5 things you should know about myofascial release for pain relief

What is myofascial release therapy, and can it really help with pain? Here are five things to know if you’re considering this hands-on approach

Unexplained pain can be incredibly frustrating. If we don’t know why we’re hurting, it can be hard to know what to do next. At least when we know why our body hurts – whether that’s a sore shoulder, lower back pain, or a tension headache – it feels like we can start taking steps towards getting relief. But when those same aches and tightness seem to come from nowhere, it can leave us feeling stuck, frustrated, and unsure where to turn.

Myofascial pain is often described as feeling tender, having knots that are painful to touch, or experiencing constant, dull, aching or burning sensations that can lead to poor quality sleep, reduced mobility, and day-to-day discomfort.

Myofascial release is a hands-on therapy that focuses on easing tension in the fascia – the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles throughout the body. By gently working with this tissue, the therapy aims to improve movement, posture, and overall comfort.

Here’s what you need to know about myofascial release (and how it might just be able to help you). 

What does myofascial release actually do?

Myofascial release works by applying gentle, sustained pressure to areas of tight or restricted fascia. Your fascia should be flexible, but when you experience an injury, are stressed, have poor posture, or keep doing the same repetitive movements without taking time to stretch out, it can cause fascia to stiffen or shorten.

A myofascial release practitioner uses their hands to feel for areas of tension and restriction. Once found, they slowly work on these to encourage the tissue to release. This can help reduce tightness and discomfort, improve your range of movement, and even support better posture and body awareness. Some people also find it helps promote relaxation and manage stress, as tension is gradually released.

What are the risks of myofascial release therapy?

When carried out by a trained, experienced practitioner, myofascial release is generally considered to be a gentle, low-risk complementary therapy. Some people experience a temporary soreness or tenderness, and may feel mildly fatigued after a session. Emotional release can also be a side effect as tension eases. Potential side effects do not typically last for long, though if you have any concerns, you should speak with your myofascial release practitioner. 

What can myofascial release therapy help with?

Myofascial release can be helpful as part of a broader approach to managing pain and improving mobility. Different people seek myofascial release to help with a wide range of physical concerns. Primarily, these include seeking help with long-term, unexplained discomfort. Most commonly, myofascial release is used to support those experiencing:

• muscle tightness or stiffness
• ongoing back, neck, or shoulder pain
• tension headaches
• restricted movement or poor posture
• discomfort following injury

If you are concerned about unexplained pain or discomfort, it is always worth speaking with your GP first to rule out possible causes. 

What’s the difference between myofascial release and massage therapy?

While both massage and myofascial release are hands-on therapies, they differ in focus and technique. Massage therapy involves rhythmic movements and varying pressure to promote circulation and relax muscles, while myofascial release tends to be slower and more targeted. Myofascial release focuses more specifically on the fascia, rather than muscle tissue, and is often described as more subtle, though some report it reaching a deeper layer of tension that massage doesn’t always address. 

What does research have to say about myofascial release?

Research into myofascial release is still in its early stages. While some studies show promise, findings are mixed and more large-scale research is needed. Studies have found that myofascial release can help with shoulder pain and limited motor function following breast cancer surgery, as well as showing promise in helping with the treatment of neurological disorders where symptoms like muscle spasms, motor dysfunction, and balance issues cause pain and discomfort. Researchers highlight that myofascial release offers a non-invasive approach with few side effects. 

Other research into myofascial release reported seeing modest effects on pain reduction, suggesting a potential benefit for managing chronic neck pain, though more research is still needed to see what other kinds of pain it could help with. 

As with many kinds of hands-on therapies, individual experiences vary, and myofascial release should be considered alongside, rather than instead of, other methods of addressing pain and discomfort.  

Is myofascial release worth trying?

If you’re living with ongoing aches, tightness, or pain that’s hard to pin down, myofascial release may be worth exploring. While it might not be the right fit for everyone, many people find it offers a gentle way to reconnect with their body, while easing long-held tension.

Curious to find out more, or interested in speaking with a trained practitioner? Therapy Directory is a good place to start. You can learn more about myofascial release therapy, what to expect from a myofascial release session, and find a qualified practitioner near you.