Myofascial Release vs. Massage Therapy: Understanding the Difference and Choosing What’s Right for You

If you’ve ever dealt with lingering pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, chances are you’ve considered massage therapy—or maybe you’ve already had a few sessions. But have you heard of myofascial release?

While both approaches involve hands-on work to relieve tension and improve how you feel, they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference between massage therapy and myofascial release can help you choose the approach that will best meet your needs—especially if you’re looking for long-term results rather than temporary relief.

What is Fascia?

Before we talk about techniques, we need to understand fascia.

Fascia is a thin but incredibly strong web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve in your body. Think of it as your body’s internal “cling wrap” that holds everything in place while also allowing smooth, coordinated movement.

When fascia is healthy, it’s flexible, hydrated, and able to glide without restriction. But injuries, repetitive movements, poor posture, inflammation, and even emotional stress can cause fascia to tighten, harden, or develop adhesions.

When this happens, you might experience:

• Muscle pain or tenderness

• Restricted movement or flexibility

• Postural imbalances

• Compensations in other areas of the body

• Chronic tension that doesn’t respond to stretching or standard massage

Myofascial Release: Going Beyond the Muscles

Myofascial release (MFR) is a specialized manual therapy that focuses on releasing restrictions within the fascia.

Rather than working quickly over muscles, MFR uses gentle but sustained pressure and specific stretching techniques to “melt” through fascial restrictions. This work is slower, more intentional, and often performed without oils or lotions so the therapist can truly connect with and engage the fascia.

Over time, these techniques help restore the fascia’s natural flexibility and hydration, which improves overall movement and reduces strain on the muscles, joints, and nerves.

Why Myofascial Release Offers Longer-Lasting Results

Massage therapy is like smoothing the surface of a crumpled shirt—it feels better for a while, but the deeper creases may still be there. Myofascial release, on the other hand, works to iron out the underlying tissue restrictions so the changes last longer.

Some reasons MFR can create more lasting change:

1. It addresses the cause, not just the symptom.

   
   

   If fascia is pulling your body out of alignment, muscles will stay tight no matter how much massage you get. MFR releases the restriction so the muscle doesn’t have to overwork

   
   

2. It improves tissue health at a deeper level.

   
   

   Sustained pressure helps rehydrate fascia and restore its natural glide, which supports overall movement patterns.

3. It creates postural changes.

   
   

   By freeing restrictions, your body can naturally return to better alignment, reducing strain in other areas.

   
   

4. It can improve nerve and joint function.

   
   

   Releasing tight fascia can take pressure off irritated nerves and restricted joints, helping restore pain-free movement.

Who Can Benefit from Myofascial Release?

Almost anyone can benefit from myofascial release—especially if you’re dealing with pain, limited range of motion, or recurring tightness that doesn’t go away with stretching or regular massage.

You might consider MFR if you:

• Have chronic pain that returns quickly after massage

• Feel restricted or “stuck” in certain movements

• Have postural imbalances from sitting, standing, or repetitive work

• Are recovering from surgery or injury (once cleared by your doctor)

• Experience tension headaches or jaw pain

• Participate in sports or activities that create repetitive strain

Conditions Myofascial Release Can Help With

Here are just a few of the issues MFR can address:

Hip Pain

Fascial restrictions in the hip and surrounding tissues can cause stiffness, reduced mobility, and discomfort when walking, sitting, or exercising. MFR can free up the tissues to restore more natural movement patterns.

Lower Back Pain

Many cases of low back pain are linked to tension in the fascia of the hips, pelvis, or even the legs. By releasing those restrictions, pressure on the spine is reduced.

Headaches

Tension in the fascia of the neck, shoulders, or jaw can contribute to headaches and migraines. Gentle, sustained release can help reduce frequency and intensity.

Neck Pain

If neck movement feels limited or painful, MFR can address restrictions that may be pulling your cervical spine out of alignment or limiting rotation.

Plantar Fasciitis

This painful foot condition often involves tight fascia in the feet and calves. MFR can help release those restrictions, reduce pain, and improve walking mechanics.

What to Expect in a Myofascial Release Session

At Latitude Movement, myofascial release sessions are customized to your needs. I often combine MFR with other tools like cupping therapy, Graston, targeted stretching, and movement re-education to help your body integrate the changes.

A typical session might involve:

• Assessment of posture and movement

• Hands-on techniques to engage and stretch fascia

• Sustained pressure in key areas of restriction

• Education on stretches or movements to maintain results

You’ll usually feel a deep sense of relief during the session, and changes in mobility and comfort often continue over the next few days, with relief lasting from a few weeks up to several months.

During your session, we will also discuss lifestyle measures to keep you moving optimally.

Why Choose Myofascial Release at Latitude Movement

While massage therapy is wonderful for relaxation and short-term relief, myofascial release is designed to create structural change and lasting improvement. My goal is to help you not just feel better for a few hours, but move and function better long-term.

By addressing fascia, we can improve your posture, reduce pain, and support your body’s natural ability to heal—so you can get back to doing the activities you love without being limited by discomfort.

If you’re ready to move beyond temporary relief and start addressing the root of your pain, I’d love to help.

📍 Located in Buffalo, NY

🗓 Book your session today or reach out with questions—let’s get you moving and feeling your best.

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