The fascia is a stretchy, web-like tissue that wraps around and connects muscles, organs, and other parts of the body. It keeps everything in place, allows smooth movement, and plays a role in flexibility and posture. When the fascia becomes tight or restricted, it can cause chronic pain, limited movement, or stubborn tension. Myofascial release techniques (MFR) target the tight fascia, helping clients experience lasting relief.
Related: Myofascial Release Clinical Applications – Upper Body
What is myofascial release?
Fascia is a continuous, three-dimensional network of connective tissue that covers the entire body. It spans muscles, ligaments, tendons, joint capsules, and other tissues.
When the fascia is healthy, it moves easily, allowing the muscles to work without restriction. However, when it’s exposed to stress, injuries, or bad posture, it can become tight and restricted. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and limitations in movement.
Myofascial release techniques gently stretch these connective tissues. MFR applies light and sustained pressure to the areas, which can reduce pain, decrease adhesion, improve movement, and restore healthy function.
Key techniques in myofascial release for therapists
Myofascial release techniques directly target the deep fascia. Common massage techniques like effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement are less effective for addressing fascia-related issues, as they do not directly impact the fascial system. However, therapists can achieve excellent results by combining MFR with other methods, like Swedish and deep tissue massage.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
This technique uses tools such as bars, sticks, massage guns, trigger pointers, or other tools to apply pressure and friction on the fascia. These tools can break down adhesions and increase flexibility.
This method is highly effective for reaching deeper layers of muscle and fascia, improving joint range of motion (ROM) without reducing muscle performance.
Self-myofascial release (SMR)
During self-release, clients may use tools such as a foam roller, massage guns, massage sticks, lacrosse balls, or other self-release tools. This can allow them to apply pressure to the tender areas.
Although it’s not as deep or effective as professional MFR, it still promotes relaxation and helps maintain a healthy fascia, particularly for those who need a quick recovery tool.
Direct myofascial release
While performing direct myofascial release techniques, therapists apply firm pressure directly to the fascia using their hands, knuckles, elbows, or specific tools. Direct myofascial release aims to stretch the fascia and break down its adhesions, which improves its flexibility and reduces the pain clients may feel.
Indirect myofascial release
This technique is gentler. Instead of applying force, the therapist allows the fascia to release naturally, by holding a light stretch for a longer period. It suits clients with chronic pain or sensitive areas, who can’t tolerate direct pressure.
Active release
This technique involves both the therapist and the client actively working together to release tension in the fascia. The therapist applies pressure to the fascia while the client actively moves the targeted muscle through its range of motion.
This combination of manual pressure and active movement helps to break down adhesions and improve mobility by stretching and releasing the fascia more effectively.
Related: Myofascial Release Clinical Applications – Lower Body
Benefits of myofascial release techniques for clients
Myofascial release techniques are beneficial for both the physical and emotional well-being of the client. It helps them move, feel, and live better, without discomfort. Here are some of the key benefits therapists can use to help their clients.
Improved mobility
Myofascial release reduces the tightness of the fascia, relieves pain, and significantly restores the client’s normal movement. It improves the range of movement without affecting performance and makes it easier for the client to perform their daily activities, and sports without discomfort.
Pain relief
Myofascial release techniques can treat chronic pain conditions such as chronic lower back pain and fibromyalgia.
Posture correction
Poor posture can reduce blood flow into the tissues, and over time can cause the fascia to tighten, too, leading to pain and discomfort. Myofascial release helps loosen the fascia, improving posture and reducing strain on the muscles and joints.
Stress management
Pain, restricted movement, and constant tension can lead to stress anxiety, and even depression. Releasing this tension can promote relaxation, improve sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Improved recovery
MFR speeds up recovery by improving circulation, reducing tension, and speeding up tissue repair. This makes it an essential recovery method for athletes and all individuals.
What conditions can therapists treat with myofascial release techniques?
Massage therapists can use myofascial release to treat several conditions. For example, MFR is great for individuals with fibromyalgia and those suffering from chronic lower back pain. It also effectively cures muscle stiffness and tension resulting from past injuries or poor posture.
Additionally, MFR can improve posture by relieving fascial tightness, making it helpful for conditions like rounded shoulders and scoliosis, especially when combined with exercises. It also aids in breaking down scar tissue and adhesions that restrict movement, which can further reduce pain.
By addressing these issues, MFR improves mobility, reduces discomfort, and improves the client’s quality of life.
How to perform a safe and effective myofascial treatment
Maintaining proper posture is important for massage therapists, as it can prevent strains and injuries. Therapists should maintain a neutral spine and avoid hunching over the client. Instead of relying solely on hand strength, therapists should use their body weight to apply pressure.
Additionally, keeping feet firmly planted ensures stability and control during treatment. Proper body positioning helps therapists work efficiently, prevent injuries, and maintain a long-lasting practice. To prevent fatigue, therapists should take short breaks and stretch to ease tension after long sessions. Continuous education and training are also essential for improving skills and staying updated on the latest techniques and research, ensuring the most effective care for clients.
For client safety and optimal results, therapists must thoroughly assess the client’s condition before treatment. This includes gathering a history of past injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions that may contraindicate myofascial release.
Next, they should palpate the body to identify restrictions and discomfort, followed by evaluating a range of motion to pinpoint areas needing attention. Reassessing post-treatment helps measure progress and refine the approach for better outcomes.
Contraindications in performing myofascial release treatment
While MFR is generally safe, there are certain situations where it may not be appropriate. Therapists should be mindful of the following:
- Acute injuries: Avoid applying pressure to areas with fresh injuries, inflammation, or swelling, as this can worsen the condition.
- Medical conditions: Clients with conditions such as bone fractures, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, deep vein thrombosis, myositis, or open wounds may not tolerate MFR. Always refer them to a medical professional before proceeding with this treatment.
- Infections and skin conditions: Therapists should avoid areas with infections, burns, rashes, or contagious skin conditions, as MFR could worsen irritation or spread infection.
- Client discomfort: If a client experiences severe pain or discomfort during treatment, adjust the pressure or stop the session as needed.
