Myofascial release therapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on relieving pain in the myofascial tissues, which are the tough coverings that wrap, connect, and support muscles. During a myofascial release massage, a therapist feels the myofascial tissue for areas that are particularly stiff and tight, which are the places that cause pain. The therapist then applies gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Trauma, inflammatory responses, and surgical procedures can create myofascial restrictions that produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain-sensitive structures that do not show up in many standard tests.

Myofascial release therapy is a hands-on technique used to manage myofascial pain. It is often used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, which is a chronic pain disorder caused by sensitivity and tightness in the trigger points. The therapy is focused on reducing pain by easing the tension and tightness in the trigger points. It is not always easy to understand what trigger point is responsible for the pain, so myofascial release is often used over a broad area of muscle and tissue rather than at single points.

Myofascial release therapy is a safe and very effective technique that can improve range of motion, reduce soreness, and increase flexibility. It is often used to treat conditions such as back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, TMJ disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and migraine headaches. However, if you have any of the following conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before trying myofascial release therapy: osteoporosis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, deep vein thrombosis, or a bleeding disorder.