Myofascial release, or MFR, is a complicated-sounding medical term for what is actually a fairly simple, natural process. In fact, you’ve probably experienced myofascial release in some form already without even knowing it! (In order to understand myofascial release, it helps to first understand what fascia is and how it works: click here to learn more.)
 
Myofascial release is a hands-on treatment approach designed to alleviate symptoms caused by damaged, distorted, or adhesed fascia within the body. (See Also: Fascia Gone Wrong: What can cause damage to fascia? and How do I Know if my Fascia has been Damaged?) MFR involves a variety of techniques such as sustained pressure, assisted stretching, visceral manipulations, and guided postural correction. While some of these treatments are similar to those used in massage and chiropractic therapy, the specific methodology is subtly different. Fascia is designed to withstand enormous amounts of pressure—up to 2,000psi—so MFR techniques have to be specifically designed to use slower, more sustained pressure in order to affect this incredibly strong tissue.
 
When done correctly myofascial release will allow tightened fascia to gradually loosen, releasing the intense pressure exerted on your system and reducing pain and stiffness. Some patients may experience an improvement with one session, however for most a treatment plan involving several sessions and varied techniques will be required to achieve real results.
 
There are many benefits to myofascial release; it is by nature a holistic, “whole-body” approach that takes in the big picture of the patient’s overall health, and it doesn’t involve pharmaceutical medication that can cause side effects. Because it uses slow, sustained pressure it is very low risk and low impact, making it suitable for all ages. Most importantly, however, MFR can often succeed in alleviating chronic pain symptoms when every other treatment attempt has failed.

You do not have to live with chronic pain! Consult your healthcare professional or a myofascial release therapist about whether MFR may be right for you.

Continue reading to learn more about how myofascial release can be used to treat common ailments:

1. What is Fascia?
2. Fascia Gone Wrong: What can cause problems with fascia?
3. How Do I Know if my Fascia has been Damaged?
4. What is Myofascial Release (MFR) and How Can it Help?
5. Myofascial Release and Common Ailments