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What is Myofascial Release?

As the myofascial release practitioner performs gentle stretching and compression of the fascia and the muscles, the body relaxes and uneven tension on the fascia begins to self‐correct. This release of tension affects the entire body because all fascia is interconnected. Some patients find that strong emotions are released along with physical tension. This emotional release can be especially helpful to patients whose stress and chronic pain has a psychological component.

Sprains, strains, scarring from surgery or injury, inflammation, disease, trauma from falls, repetitive stress, and even poor posture create uneven stress on the fascia. When the fascia is stressed, it loses its flexibility and no longer moves normally when the body moves. This creates unequal tension on muscles and causes them to lock or alter the way they move. This tension can result in chronic pain. Myofascial Release uses soft tissue massage techniques to restore the flexibility of the fascia and release tension from the muscles – this is one of the primary benefits of Myofascial Release.  Occasionally Myofascial Release is referred to as connective tissue massage.