By Joe Cousens 21/01/2025 Conditions

Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial Release in Norwich

Are you constantly battling muscle pain, tightness, or stiffness that just won’t go away? At Recover Physiotherapy in Norwich, we can help with Myofascial Release Therapy. Whether it’s caused by long hours at your desk, old injuries, or high stress levels, persistent muscular aches and pains can drain your energy and limit your ability to move freely. Our therapists are trained in various techniques, with Myofascial Release being a key approach in our Physiotherapy, Soft Tissue Therapy, and Massage sessions to provide you with lasting relief.

What is Myofascial Release Therapy?

Fascial tissue is a thin, web-like layer of connective tissue that wraps around and supports muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. Unlike muscles, which contract to move your joints, fascia provides structure and stability throughout the body. It’s like a continuous, three-dimensional network that helps maintain the body’s shape while allowing muscles to glide smoothly against each other during movement.

Healthy fascia is flexible and pliable, but when it becomes damaged, overworked, or stressed, it can tighten, causing pain, restriction, and inflammation. For some individuals, fascia can become restricted and ‘sticky’, creating adhesions or ‘knots’ that lead to frustration when other treatments provide only temporary relief.

Myofascial Release Therapy is a specialised, hands-on treatment that targets these stubborn areas, releasing tension in the fascia and restoring proper movement. This technique works by applying sustained, gentle pressure to areas of fascial tension. The pressure helps break down adhesions and restore the fascia’s natural elasticity, improving overall movement and relieving pain. By addressing underlying restrictions, Myofascial Release promotes long-term healing and enhanced range of motion.

Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy

Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Targets fascia to enhance range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Chronic Pain Relief: Eases discomfort in areas such as the back, neck, and shoulders.
Stress Reduction: Releases tension accumulated from physical and emotional strain, promoting relaxation.
Enhanced Circulation: Improves blood flow to muscles and tissues, supporting faster recovery and reducing inflammation.
Injury Recovery: Breaks down scar tissue and restores mobility, aiding recovery from soft tissue injuries.

Who Should Consider Myofascial Release Therapy?

Myofascial Release Therapy is suitable for anyone seeking deep, restorative relief, whether through targeted healing or general relaxation. It’s particularly helpful for:

Chronic Pain: Ideal for those with conditions like fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, or postural pain from desk jobs.
Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helps with strains, sprains, repetitive stress injuries, and overload injuries such as carpal tunnel or tennis elbow.
Post-Surgical Scarring: Softens scar tissue and restores flexibility.
Compressed Nerves: Relieves tension in tightened fascia pressing against nerve pathways.

At Recover Physiotherapy, Myofascial Release Therapy is often combined with Deep Tissue Massage to address restrictions in the fascia that other treatments may not fully resolve. This comprehensive approach helps manage pain, enhance mobility, and promote lasting relaxation.

Speak to a Therapist

Want to know if Myofascial Release Therapy is right for you? Take a look at Recover Physiotherapy’s Physiotherapy, Massage, and Deep Tissue Massage pages for more information. You can also speak to one of our friendly therapists by requesting a callback using the link below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does myofascial release therapy do?

Myofascial release therapy targets the ‘fascia’—the thin, web-like connective tissue that wraps around and supports your muscles, bones, and organs. This specialised, hands-on treatment uses sustained, gentle pressure to release tension and break down ‘sticky’ adhesions (or ‘knots’) within this fascial network. The primary goal is to restore the fascia’s natural flexibility, which helps to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and improve your overall mobility.

Can I do myofascial release on myself?

While the advanced techniques we use in the clinic are a specialised hands-on treatment, you can perform a basic version of self-myofascial release at home. Using tools like foam rollers or massage balls allows you to apply pressure to tight areas and can be a fantastic way to manage symptoms between your professional sessions. We always recommend an initial assessment first, so our therapists can guide you on the safest and most effective self-treatment techniques for your specific condition.

Who should not do myofascial release?

Although it’s a very safe and gentle treatment, MFR isn’t suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders, severe osteoporosis, or those recovering from recent surgery, should speak to their GP or consultant first. Our therapists always conduct a thorough health screening before your first session to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

What is the difference between massage and myofascial release?

That’s a great question, as we often combine them. The key difference is the primary tissue being targeted: deep tissue massage focuses on releasing tension within the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Myofascial release, on the other hand, specifically targets the fascia—the connective tissue web that surrounds the muscles. MFR typically uses more sustained, gentle, stretching pressure to ‘unstick’ this fascia, while massage often involves more rhythmic strokes and kneading to address the muscles themselves.