Discover More About Myofascial Release
What Is Myofascial Release (MFR)?
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a gentle, hands-on therapy that works with the body’s connective tissue—called fascia—to ease restrictions that can limit mobility, create tension, and contribute to pain.
Using slow, sustained pressure, MFR encourages the fascia to soften and restore natural movement and circulation. As restrictions release, the body often experiences improved range of motion, reduced discomfort, and a greater sense of ease.
MFR beautifully complements the practice of Pilates. While Pilates emphasizes mindful strength, alignment, and control, MFR supports the body by addressing deeper layers of tension and long-held holding patterns. Together, they create a more responsive, adaptable body—one that moves with greater freedom and feels better both during movement and in everyday life.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. It helps shape how we move, feel, and function by allowing the body’s systems to communicate with one another.
When fascia is healthy—hydrated, elastic, and responsive—movement feels easier, circulation flows, and the nervous system can adapt to stress. The body moves efficiently and recovers more easily.
Over time, injury, repetitive strain, inflammation, or chronic stress can cause fascia to become restricted. When this happens, communication within the body begins to break down. Movement may feel limited or uncomfortable, tension increases, and the body often compensates with altered patterns that can lead to pain or fatigue.
As wellness evolves beyond symptom management, fascia is increasingly recognized as a key system influencing long-term health. Fascia is richly connected to the nervous system and plays an important role in regulation, resilience, and recovery.
Myofascial Release (MFR) is not simply about “releasing tight tissue.” It is a gentle, sustained approach that helps restore mobility, circulation, and clear communication within the body. As fascial tissue softens and reorganizes, the nervous system can shift out of protective patterns, supporting greater ease and adaptability.
When the body communicates clearly through its fascia, feeling better becomes a natural outcome—not something forced.
Approaches to Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release can take different forms depending on your goals, comfort level, and what your body is ready for.
Structural Myofascial Release focuses on gently releasing physical restrictions and tension patterns within the body. This work is more clinical in nature and is often used to improve mobility, reduce pain, and address postural or movement limitations.
Unwinding is a deeper form of Myofascial Release that some clients choose to explore. This approach works with long-standing tension patterns that can involve both the body and the nervous system. As these deeper layers release, clients may experience spontaneous movement, deep relaxation, or emotional release.
Unwinding is always guided by the client’s readiness and consent. It is never forced or expected, and not every session includes this type of work. Your practitioner will communicate with you throughout the session to ensure you feel supported, safe, and in control of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is MFR different from massage?
While massage primarily works with muscles, Myofascial Release focuses on the fascia. MFR is typically slower and more intentional, using sustained pressure rather than rhythmic strokes. The goal is not to “work harder,” but to allow the tissue and nervous system time to respond and release.
Is Myofascial Release painful?
MFR is generally gentle and should not feel aggressive. Some areas may feel intense or unfamiliar as restrictions release, but sessions are guided by your comfort and feedback. Many clients describe the work as deeply relieving, calming, or surprisingly subtle.
What can I expect during a session?
Sessions are quiet, slow, and hands-on. Your practitioner will apply gentle, sustained pressure to areas of restriction, often holding for several minutes to allow the tissue to soften and change. You may notice warmth, tingling, emotional release, or a sense of lightness during or after your session.
What is unwinding in Myofascial Release?
Unwinding is a deeper approach to Myofascial Release that works with long-standing tension patterns held in the body and nervous system. As these patterns release, some clients may experience spontaneous movement, deep relaxation, or emotional release. Unwinding is always guided by the client’s comfort and consent, and is never forced or expected during a session.
What should I wear to my session?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement, such as leggings and a fitted top. Some techniques are most effective when working directly on the skin; if so, you may undress to your comfort level. You will always be properly draped with sheets to ensure privacy and warmth.
Who can benefit from Myofascial Release?
MFR can be helpful for people experiencing chronic pain, tension, limited mobility, postural strain, stress, or recovery from injury. It is also beneficial for athletes, movers, and anyone seeking greater ease and awareness in their body.
How often should I receive MFR?
Frequency depends on your needs. Some clients come weekly or biweekly during periods of pain or recovery, while others incorporate MFR occasionally as part of ongoing self-care or to complement Pilates practice.
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What Clients Are Saying
Bradley Fenton
Because it is a small space, you don’t feel overwhelmed and they only hold one-on-one sessions or small group classes.This adds to the focused care that is needed to heal and grow.
They have recently added myofascial release (MFR) to the Center. I have had several sessions with Jacob, who offers a therapeutic MFR…I won’t return to the former MFR work I’ve had that was painful. I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be painful to work and, in fact, I am increasing my flexibility while decreasing my pain with Jacob’s sessions.
I have made my weekly sessions a priority and continue to see pain improvement as well as overall body strength that my routine gym and yoga workouts don’t provide.
As a standalone exercise or a compliment to your existing program, this is a place that will teach you more about your body’s unique structure and how best to care for it. Besides, they have a yoga wall and fabulous small classes. What a wonderful way to stay strong and healthy that truly helps with combating the body’s aging process."
Ginny Booton
Meet Our Licensed MFR Practitioner
Jacob Apodaca
- Certified Myofascial Release Therapist under John Barnes
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- License Number: MT147673
After five years in the fire service, I knew it was time for a career change. At first I was unsure if I truly would enjoy this field of work, but after studying and training I find that I learn and enjoy what I do each and every day.
The training I underwent to be an EMT/FF and the 5+ years of experience was very helpful and made for a smooth transition into the knowledge needed to be an LMT/MFR Practitioner. Massage school and MFR training showed me a whole different side of the human body, it taught me the importance of looking deeper and learn to focus on finding the root cause, verses the symptoms of any given condition.
I truly believe in Myofascial Release and the healing it brings. I look forward to doing my best to facilitate healing for all of my clients.
Ready to Move Freely Again?
Sessions start at $109 — packages available.