What Is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release is a specialized therapeutic technique developed from biomechanical principles of fascial dynamics. This hands-on approach involves targeted manipulation and sustained pressure on the myofascial tissue—the tough, thin covering that surrounds and supports your muscles and connects to other tissues throughout your body.

When healthy, fascia is relaxed and flexible, allowing muscles to move freely. However, physical trauma, repetitive movements, poor posture, and emotional stress can cause fascia to tighten and restrict, creating tension, pain, and limited mobility throughout the body.

Myofascial Release works to identify these restrictions and release them, restoring optimal function and alleviating pain.

Understanding Fascia: The Body’s Connective Network

Fascia is a three-dimensional web of connective tissue that permeates your entire body. Think of it as an internal bodysuit that surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ. It connects different body parts and structures, transmits mechanical forces throughout the body, and plays a crucial role in posture, movement, and stability.

When fascia becomes restricted due to injury, stress, or repetitive motions, it can create pain—often in areas distant from the original restriction. These restrictions limit range of motion and flexibility, alter movement patterns, impair athletic performance, and contribute to chronic pain conditions.

How Myofascial Release Works

Unlike traditional massage that focuses primarily on muscles, Myofascial Release specifically targets the fascial system using specialized techniques:

Assessment

Dr. Higgins begins by evaluating fascial restrictions through visual assessment, palpation, and movement analysis. Since fascia forms an interconnected web, the source of pain often differs from the site of restriction.

Treatment Approach

The treatment involves gentle, sustained pressure applied to restricted areas for 90-120 seconds. The initial resistance in the fascia gradually gives way to a softening or “release.” Dr. Higgins follows the continuous nature of fascia, addressing connected restrictions throughout the body. Treatment occurs in multiple planes of motion to address the three-dimensional nature of fascial restrictions.

What To Expect During Treatment

Before Treatment

Dr. Higgins will conduct a thorough assessment to identify fascial restrictions and develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.

During Your Session

You’ll remain clothed during treatment (comfortable, non-restrictive clothing is recommended). Dr. Higgins will apply gentle, sustained pressure to areas of restriction, maintaining this pressure until the tissue begins to release and soften. Multiple areas may be treated during a single session to address the interconnected nature of fascial restrictions. Treatment may feel slightly uncomfortable at times but should never be painful.

After Treatment

Many patients experience immediate relief or improvement in symptoms, with some noticing continued improvement for 1-3 days following treatment. Staying hydrated helps support the release of toxins and rehydration of tissues. Light movement is encouraged to integrate the changes in your fascial system.

Improved Function

Beyond pain relief, this technique helps increase range of motion and flexibility, enhance athletic performance, improve posture, restore proper movement patterns, and break up scar tissue and adhesions. Many patients find they can return to activities they previously avoided due to pain or restricted movement.

Whole-Body Benefits

Many patients also experience reduced stress and anxiety, improved circulation, enhanced body awareness, better sleep quality, and increased energy levels. These systemic benefits reflect the interconnected nature of the fascial system and its influence on overall wellbeing.

The Black Diamond Difference

At Black Diamond Chiropractic and Sports Performance, our approach to Myofascial Release is distinguished by our comprehensive assessment that identifies the true source of restrictions, not just the symptomatic areas. We use an integrated approach, combining Myofascial Release with other effective techniques for enhanced results.

Our athletics focus means our understanding of sports biomechanics allows us to address fascial issues specific to athletic movements. We also emphasize education, teaching you about your fascial system and how to maintain results between sessions.

Dr. Higgins’ background in sports performance brings a unique perspective to myofascial treatment, allowing for customized approaches that consider the specific demands of your activities and goals.

Who Can Benefit From Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release is beneficial for a wide range of individuals:

Athletes benefit from enhanced performance and injury prevention by ensuring optimal fascial movement.

Office Workers find relief from restrictions caused by repetitive motions and prolonged sitting.

Chronic Pain Sufferers experience relief when underlying fascial causes of pain are addressed.

Post-Surgical Patients see reduced scar tissue and adhesions after treatment.

Anyone with Limited Mobility gains improved range of motion and functional movement through targeted fascial release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Experience The Freedom Of Released Fascia

Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to enhance your athletic performance, Myofascial Release at Black Diamond Chiropractic and Sports Performance can help you achieve greater freedom of movement and relief from pain.

As a key component of our comprehensive Black Diamond Method, Myofascial Release works in concert with our other therapeutic approaches to address the root causes of your pain and dysfunction.