Myofascial release therapy is a massage technique that reduces or eliminates pain and tensions in the connecting tissue (fascia) of the human body. Stress, injuries, overuse and poor posture can cause restrictions to fascia. Myofascial release therapy is directed at freeing these constrictions or blockages.

Fascia is tightly woven tissue that covers and interweaves every part of the body including nerves, veins, muscles, and internal organs. This fascia is one continuous system that ties the entire body together without interruption. It provides support and structure, but is also flexible so that we can move and bend with ease. Damage or injury to fascia affects more than just the area directly affected, making healing damaged fascia important for the body’s overall health and wellbeing.

The developers of myofascial release therapy have backgrounds in physical therapy, rolfing, and other types of neuromuscular therapies. During a session, the therapist gently stretches tissues along muscle fibers. The stretch is held until the tension is released and the tissue softens. Stretches may be held for up to several minutes. A single session may last up to an hour and several sessions may be held over a week or more, depending on the severity of the condition.

Myofascial release therapy is also commonly used to treat back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual problems, incontinence, tennis or golfer's elbow, shin splints, sprains, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasms, whiplash injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, myofascial release can be used to treat children suffering from birth trauma, head injuries, cerebral palsy, and scoliosis.