About Myofascial Release
Fascia is connective tissue around muscles and other structures. Pain or restricted movement should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to fascia.
Myofascial release involves hands-on pressure or stretching of soft tissue. Research has explored symptom relief and function, but feeling better does not establish that adhesions were broken up or permanently changed.
This page describes hands-on myofascial release. Graston Technique and other instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) use specialized tools and are distinct techniques; they should not be treated as interchangeable.
We use it most often on patients with chronic tightness, post-injury restriction, and movement patterns that haven't responded to other care.