Myofascial Release is a technique used to mobilize and stretch the fascia which is the connective tissue that runs continually throughout the body. My-meaning muscle and fascia - meaning the connective soft tissue, is often adhered to structures beside or underneath it's location thus impeding other structures to move freely. For example, if you work on a computer all day and the fascia in your pectoral region becomes adhered to the pectoral muscles below it, then in order to release and elongate the fibers of your pectoral muscles the fascia that wraps around those fibers will need to be stretched first. This will allow you the freedom to sit upright when both structures are restored to their normal resting positions.
The Massage Therapist will use hydrotherapy or other forms of massage to warm the tissue before any treatment is done to the fascia. This warming effect will allow the connective tissue to become more pliable and easier to work with lessening the chances of tearing or further injuring an area. The application of gentle traction, pressures and positioning, muscles in spasm are coaxed to relax, and adhesions in the fascia are broken down. With this relieved tension, the body responds with more functional flexibility and mobility of muscles.
Myofascial release techniques can often be painful and will require good communication skills between you and your Massage Therapist to ensure that the treatment is being applied within your pain tolerance, thus encouraging more positive results.