At Atlas Chiropractic & Wellness, we offer Myofascial Massage as a powerful complement to chiropractic care. This specialized form of soft tissue therapy targets restrictions in the fascia to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function.
Why it’s done
Joint dysfunction is rarely isolated. It’s often accompanied by tension or damage in the surrounding soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Over time, repetitive movements, injuries, poor posture, or even prolonged inactivity can lead to adhesions or restrictions in the fascia. These restrictions limit movement, compress nerves and blood vessels, and contribute to chronic pain.
Myofascial massage helps break up these restrictions and supports the body’s natural healing processes. By releasing tension in the fascia, this therapy enhances the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments and accelerates recovery.
What to expect
Your session begins with a focused assessment of your mobility and areas of pain or stiffness. During the massage, your therapist will apply sustained pressure and slow, deliberate strokes to targeted areas of the body where fascia is restricted. You may feel mild discomfort during the release of tight tissues, but most patients describe the experience as relieving and relaxing.
Some oils or lotions may be used during myofascial release, and the techniques are typically performed with hands-on pressure or gentle stretching. Sessions may focus on one area or involve multiple areas depending on your specific needs and condition.
What is myofascial release therapy?
Myofascial release therapy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on releasing fascial restrictions in order to improve movement and reduce pain. Unlike traditional massage, which may emphasize muscle relaxation, myofascial release targets the fascia’s deep, interconnected web throughout the body. Treatment may involve:
- Gentle, sustained pressure on restricted fascial tissue
- Passive stretching of soft tissue
- Trigger point release
- Releasing areas of muscle or connective tissue tension that refer pain to other regions
This therapy is especially beneficial when integrated into a broader treatment plan that includes chiropractic adjustments and corrective exercises.
Benefits of myofascial release therapy
- Relief from chronic pain and muscle tightness
- Improved mobility and posture
- Enhanced circulation and lymphatic flow
- Reduced tension and stress
- Support for recovery from injuries or surgeries
- Improved function and performance in everyday movement
Patients with conditions like fibromyalgia, TMJ dysfunction, headaches, back pain, or repetitive strain injuries often experience significant improvement with myofascial therapy.
Myofascial massage techniques
At Atlas Chiropractic & Wellness, we use a variety of myofascial massage techniques tailored to your unique needs. Common techniques include:
- Direct myofascial release – Also called deep tissue work, this involves applying firm, sustained pressure directly into the fascial restrictions to break up adhesions and restore movement.
- Indirect myofascial release – This gentler approach allows the fascia to “unwind” naturally. The therapist follows the tissue’s resistance and encourages it to release gradually without force.
- Trigger point therapy – Focuses on identifying and releasing hyperirritable nodules (trigger points) within muscles that refer pain to other areas of the body.
- Cross-hand release – The therapist places both hands on the affected area and gently stretches the fascia in opposite directions to lengthen and release tension in the tissue.
- Skin rolling – A technique where the skin and fascia are lifted and rolled between the fingers to identify and release restrictions just beneath the surface.
- Stretch and release – Combines gentle manual pressure with movement or passive stretching to encourage fascia to relax and lengthen over time.
Each session is personalized to target your specific concerns, whether you’re dealing with chronic tightness, pain after an injury, or simply want to restore balanced movement.
Myofascial release therapy concerns
Myofascial massage is safe and non-invasive. In very rare cases mild soreness or sensitivity in treated areas can occur after a session, especially if the fascia has been tight for a long time. These symptoms usually subside within a day or two.