A postural assessment will likely take place in the beginning where you will be asked to stand in your undergarments or shorts (and sports bra – for females). This will allow the therapist to observe where any major fascial restrictions may be tugging your posture from midline.
Myofascial Release (MFR) is typically done on a massage table while the client is wearing his/her undergarments, so long as the skin of the treated areas can be accessed. Sheets and pillows will be offered for the client’s comfort. Extra bolstering may be used when necessary.
Each MFR session is performed directly on skin without the use of lubricants or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.
Gentle but firm pressure will be applied to each restricted area. The therapist will be sustaining each hold for a minimum of 5 minutes due to the viscous flow of fascia and the piezoelectric phenomenon – a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.