What is myofascial release and how will it help?

Aug 4
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Let’s start with an overview of your fascia. Ever woken up feeling sore and tight, but after a good stretch, your body loosens up? That’s partly down to fascia. The connective tissue surrounding your muscles, bones and organs.

Healthy fascia is flexible, allowing your muscles to glide smoothly as you move. But when your fascia gets restricted, your body can’t move as freely and you start to feel aches and pains.

How does fascia become restricted?

Restricted fascia is common and it happens for all sorts of reasons:

Injuries
Inactivity or being less mobile
Poor posture
Repetitive movements or overusing parts of your body
Stress and anxiety

Most of us can relate to at least one of the above. Perhaps you sit for long hours at a desk or do a physical job that affects your posture. Or maybe you love the gym but have a habit of pushing yourself a bit too hard.

Often, we blame our aches and pains on muscle tension and don’t think about fascia. Which is understandable, considering fascia has been largely overlooked, even by medics, until fairly recently.

Today, we understand the crucial role fascia plays in supporting how our bodies move and feel.

What does a myofascial release treatment involve?

Myofascial release is a gentle, hands-on treatment that targets your fascia. Using slow, sustained pressure, it softens, lengthens and rehydrates your fascia.

Unlike a regular massage, the aim isn't to force tight muscles to relax. Instead, myofascial release encourages your body to regain natural movement by giving your fascia the time and support it needs to ‘melt’. As it loosens, it releases tightness, pain and tension.

Book your myofascial release

How do you know it’s working?

Some people notice changes during the treatment. For example, parts of your body might suddenly feel hot, or you may feel unusually tired or relaxed. It's a sign your fascia is letting go.

Releasing long-held tension can also bring up emotions. So don't be alarmed if you feel teary or even restless, it's a normal response and will quickly pass.

Not everyone notices an immediate change and that's normal, too. We're all different. Some people notice the biggest difference the following day, or even a few days after their treatment because your body will continue to adapt and settle for up to 7 days.

Myofascial release and its effect on the nervous system

When we're stressed and our nervous system goes into 'fight or flight', our muscles tighten and tense up. If you’re in this state for too long, your body will adapt and start to hold that tension. In time, this can manifest as chronically tight shoulders, jaw tension, headaches, neck pain and so on. You might feel as though you can never fully relax.

All your fascia is connected, throughout your body. And it also links to your central nervous system. So, when you gently target fascia through myofascial release, it encourages your nervous system to move into a calm ‘rest and digest’ state. Helping your body recover and repair.

That's why people leave feeling not only physically looser but mentally calmer, too.

How will myofascial release help you?

Myofascial release is an effective treatment for anyone looking for support with:

Stiffness and muscular tension
Improving flexibility and range of movement
Restrictions linked to injury, posture or repetitive movements
Supporting your body's natural recovery
Relaxation, stress relief and calming your nervous system

If you don't enjoy firm pressure or need a gentler treatment, it's a fantastic option because you'll still get results without the need for deep pressure.