Myofascial Release vs. Massage: What’s the Difference?

You may be wondering what the difference is between Myofascial Release and massage. If so, you’re not alone! Understanding this difference can help you choose an approach that brings not just temporary relaxation, but lasting relief and transformation.

Myofascial Release techniques are applied to a client's upper back, focusing on relieving tension and improving mobility.

Understanding Fascia

Let’s start with the body. Specifically, fascia. You’ve probably heard the word a lot lately, but what is fascia?

Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports every cell, muscle, and bone in the body. Ideally, it’s supple and fluid, allowing nutrients and information to flow freely between cells. This supple, fluid matrix forms a continuous web throughout your entire body.

But when fascia tightens, it becomes thicker, more viscous, and less fluid. As it solidifies, it can create tremendous pressure on surrounding nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and bones, often pulling them out of alignment.

This pressure can lead to symptoms such as low back pain, plantar fasciitis, headaches, and many other chronic issues.

The Two Layers of Fascia

Fascia is made up of two main layers: the elastic layer and the collagenous layer.

The elastic layer makes up about 20% of fascia. Like its name suggests, it stretches temporarily and then returns to its original length. Therapies like massage work mainly on this layer, offering soothing relief and improved circulation.

The collagenous layer, which makes up the remaining 80%, is denser and takes more time to release. It begins to soften only after 90 to 120 seconds of sustained, gentle pressure. That’s where Myofascial Release comes in.

How Myofascial Release Works

During a Myofascial Release session, I gently sink into an area until I feel the layer of restriction. Then, I slowly open my hands apart until I feel resistance, never forcing through it, and wait.

This waiting allows the body to soften naturally. Over several minutes, the tissue begins to melt and become more fluid, taking pressure off painful areas and allowing the body to return to better alignment.

This process is subtle but profound. The body feels safe enough to let go, and sometimes that release brings emotional as well as physical relief.

Where the Magic Happens

This is where the magic happens! When your body feels safe enough to let go. You may even notice an emotional softening, a sense that being gentle with yourself is okay.

As I work, I follow that web of connective tissue to other areas that feel hot, hard, or tender. These are signs that they, too, need attention. I encourage you to share any sensations you feel elsewhere in your body; that’s your body’s way of guiding us toward the places that need care.

Lasting Change, Not Just Temporary Relief

These long, gentle holds lead to lasting changes: physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Massage can feel wonderful, and it plays an important role in self-care. But Myofascial Release works deeper, helping your body restore balance, release pain, and reconnect with ease and freedom.

If you’ve only experienced massage, I invite you to try a Myofascial Release session and feel the difference for yourself.

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