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  • Emma B

Myofascial Release: What You Need To Know

Updated: Apr 6, 2023

Myofascial release is a type of soft tissue therapy used to treat pain and muscle tension. It involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to release pressure and restore balance in the body.

Myofascial release is an effective treatment for many conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, TMJ disorder, and chronic pain.

If you are looking for an alternative to traditional medical treatments, myofascial release may be right for you.



What is fascia?


To first understand what this technique does, fascia is needed to be understood.

Fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds and protects the muscles, bones, and organs of the body. It is a network of fibrous tissues that provide support and structure to the body. Fascia is a continuous sheet of tissue that extends from the top of the head to the tips of the toes.

The fascia system is made up of three layers: the superficial layer, the deep layer, and the subfascial layer. The superficial layer is the layer of fascia that is closest to the surface of the skin. The deep layer is the layer of fascia that surrounds the muscles and organs. The subfascial layer is the layer of fascia that lies between the superficial and deep layers.

Fascia plays an important role in the body's ability to move and function. Ideally, fascia needs to glide along the muscles and organs, however when it becomes tough and sticky that is what can cause tight points on the body that become sore and achy.

How is it performed?


Myofascial release is a type of medical massage therapy that is used to treat various health conditions. This therapy is based on the principle that the body is a network of interconnected tissues and that imbalances in one area can cause problems in other areas.


Myofascial release therapy is typically performed by a massage therapist. This therapist will use their hands to apply pressure and release tension in the fascia, or connective tissue. The therapist may also use other tools, such as balls or foam rollers, to help release the fascia. The pressure that is used is around 30% of force, it is a very light modality of treatment and can be used for a variety of patients that may be new to experiencing sports massages or patients that have a low tolerance to pain. This still allows for the same outcome, however, may take slightly longer.

If you are interested in myofascial release therapy, you may also want to ask a massage therapist about this therapy and how it can be used to treat your specific condition.


Myofascial release is a light modality of treatment that can be used to treat a wide variety of painful conditions. It is a safe and effective way to release the fascia and relieve pain. If you are looking for a release of pain, this may be a technique used when you visit a sports massage therapist.

If you want to know more contact MSK doctors.

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