Myofascial Release

Myofascial Approaches

Myofascial release is an umbrella phrase that encompasses a variety of approaches, broadly categorised as either ‘direct myofascial release’ and ‘indirect myofascial release’, but all with the common focus on easing fascial restrictions. There are two main approaches - direct, and indirect - categorised by the osteopath Robert Ward, who was an influential figure in the developing field of osteopathy and manual therapy back in the 1970s. Both techniques use little or no lubrication.

Direct Approach of Myofascial Release

Direct techniques, sometimes involve the application of some form of direct shear stress, in order to separate adhesions binding muscles and individual muscle fibres to their adjacent structures. Unlike its indirect counterpart, it engages the restrictive barrier directly, using the application of slow, sustained force into fascial restrictions, moving against resistance rather than with the direction of ease. This is sometimes also referred to as ‘deep tissue’ work, though in the context of myofascial release it is done with little to no lubrication. Other common direct techniques include the manual traction, or shearing of fascia, all done at a slow pace to allow tissues to adapt and release.

Indirect Approach of Myofascial Release

Indirect fascial techniques, popularised by the physical therapist John Barnes, generally involves the application of a low intensity mechanical output in the form of stretches or compression to a specific region. This is followed by a slow steady pressure in the direction of ease, with aims to adjust and restore tension distribution within the facial network. These techniques are often referred to as ‘unwinding’, as the emphasis is on ‘following’ the direction fascia tends to move when gentle pressure is applied. The most popular technique used in indirect myofascial release is the ‘cross hand stretch’, where tissue is gently stretched through slow, steady pressure in the direction that fascia seems to allow the greatest easy of movement. Here, the tissue may be held at the end of its ‘stretch range’ for anything up to several minutes, whilst the tissue seems to reconfigure itself into a new direction of ease, giving off what some have described as a ‘melting sensation’.