Myofascial Release Therapy
Do you tend to wake up stiff in the morning? Is getting out of bed painful? Do you feel stiff after sitting for any length of time?
Most people assume the joints are to blame, but often it is the soft tissue surrounding the joints — the fascia — that may be contributing to stiffness, pain, fatigue, and restriction within the body.
Does any of this sound familiar?
- Pain that hasn’t responded to conventional treatment
- Symptoms that improve for a while, then return again
- Pain that seems to move around the body or appear on the opposite side
- Being told by doctors or specialists that “nothing is wrong”
- Scans, MRIs, or tests that do not fully explain your symptoms
- Pain that keeps you awake at night
- Feeling unable to be as active as you would like to be
- Constant exhaustion or feeling worn down
- Symptoms that have been present for years and seem to be worsening or spreading
- Feeling isolated, low, or emotionally drained because of ongoing pain
- Feeling like other people no longer understand or want to hear about it
- A sense that your nervous system has become highly sensitive or overwhelmed
If any of this resonates with you, it may indicate that your symptoms are connected to the fascial system. The encouraging news is that fascia can change, adapt, and heal.
Because fascia continually renews itself, releasing restrictions within the fascial system can create meaningful and lasting changes throughout the body.
What is Myofascial Release?
“Myo” is the Greek word for muscle, and fascia is the connective tissue that runs throughout the entire body. It forms a continuous three-dimensional web of support that surrounds and connects muscles, bones, organs, nerves, blood vessels, and every cell within the body.
Fascia is often described as the body’s “scaffolding.” It helps support us against gravity through a constantly changing balance of tension and compression. It also contains much of the body’s water and is richly supplied with sensory nerves responsible for pain, movement, and body awareness.
When the body experiences injury, inflammation, infection, surgery, or emotional trauma, the fascia naturally tightens and contracts as part of a protective response. However, these restrictions do not always release on their own. Because the fascial system is fully interconnected, tension or strain in one area of the body can create pain, reduced movement, or dysfunction somewhere else entirely.
Over time, restrictions within the fascia may affect circulation, hydration, nerve function, and the healthy flow of nutrients through the tissues. Scar tissue and fascial thickening can also create tension patterns that contribute to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and compensatory movement patterns throughout the body.
Myofascial Release (MFR) uses gentle, sustained, hands-on techniques to help soften and release these restrictions within the fascial system. By restoring movement and flow within the tissues, the body is often able to return to a greater sense of balance, ease, and function.
MFR can be helpful for a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including:
- Back pain and sciatica
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Jaw tension and headaches
- Sports injuries and repetitive strain injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Scar tissue and post-surgical adhesions
- IBS, constipation, and abdominal tension
- Persistent pain and restricted movement
Treatment may also help improve posture, movement patterns, body awareness, and overall wellbeing.
Myofascial treatment
Treatment involves a gentle, focused, “listening” touch. Using sustained contact on the skin, the therapist tunes into the tissues and follows the body’s natural release process rather than forcing change.
Unlike more aggressive techniques, Myofascial Release works slowly and gently, allowing the fascia time to soften and unwind. This can help restore hydration, circulation, mobility and flow within the tissues, while calming the nervous system and reducing protective tension patterns held within the body.
Gentle fascial work can be especially supportive following surgery, injury, or trauma. It may help reduce swelling, ease pain, calm the fight-or-flight response, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Because fascia is closely connected with the nervous system and emotional holding patterns, emotions or memories may occasionally surface during or after treatment. Some people also experience temporary soreness or fatigue following a session as the body processes and releases long-held tension. This is generally short-lived and often followed by a greater sense of ease and relief.
Every person’s fascial system is unique, so each treatment is tailored to the individual. Rather than simply treating symptoms, Myofascial Release aims to address the deeper restrictions contributing to pain and dysfunction.
Over a series of treatments, many people experience lasting improvements not only in pain and movement, but also in posture, body awareness, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing.
The fascia forms a 3D matrix of structural support surrounding all organs, muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and every cell. It is the ‘in between’ space that holds most of the water in our bodies (interstitial fluid or ground substance), and the ‘scaffolding’ (collagen and elastin) that holds the body up against gravity due to a dynamic, ever-changing balance between tension and compression. It is highly innervated with sensors for pain and awareness of where our body is in space.
The fascia’s role is to contract during injury or in response to inflammation, infection or surgery and it does not release on its own. Because the fascia is an interconnected system, any strain or tension in one part of the body may generate pain, reduce range of movement or cause dysfunction elsewhere in the body. Thus, releasing restrictions in the Myofascia, will have an effect on the fascia elsewhere, including at a deeper level.
As it surrounds all structures, a thickening in the fascia will inhibit the flow between blood vessels and the cells, starving them of nutrients and hydration, and trapping toxins in the cells. Furthermore, scar tissue produces a huge tensile force which can crush nerves and blood vessels anywhere in the body, including in the brain, resulting in changes at cellular level. This could be the cause of many illnesses/ conditions, though is is rarely identified by the medical profession, as it does not show up in current imaging techniques.
Fascial techniques are very useful in treating a huge variety of symptoms, such as back pain and Sciatica, neck pain, jaw dysfunction and headaches, sport injuries or repetitive strain injuries such as plantar fasciatis. Fascial release is also effective in reducing scar tissue and adhesions post-surgery (even years later), and in addressing symptoms of IBS, constipation and many more.
Treating the fascia allows the body to rid itself of patterns of asymmetry, which may cause excessive wear and tear on joints, pain and dysfunction. One can then learn to realign the body and re-programme a neutral, symmetrical pattern of movement, thus restoring function and reducing pain long term.
More recently I discovered how potent a super gentle MFR technique is in calming down the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight response) after major surgery (such as open heart surgery, hip and knee replacements, compartment syndrome, hand and wrist surgery) by clearing the memory of the trauma of surgery or intubation from the tissue. More so, a gentle tug on the fascia facilitated an instant reduction in swelling (a major contributor to pain post-surgery). Even bruising has cleared at an astonishing rate! All in all, treatment in the first few day’s post-surgery dramatically enhances recovery by reducing one’s anxiety and swelling and pain, allowing the immune system to function at its best.
Combining Myofascial Release, Therapeutic Coaching®, and intuitive awareness is my preferred way of working. Click below to find out more.
Self release
Our body is built for movement. Fascial restrictions build up overnight and need breaking up in the morning with a good dynamic wiggling stretch.
So, what do you do? How do you stretch? Is your stretching effective in releasing your stiffness?
In my sessions I will teach you how to become aware and respond to what your body needs, and how to make your stretches highly effective whilst staying gentle and pain free.
Assessment of ergonomics (objects you interact with) and ADL (activities of daily living)
The way we sleep, sit, work, garden, exercise, and move throughout daily life can often contribute to pain and stiffness within the body.
Pain that improves with treatment but repeatedly returns — especially more than once — is often a sign that something in your everyday habits, posture, or environment may still be aggravating the tissues and preventing full recovery.
An important part of your assessment is identifying these contributing factors.
Alongside hands-on treatment to reduce pain and restore balance within the tissues, practical and highly individualised advice will be provided to support your recovery. Sometimes even small adjustments can make a significant difference — from the height of your pillow for proper neck support, to the angle of your bike saddle, the chair you sit in most often, or the position of your television.
Advice can also be given on improving and adapting your workspace, whether that involves a desk setup at work, working from home, or using a laptop in bed.
By reducing the ongoing strain on the body and eliminating contributing factors wherever possible, we can support more effective healing, improve long-term results, and maximise your chances of staying well.
What does fascia look like?
Click on the links below to view some excellent videos explaining more about the fascia and Myofascial Release:
What does the fascia look like? https://youtu.be/JgNoUrNlgr4
The Fuzz Speech, Gil Headley: https://youtu.be/_FtSP-tkSug
Skin, scars and stiffness, Dr Gimbarteau: https://youtu.be/RQloBVwkieM
Strolling under the skin, Dr. Gimbarteau: https://youtu.be/eW0lvOVKDxE
What is fascia? https://youtu.be/frgQ3k0v_Dg
Biotensegrity, Tom Mayers: https://youtu.be/BzgxYpDyO0M
Fireside talks with John F Barnes: a 75 minute video where John discusses his philosophy principles and methods for treating pain and restoring function.
I highly recommend this informative and easy to follow documentary called ‘HEAL’, which explains how our bodies are designed to self heal, highlights the most important factors in the healing process and explains the new science behind new thinking. (I would recommend purchasing it as you may well want to watch it more than once.)
And JUST for fun, watch ice crystals form on a freezing soap bubble…. so beautiful! Is this how the crystalline water of the fascia crystallises in the body –https://youtu.be/8UhjxHurl0Y
Myofascial release prices and booking
Sessions are for an hour or 90 minutes to enable the whole body alignment to be addressed and give time for the delicate tissues to respond.
Further sessions are spaced a week or more apart to allow the body time to integrate the changes.
At Scorpio Clinic, clinic prices apply.
At my practice prices are:
- £115 for an hour – full price
- £145 for 90 minutes – full price
- £100 for an hour – supported price
- £135 for 90 minutes – supported price
Skype/ Zoom/ phone consultation prices are:
- £60 for up to 30 minutes
- £115 for up to an hour
For further information about prices please click here.
For locations and to talk to me about whether this treatment is right for you, click here
Testimonials
Having seen four specialists and various physios with no concrete diagnosis or results I was in a pretty low place with the intense nerve pain I was suffering in both arms when I was referred to Dana. I had been suffering for a few months and had been off work for two, but she was quite confident she could improve things in three or four sessions. By session three most of the nerve pain had gone, and a few weeks later I was back to work. Her approach is very different to any other physio I’ve seen and she’s clearly incredibly tuned in to the workings of the body, as well as the mind, and has provided relief for me in both areas. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
- Paul Friend
I was recommended to Dana by my golf pro who felt I could improve my golf after Myofascial Release, and it would also help my other aches and pains. She was so right! Within a few sessions, my former stiffness and pain had been substantially relieved and I was driving the ball further. Dana has worked her magic on me and given me wonderful advice on how to relieve problem areas myself through stretches and simple exercises. I have tried physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractice, but Myofascial Release is by far the most effective in my experience. Dana is a true professional.
- Jacky Simons
Dana Bregman is more than just a gifted physiotherapist. She has a true vocation for the healing arts and brings great intuition as well immense knowledge and experience to the work that she does. I have recently had a knee replacement operation and the pain relief her treatments have brought me has been remarkable. She studies incessantly and is always adding new techniques to her repertoire. She has often stepped in to help members of my family and we all cannot praise her highly enough. I bless the friend who recommended her to me.
- Meredith Daneman
I’m genuinely amazed at the improvement I’ve seen since you’ve been treating me, and I don’t exaggerate when I say it’s really made a huge difference to my life.
- Paul
As a professional sportsperson for 35years I have endured my fair share of injuries and received numerous treatments! I just wish I had discovered MFR when I was younger, especially when delivered by Dana and her “magic hands”. Dana’s experience and special intuition ensure that I have benefitted not only from the treatment at the time but my body has continued to heal itself afterwards. The result has been that most of my chronic injuries have completely disappeared. She has also helped me to strengthen my body in a safe way through her enthusiastic Pilates tuition.
- 50+ from Battersea
Almost completely pain free! (in one session) You have worked miracles. Thank you so much!
- Claire
Just a couple of lines to say how impressed I have been with the treatment I received from dana. I came to her with a very stiff neck and head pains and in 2 sessions she managed not only to relieve a lot of the stiffness and pain but also to explain exactly what she was doing and why and to give me a wide range of exercises and ideas to manage and release this stiffness. I have nothing but praise for her. Many thanks.
- Paloma Rentera
Dana’s breadth and depth of knowledge have enabled a comprehensive skill which she employs with great empathy. In my particular case she has virtually eliminated intense, chronic neck and head pain to the extent I am now completely weaned off strong prescription medication. Dana has achieved what my doctors and previous physiotherapists couldn’t.
- Brian S
I was recommended to Dana by a friend, after a recurrence of old spinal injuries, which were causing me great pain and therefore an inability to sleep. He was effusive in his praise of her, which turned out to be absolutely correct. She has an extraordinary ability to identify areas of pain, and the relevant techniques required to alleviate, and subsequently rid me of all pain, so much so that I am now running again.
Her approach is holistic, her demeanour kind, attentive and calm.
I recommend her very highly, and shall be sending my friends and family to her should they need her healing hands.
- Mopsy Wass, Battersea
I called Dana’s treatment ‘a process of forgiveness’….Now I’ve had time to reflect – and can still feel my body continuing to respond today to her gentle style… The body absorbs and remembers and compensates for trauma – physically and mentally, but it also wants to be free of the trauma.
I suspect the body can only be truly free of trauma if it trusts someone to ‘release’ it.
I think Dana’s gift is trust: from the first time she laid her hands on me, and more significantly when she began her treatment, she understood my body and muscles – as opposed to ‘me’ – sensed that she could be trusted and I could feel them ‘wanting’ to respond to Dana’s manipulation. That is her gift.
- Paul
I was recommended to contact Dana Bregman by a dear friend and golf professional.
I was concerned that I had constant back pain and no cure could be found. I confess to being somewhat sceptical about physiotherapy having never encountered it before. Imagine my surprise on discovering that not only was fascia release uncovering the source of the pain but inducing a sense of wellbeing and inner calm.
Result: after one session, no pain and increased movement, and after second session, again no pain, improved range of movement and an increased sense of wellbeing.
Am scheduled for repeat session in five weeks’ time. No longer a sceptic me!!
- Brian St Clair
Dana is Great! She works sensitively using a variety of techniques to ease tension, alleviate pain and free up movement. Thoroughly recommended! - Christine, Wimbledon
An athlete with chronic shoulder and neck problems, after treatment from Dana’s magic hands I can now lift my arm above my head!
I suffer from cramp in my legs and Dana really helped, much better sleep now!
My headaches and neck issues disappeared and no one has ever managed to help before. I have tried acupuncture, massage. Physiotherapy, osteopathy…
Dana managed to resolve chronic bowel and bladder issues I have had since my kids were born 20 yrs ago, amazing! No one else managed to make a difference…
Had a good session with Dana today – gives me hope!
Can’t get better than that, Dana!
- Sophie Dhenin, Scorpio Clinic
I was recommended to Dana after having a massage, seeing 3 different Physiotherapists, an MRI scan and a consultants view of what needed to be done. After 2 sessions with her, my back feels as strong if not stronger than it did before I had my back problem.
I would recommend Dana to anyone that has back problems.
- Ian Irving
Let's Talk
If you would like to talk through about how myofascial release can help, please send me a message and I’ll call you back.