I have done some various training in MFR over the years, but most recently, with Ruth Duncan of Myofascial Release UK, one of the leading teachers in this technique. Fascia is a web of connective tissue that covers structures in the body, including muscle fibres and organs, and supports bones, ligaments and tendons. The intertwining of muscle and fascia is embodied in the term ‘myofascia’, as ‘myo’ means muscle, and ‘fascia’ means ‘band’. It’s usually a thin layer – imagine clingfilm – but there are areas where it’s thicker, such as in the lower back, and the iliotibial bands along the sides of our thighs. It consists of collagen, elastin and ‘ground substance’ (made of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans (Ruth Duncan, Myofascial Release (Hands-on Guides for Therapists, 2022)). Fascia itself is fascinating and has many functions and properties, and exciting new discoveries continue to be made in ongoing research around the world
Like muscles, fascia can get tight/stiff, and when we stretch, we’re stretching through fascia as well as muscles. MFR is partly aimed at releasing these restrictions. Some techniques feel like a good stretch or a ‘freeing up’, and improvements can be made in range of movement and posture. We could explain this partly by the fact that fascia is also connected to nerve endings and mechanoreceptors, and so it plays a part in proprioception (our sense of ourselves in space) and coordination. So you may choose MFR for physical tension, imbalance or injury recovery. But also, other techniques can potentially help conditions such as sinusitis and jaw tension/temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and it may help alleviate chronic pain. This is probably due to the relaxing, slow and gentle nature of the technique, which taps into the limbic system and relaxes the nervous system – although we cannot state for certain the exact mechanisms behind it. However, scientific research suggests there are several explanations, and year on year, we gain more insight with each new discovery.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, some believe fascia is equivalent to what has been thought of as a conceptual organ, the ‘Triple Burner’, which comprises three sections of the body and has its own channel (or meridian). Broadly speaking, the Triple Burner helps to distribute the flow of ‘Yuan’ or ‘Source’ Qi, which is a kind of pre-natal or vital energy source. It has a connection with all parts and functions of the body, just as fascia does. In both entities, any restrictions or blockages in one part will have an impact on other parts. Another function that fascia and the Triple Burner have in common is fluid transportation. And interestingly, there is a striking similarity between an interpretation of the main pathways of fascia in the body (although it is all one and connected) and the acupuncture channels – see Peter T. Dorsher’s Myofascial Meridians as Anatomical Evidence of Acupuncture Channels (Medical Acupuncture, June 2009, 91-97 http://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2009.0631), and Thomas W. Myers, Anatomy Trains, Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists and Movement Professionals (Elsevier, 4th Edition).
MFR can be applied either as a standalone treatment, or in combination with other treatments, i.e. the other types of massage I do, or indeed acupuncture. No oil or wax is applied. We go down to the right depth with gentle pressure, tuning into the fascia and warming up the tissues. We feel for where the restrictions are, apply compression and decompression techniques, and follow the movements in the tissue. Many patients feel very relaxed and report improved sleep after a treatment.
Fascia is a web of connective tissue that runs throughout the entire body, covering muscle fibres and organs, and supporting bones, ligaments and tendons. It is usually a thin layer — similar in appearance to clingfilm — though it is thicker in certain areas such as the lower back and the iliotibial bands along the outer thighs. Research into fascia is ongoing and new discoveries about its properties and functions continue to emerge.
Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on treatment that targets restrictions and tightness in the fascia. ‘Myo’ means muscle and ‘fascia’ means band — so myofascia refers to the intertwining of muscle and connective tissue throughout the body. MFR uses gentle, sustained pressure to release these restrictions, improving range of movement, posture and overall ease in the body.
Techniques vary but many feel like a good stretch or a gradual ‘freeing up’ of the tissues. The approach is slow, gentle and deeply relaxing. Many people feel very relaxed during and after treatment, and improved sleep is commonly reported.
No — MFR is performed without oil or wax. This allows the therapist to tune into the fascia, warm the tissues gradually, feel for restrictions, and apply compression and decompression techniques while following the subtle movements in the tissue.
MFR can be used for physical tension, restricted movement, postural imbalance and injury recovery. It may also help with conditions such as sinusitis, jaw tension and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and chronic pain. Scientific research into the precise mechanisms continues to grow year on year.
Catherine has undertaken various MFR training over the years. Most recently she has trained with Ruth Duncan of Myofascial Release UK, one of the leading teachers of this technique in the country and author of Myofascial Release (Hands-on Guides for Therapists, 2022).
Interestingly, yes. Some practitioners believe that fascia corresponds to the ‘Triple Burner’ — a conceptual organ in Chinese Medicine with its own channel that helps distribute vital energy throughout the body. There is also published research suggesting a striking similarity between the main pathways of fascia in the body and the acupuncture Channel system.
Yes. MFR can be used as a standalone treatment or incorporated into a session alongside other massage techniques or acupuncture. Catherine will advise on the most appropriate combination for your needs.
While deep tissue massage uses more pressure and works along muscle fibres, MFR uses lighter, sustained contact and follows the movements in the tissue rather than working against them. The aim is to engage the fascial layer specifically, which responds better to slow, gentle pressure than to forceful techniques.