MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (MFR) is a specialised soft tissue treatment that works primarily with the body’s fascial system, the connective tissue network that supports, protects, and connects every structure in the body.

While Clinical & Sports Massage may incorporate elements of myofascial work, MFR treatments focus more deeply and specifically on fascial restriction, particularly where the nervous system, pain sensitivity, or systemic conditions are involved. Techniques differ significantly from traditional deep tissue or sports massage and are chosen based on how your body responds to pressure.

There are two main approaches to MFR: direct and indirect, and therapists may combine both within a session depending on your needs.

Direct Myofascial Release

Direct MFR (sometimes referred to as structural integration) involves applying sustained, targeted pressure into areas of restriction to help restore balance and mobility within the fascial system. This approach can feel more intense but is highly effective for long-standing stiffness, postural imbalance, and deep structural restriction.

Indirect Myofascial Release

Indirect MFR is a much gentler approach that works with the body’s natural movement patterns, often described as unwinding. This subtle technique is particularly suitable for clients who are sensitive to pressure or who have conditions where direct force may cause flare-ups or overwhelm the nervous system.

What is fascia?

Fascia is a fluid-filled, three-dimensional web of connective tissue made up of collagen and elastin fibres. It runs through and between every muscle, organ, nerve, bone, and cell in the body, allowing structures to move smoothly and efficiently.

Once thought to be little more than “packing tissue,” fascia is now recognised as playing a significant role in movement, pain perception, immune response, and communication within the body. Because it forms one continuous network, restriction in one area can influence movement and symptoms elsewhere.

Trauma, injury, hormones, surgery, inflammation, and repetitive posture can cause fascia to become dense and restricted. Over time, this can limit joint range of motion, disrupt normal movement patterns, and contribute to pain or compensation. Particularly where tissue has long healed but pain still resides.

What can Myofascial Release help with?

MFR can benefit almost everyone and is often integrated into Clinical Massage, but it is particularly effective for conditions involving chronic pain, nervous system sensitivity, or systemic involvement, including:

Fibromyalgia and Auto Immune disorders - often considered a myofascial pain condition, indirect MFR can help reduce widespread pain and fatigue by calming the nervous system and pain signals abundant within the fascia network.

Digestive conditions (including IBS, Crohn’s disease, and acid reflux) - fascial restriction around the abdomen, diaphrgam, ribs and organs can contribute to tension and symptom flare-ups. Visceral MFR techniques aim to improve tissue mobility and reduce functional restriction.

Asthma and other respiratory conditions - gentle visceral and thoracic MFR can help free the ribs, diaphragm, and lung tissue to support easier breathing and increase oxygen intake and reduce fatigue.

Migraines and sinus issues - Advanced MFR techniques, which may include intra-oral work, focus on the skull, face, jaw, eye sockets, and scalp to help reduce frequency and intensity and encourage sinus drainage.

Chronic pain and nervous system sensitisation - fascia contains a high density of nerve endings. Working with the fascial system helps calm protective pain responses and gradually “turn down the volume” of chronic pain signals where tissue has healed and the bio medical model is struggles to offer solutions.

Scar tissue - surgery or injury can cause scar tissue to bind surrounding structures. MFR helps reduce restriction, improving movement and tissue function. Scar Therapy is also available as a standalone treatment for those looking for scar work only.

Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and compartment-type symptoms - where fascial tightness affects circulation and tissue health, MFR looks at the whole body not just the area of pain.

Body alignment and structural imbalance - structural MFR is a deep but effective hands-on approach to restoring balance without forceful bone manipulation, particularly when the body feels “stuck” or other treatments haven’t helped.

Myofascial Release is available with:
Danielle, Lee, Katerina, and Zuzana

Prices from £70 — see individual therapist pricing for details.