Myofascial release is a manual technique that stretches and releases bonds between fascia (connective tissue) and other structures like ligaments, muscles, and bones. It aims to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and balance the body. Fascia surrounds and connects all tissues and organs. Myofascial release benefits include reducing pain, strengthening the immune system, improving circulation, and relieving nerve pressure. Techniques include direct pressure using tools on restricted fascia, indirect gentle stretching of fascia, and self-myofascial release using objects to apply pressure.

1. Myofascial release
• Ayesha Anwer Ali

2. Myofascial release
Myofascial release refers to the manual
technique for stretching the fascia and
releasing bonds between fascia and
Ligament, musles,and bones, with the goal of
eliminating pain, increasing range of motion
and balancing the body

3. Fascia
• Fascia is a tough connective tissue lining,
covering and investing muscles, and, indeed,
all cells, tissues and organs. Fascia is three –
dimensional and is continuous throughout the
body.

4. Function of fascia
• Physical
• To reduce friction
• Provide a sliding environment for muscles
• Suspend organs in their “proper” place
• Transmit movement from muscles to bones
• Provide a supportive and protective environment
for nerves and blood vessels as they pass through
and between muscles.
• Facilitates circulation – lymph and blood
• Provides support and connection

5. Benefits
• Myofascial Release can decreases Pain: it is claimed that this technique
can release the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, by allowing the
blood, lymph and nerve receptors to work efficiently so pain is relieved.
• It helps to strengthen the immune system. When fascia is restricted, the
lymphatic flow is slowed down, which affects the immune system (the
body’s first line of defence against infection and primary aid to healing).
• Myofascial Release increases the circulatory flow of lymph and therefore
hastens healing of injuries or infections.
• Myofascial Release Technique can work to relieve pressure which may be
caused by fascial adhesions pressing on the nerves. Keeping a healthy
circulatory system reduces stress on the heart and can prevent painful
cramps, brings nutrients to the cells and takes away the waste; Myofascial
Release Technique increases circulation and assists this process.

6. • Gentle and sustained, pressure should be applied for a
specific period of time – a minimum of 90 – 120 seconds
• This amount of time permits fascia to naturally elongate and
return to normal resting length which will restore the
healthy status , giving greater flexibility, mobility and
eliminating pain.
• It is like stretching a rubber band – if stretched for a short
time it will quickly spring back to its original shape but if left
stretched around an object for some time it will remain
permanently lengthened.

7. TECHNIQUES:
CONTENTS-
1.Direct myofascial release
2.Indirect myofascial release
3.Self myofascial release

8. Direct myofascial release-
• The direct myofascial release method works
directly on the restricted fascia.
• The practitioners use Knuckles, elbows,or
other tools to slowly sink into the restricted
fascia applying a few kilograms-force and then
stretch the fascia. This is sometimes referred
to as deep tissue work.

9. Michael Stan borough applied direct myofascial
release on plantar fascia-

10. Direct myofascial release on the thigh by Michael
Stanborough-

11. Direct Release Myofascial Technique - Thigh
T
H
I
G
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12. The Feet

13. Hamstrings

14. Calf

15. Indirect Myofascial Release-
• The indirect gentle stretch, the pressure is in few
grams, the hands tend to go with the restricted
fascia, hold the stretch, and allow the fascia to
‘unwind’ itself.
• The gentle traction applied to the restricted fascia
will result in heat, increase blood flow in the area.
• The intention is to allow the body’s inherent ability
for self correction returns, thus eliminating pain and
restoring the optimum performance of the body.

16. The indirect myofascial release,e.g. cross hand
technique according to John Barnes is as follows:
• With relaxed hand lightly contact the fascia.
• Slowly stretch the fascia until reaching a
barrier/restriction.
• Maintaining a light pressure to stretch the barrier
and wait for approximately 3-5 minutes.
• Prior to release,the therapist will feel a
therapeutic pulse(e.g. heat).
• As the barrier releases,the hand will feel the
motion and softening of the tissue.
• The Key is sustained pressure over time

17. Cross hand longitudinal stretching of the lumbar and
thoracic erector spinae musles-

18. Cross hand longitudinal stretching of the middle trapezii
musles:

19. Cross hand sretching of the quadricep
femoris muscle:

20. Self Myofascial Release-
• Self myofascial release(SMR) is when the
individual uses a soft object to provide
myofascial release under their own power.
• Usually an individual uses a soft roll, or ball on
which to rest one’s body weight,then,by using
gravity to induce pressure along the length of
the specific muscle or muscle groups, rolls
their body on the object, slowly allowing for
the fascia to be massaged.