The Basics of Myofascial Release (MFR)

I first learned about Myofascial Release (MFR) in my yoga teacher training, but it didn’t fully land until I started dealing with SI joint flare-ups and neck tension. With a regular practice, those have become much easier to manage, and my body feels lighter and more at ease.

What is Fascia?

Fascia is like a thin layer of plastic wrap that surrounds and connects everything in the body — muscles, bones, and organs. Over time, it adapts to how you move (or don’t move). Repetitive patterns and long hours of sitting can create adhesions — spots where the fascia sticks and limits mobility.

Why MFR Helps

Using props like therapy balls or blocks, MFR applies gentle, sustained pressure to soften adhesions, rehydrate the tissue, and restore freedom of movement. For me, it brings an instant sense of fluidity — movements feel smoother, easier, and more spacious.

A Practice of Patience

MFR, like yoga, isn’t about pushing through or quick fixes. It’s about slowing down, breathing with discomfort, and giving the body time to release. Over time, those steady moments of practice reshape not only the fascia, but also how we move and feel in daily life.

Closing

MFR may look simple, but the shifts are powerful. It teaches patience, presence, and trust in the body’s natural ability to release. If you’re curious to try, I offer it in private sessions and small group workshops.