Manual Therapy: Myofascial Release

June 25, 2023

‘Myo’ means muscle

Let’s start with the prefix ‘myo’. This refers to muscle. ‘Fascial’ refers to connective tissue called fascia.

Muscle is a band or bundle of fibrous tissue that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body. There are three types of muscle. Smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and skeletal muscle.

Fascia is a matrix of connective tissue that gives support and structure to muscles, organs, nerves, cells, tendons, ligaments, joints, and even our bones! It is primarily made up of collagen.

Myofascial Release is the manipulation of muscle and fascia to release tension and areas of restriction. A therapist may use their hands or tools such as steel IASTM tools to achieve results or employ a technique like cupping therapy. It can help reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, enhance musculoskeletal alignment, improve proprioception, and improve tissue mobility around scars.