Myofascial Release

Myofascial tissues surround and support the muscles throughout your body. When you have fascial restrictions, which can be caused by physical or emotional stress, injuries, or surgery, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Myofascial Release is a hands-on approach to ease these restrictions by applying gentle, sustained movements and stretching to the fascial tissue. It can be incorporated into any sports recovery session and most massage sessions.

What are the Benefits of Myofascial Release (MFR)?

Whether you’re an athlete, an active individual, or someone struggling with a chronic disease, MRF is a great way to help your body feel stronger, calmer, and less tense.

Here are MRF’s biggest benefits:

Improves range of motion

MFR targets the fascia around joints and muscles, allowing them to move more freely and with less resistance. By releasing the fascial restrictions, MRF helps strengthen mobility, flexibility, posture, and natural movement patterns in the body. This can be especially beneficial for people with chronic pain and injuries, as well as athletes and people who participate in physical activity.

Reduces soreness and inflammation

Soreness after a workout or physical activity can be challenging to deal with. MRF is an effective way to alleviate muscle soreness and stiffness, by targeting the fascia and releasing the built-up tension. Myofascial Release also helps reduce inflammation and improve circulation, leading to a faster recovery process.

Relieves stress

By releasing tension in the body’s connective tissue, MRF can help to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and overall emotional well-being.

In a recent study, a 20-week Myofascial Release Program significantly improved the pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, and quality of life for fibromyalgia patients. Myofascial Release helped reduce the sensitivity to pain at sensitive points, mainly at the lower cervicals, gluteal muscles, and right greater trochanter.

Myofascial Release FAQs

Is Myofascial Release a type of massage?

Not exactly. MRF is incorporated into your massage session. Typically, a therapist will recommend it to a client, or a client requests this type of therapy. This technique primarily targets the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. MFR aims to release restrictions and adhesions in the fascial system, promoting improved flexibility and reducing pain. Not all Massage Therapists perform MFR, so check with the front desk at booking so see if it is available.

What is fascia?

Fascia is a complex network of connective tissue that permeates the entire body, providing support, structure, and a framework for various bodily components. It forms a continuous web that surrounds muscles, bones, organs, nerves, and blood vessels. Fascia is made up of collagen and elastin fibers, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the shape and integrity of the body.

Is Trigger Point Therapy painful?

It should not be. While pressure is applied to tight tissues and muscle knots to release tension, it may be momentarily uncomfortable, but should not be painful. It is important to communicate your expectations with your therapist prior to any trigger point therapy session.

How is Trigger Point Therapy different from Deep Tissue Massage?

Trigger point therapy can be incorporated into a deep tissue, myofascial release, or neuromuscular massage session. A deep tissue massage is typically requested to break up tense muscle tissue, address joint paint and soothe overall problem areas. Trigger point therapy is used to further target localized areas of tension by applying sustained pressure. Most commonly, trigger point is used within a neuromuscular massage session.

What is the difference between Trigger Point and Myofascial Release Therapy?

Trigger Point Therapy focuses on identifying and releasing trigger points, which are localized areas of muscle tightness and hypersensitivity. The goal is to alleviate pain and dysfunction by releasing these specific points within the muscle. Myofascial Release (MFR) primarily targets the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. MFR aims to release restrictions and adhesions in the fascial system, promoting improved flexibility and reducing pain. Both therapies can be integrated during the same massage session.