Your First Myofascial Release Session

What to Expect from Your Myofascial Release Session

Deciding to try a new therapy can feel daunting, so knowing what to expect can help you feel comfortable and get the most out of your experience. A Myofascial Release (MFR) session is a unique and often deeply relaxing therapy focused on releasing tension in your body's connective tissue.

Your first appointment at our Urban Health clinic in Exeter will begin with a conversation. Your therapist will want to understand your medical history, your symptoms, and what you hope to achieve. This is followed by a postural assessment, where the therapist will observe how you stand and move to identify potential areas of fascial restriction. This initial evaluation is crucial for creating a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

When the hands-on portion of the session begins, you will be asked to lie on a comfortable treatment table. The therapy is typically performed directly on the skin without the use of oils or lotions. This allows the therapist to accurately feel the texture of your fascial tissue and apply the correct technique without slipping.

Unlike the continuous stroking of a traditional massage, MFR involves gentle, sustained pressure. The therapist will use their hands, knuckles, or forearms to slowly sink into the tissue at a restricted area. This pressure is held for several minutes—often three to five minutes or longer—until the therapist feels the fascia begin to release.

What does a release feel like? For the client, the sensations can vary. You might feel a gentle stretching, a sense of warmth spreading through the area, or a subtle "unwinding" sensation. The pressure is never forceful; the goal is to patiently encourage the tissue to lengthen and relax on its own. Your therapist will communicate with you throughout the session to ensure you remain comfortable at all times.

After the session, clients often report feeling lighter, more flexible, and having a greater range of motion. You may also feel deeply relaxed. To support the therapy, your therapist will recommend you drink plenty of water to help hydrate your newly released tissues and may give you some simple stretches to do at home.