Myofascial Release

Offered by Derrick Lundberg, CMT

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release is a hands-on technique used to manage myofascial pain. “Myo” means muscle. “Fascial” refers to the connective tissue that covers and supports the muscles throughout your entire body. During myofascial release therapy, your therapist doesn’t focus specifically on your muscles. They focus on releasing tension in your fascial tissues.

Using gentle, sustained pressure, Myofascial Release releases deep fascial restrictions that can exert up to 2,000 pounds of pressure on pain-sensitive areas. Our three main pillars —structural releases, unwinding, and rebounding—enable your body to naturally restore itself to a state of ease and balance.

What is Fascia?

You can think of fascia like a spider web. The stringy tissue is densely woven throughout your muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, veins, and organs. Your fascia is one continuous structure throughout your body. Each part of your body is connected to it in some way. That’s why if there’s a snag in the tissue in one part of your body, it can cause pain in another part of your body.

Fascia is usually able to move without any restrictions. When your body experiences any kind of trauma, your fascia loses its flexibility. It becomes tightened and more rigid. The tightness can lead to pain and loss of motion, which can affect your quality of life.

What are the roots of Myofascial Release?

Growing from the Craniosacral work of John Upledger, John Barnes has followed the results, allowing Myofascial Release to reach remarkable depths. Using the skin as a handle, we use the fascia to reach deeply into the body, offering an adaptive pressure, ranging from off-the-body energy work to a rather firm, but not forceful pressure that meets us right at the barrier of where we are, taking pressure off of pain-sensitive structures and nudging us along our healing journey towards wholeness.

Physical Benefits

Pain Reduction

Myofascial release can significantly reduce chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and neck discomfort. By releasing restrictions and tension within the fascia, it allows muscles and connective tissues to move more freely, alleviating pressure on nerves and reducing joint discomfort.

Improved Mobility & Flexibility

One of the primary benefits of myofascial release is its ability to restore range of motion by loosening tight fascia. This improved flexibility allows muscles and surrounding connective tissues to stretch and function more effectively, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries or managing physical conditions that limit movement.

Improved Circulation

The technique promotes better blood flow and lymphatic drainage throughout the body. By releasing fascial restrictions, MFR supports improved nutrient delivery to tissues and helps remove waste products from the cells, facilitating faster tissue repair and recovery.

Stress Relief & Muscle Relaxation

Myofascial release engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a calming response in the body. This release of tension can significantly reduce the physical effects of stress, such as tight muscles and stiffness, fostering a sense of relaxation and overall well-being.

Injury Recovery & Prevention

By reducing adhesions and breaking down scar tissue buildup, myofascial release helps maintain tissue elasticity and functional movement. This makes it a valuable tool for both preventing repetitive strain injuries and supporting recovery after physical trauma or surgery.

Improved Posture

Tight fascia can create imbalances and distortions in posture over time. Myofascial release addresses these restrictions, allowing the body to realign itself naturally. By loosening tension patterns within the fascia, individuals may experience better posture and reduced physical stress on joints and muscles.

You do not have to “just live with” pain.

Chronic pain, exhaustion, and lifestyle limitations can feel overwhelming. Myofascial Release offers a unique, non-invasive way to treat the root causes of pain, empowering you to live a fuller, more balanced life.

Common Concerns Myofascial Release Addresses:

  • Back pain, neck pain, & headaches

  • Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  • Sports Injuries & Myofascial Pain Syndrome

  • TMJ, Sciatica & Carpal Tunnel

Myofascial Release 30 Minutes

$50

Myofascial Release 60 Minutes

$100

Myofascial Release 90 Minutes

$150

Myofascial Release FAQs

  • Myofascial Release uses extended holds to encourage change in the body. These holds are often not painful and feel like "a good stretch." Practitioners hold this good stretch at each resistance barrier, allowing for the tissue to melt and change, and repeat until the targeted area releases. 

  • For best results, Myofascial Release is performed with skin-to-skin contact. During a Myofascial Release session, there is often stretching, movement, and a standing evaluation.

    We recommend wearing or bringing athletic shorts and a bra if applicable.

  • After your provider performs myofascial release therapy, you may feel sore in the areas they stretched. But the soreness should go away fairly quickly. You should feel a lot looser in those areas than you did before.

    Your provider may recommend returning for sessions for a few weeks or a few months. It will depend on the cause and severity of your condition.

  • You can perform myofascial release on yourself at home. You can find videos online with basic myofascial release techniques. You’ll use a foam roller or roller massager to gently apply pressure to your fascial tissues. Some studies have shown using a foam roller for self-myofascial release has helped increase joint range of motion. Our practitioner often sends patients home with personalized instructions for Self-Myofascial Release.