.
Myofascial Release vs. Deep Tissue Massage: What’s the Difference?
Here is a look at some of the main differences between Myofascial release and deep tissue massage.
| Feature | Myofascial Release | Deep Tissue Massage |
| Focus Area | Fascia or connective tissue around muscles | Deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue |
| Technique | Gentle, sustained pressure and stretching | Firm, slow strokes and deep finger pressure |
| Goal | Release fascia restrictions and improve mobility | Break down muscle knots and relieve chronic tension |
| Used For | Chronic pain, postural issues, and flexibility improvement | Muscle tightness, sports injuries, deep muscle tension |
| Common Tools Used | Hands, knuckles, sometimes foam rollers or balls | Hands, elbows, forearms, knuckles |
| Best For | People with chronic pain or mobility issues | Athletes, individuals with tension, or recovering from injury |
Potential Risks and Dangers of Myofascial Release Therapy
Though fairly safe, myofascial release therapy does have a few potential risks and dangers you should be aware of.
- Bruising or soreness: The pressure applied may cause temporary pain or bruising, especially in individuals who bruise easily.
- Nerve damage: If aggressive or improper techniques are used, it could irritate or damage nerves.
- Worsening symptoms: The therapy could also lead to people feeling worse before they feel better, though it can be an uncomfortable feeling.
- Contraindications: The therapy is not suitable for everyone, especially if you have fractures, deep vein thrombosis, etc.
- Infection risk: If the therapy is done over open or wounded skin, it could lead to infection.
What to Expect During a Myofascial Release Session
During a myofascial release session, a trained therapist will use gentle yet constant pressure on tight or sensitive areas of the fascia to relieve pain and improve movement. The session is typically done without lotion or oil, and you will be expected to lie on a massage table while the therapist works slowly on specific areas of tension. The therapy is usually painless, though some mild discomfort is normal.
How to choose the best Myofascial Release therapist?
There are several ways you can find the right myofascial release therapist.
- Start by asking your healthcare provider, like your doctor or physical therapist, for recommendations.
- If you have friends or family members who have experience with myofascial release therapy, ask them for recommendations to gain more insights.
- You can also use online platforms to explore and book a myofascial release therapist online.
- Make sure the therapist you choose has completed formal training from an accredited institution and has a valid practising license.
- Talk to them before booking a session and figure out if your needs align with their approach.
- Make sure they are open to receiving feedback on their treatment and open to communicating throughout the process.
It’s a valuable option for anyone looking to improve mobility and reduce chronic pain. Not sure if it’s the right fit? Compare it with other massage types here.
Experience personalized care with Blys Mobile Massage at your convenience
At Blys, we are just a phone call away to provide you with personalized and customized care when it comes to your therapy sessions. With trained experts as a part of our team, you can easily book a relaxing mobile massage experience from the comfort of your home.
