Myofascial release (MFR) is a form of soft tissue therapy intended for pain relief, increasing range of motion and balancing the body. Techniques include manual massage for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, muscles, and bones are applied. The fascia is manipulated, directly or indirectly, to allow the connective tissue fibers to reorganise themselves in a more flexible, functional fashion.

The fascia is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures, located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone. Muscle and fascia form the myofascia system.

The fascial system is totally one structure that is present from your head to foot without any interruption.

Injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. Since fascia is an interconnected web, the restriction or tightness to fascia at a place, with time can spread to other places in the body like a pull in a sweater. The goal of myofascial release is to release fascia restriction and restore its tissue health.

Hardening of the fascia occurs in response to physical or emotional trauma. MFR can be used for recovery from all types of physical injuries and conditions such as sporting injuries, back and neck pain, whiplash, stress-related muscular tension and repetitive strain injuries.

MFR is also used in the treatment of immune system dysfunctions such as Fibromyalgia (FMS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and others.