What is Myofascia?

Myofascial Treatment: What to Expect

When undergoing Myofascial Restoration and IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization),  patients can expect a treatment designed to address tightness, pain, and dysfunction in the fascia and surrounding muscles.

Personalized Assessment
Your therapist will begin by evaluating your condition to identify areas of tension or restricted movement. They will tailor the therapy to target specific spots where fascia or muscles are causing issues.
Therapeutic Techniques
Myofascial therapy may involve the therapist using their hands or instruments to apply pressure to areas of tightness. This can include working on specific spots that may feel tender or stiff. IASTM involves the use of specialized tools to glide over the skin and apply pressure to deeper layers of tissue.

Communication During Treatment
Always communicate with your therapist about what you’re feeling. If something feels too intense or uncomfortable, let them know so they can adjust their approach. Effective therapy should lead to gradual improvements without causing distress. Talk to your therapist if anything feels too painful—they will adjust the treatment to make it comfortable yet effective.  

Gradual Improvement
The treatment is meant to improve the mobility of the fascia and muscles, and after a session, you may feel some temporary tenderness or discomfort, similar to the feeling after a deep massage or intense workout.  Many patients feel a noticeable improvement in their movement and reduced tension shortly after the treatment.
Ongoing Care
Depending on your condition, multiple sessions may be required. Your therapist may also suggest exercises to complement the therapy and support your progress between sessions.

First off, let's define fascia. It's a type of connective tissue that wraps around muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. Think of it like a web or a matrix that supports and connects everything in the body. Fascia helps us move smoothly by allowing muscles to slide and glide against each other, and it plays a role in posture, stability, and even pain perception. It’s not just “passive wrapping,” but an active tissue that responds to movement and strain. (Fascia Research Society)

In its normal, healthy state, the body's fascia is relaxed and soft, allowing it to stretch and move freely. However, when you experience physical trauma or inflammation, your body responds by laying down additional fascia to protect the area. Over time, these extra layers can become tight and restrictive, leading to tension throughout your body.


Common Misunderstandings

  • Misunderstanding: Lots of online information suggest that myofascial tools—such as foam rollers, massage guns, or certain creams—can instantly fix pain, stiffness, or discomfort.
    Reality: While these products can help improve mobility and temporarily ease muscle tension, they are not magic cures. Research shows that fascial pain and tightness often arise from complex issues. Tools like foam rollers or massage guns might provide temporary relief, but lasting results typically come from consistent, long-term care and lifestyle changes. (Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies)

  • Misunderstanding: Some people still believe fascia is a passive, non-responsive wrapper around muscles and organs.
    Reality: Fascia is actually a highly active tissue involved in movement and stability. It adapts to physical forces and can change its structure based on how it is used. Research indicates that fascia is sensitive to strain and pressure, impacting pain perception and movement patterns. (Fascia Research Society)

  • Misunderstanding: There is a popular belief that using myofascial tools should be painful for them to be effective. People often think that the more intense the pressure, the better the result.
    Reality: While some discomfort may be normal when working on tight spots, it should not be excruciating. Intense pain can be counterproductive, potentially causing more tension or leading you to tense up. Research shows that gentle, sustained pressure often leads to better long-term results than aggressive methods. (Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy)

  • Misunderstanding: Social media often suggests that all discomfort—whether it's stiffness, aches, or tension—results from "knots" in the fascia.
    Reality: While fascia can become stiff or restricted, not all tightness is due to fascia or "knots." Sometimes, tightness may be neurological, psychological, or muscular in nature. It's essential to consider the entire body and other potential causes of discomfort instead of attributing it all to fascia. (Fascia Research Society)

  • Misunderstanding: Many online personalities promote fancy, expensive tools as essential for fascia care.
    Reality: While specialized tools like massage guns or IASTM devices can be helpful in certain contexts, they are not necessary for effective fascia work. Simple tools, such as foam rollers or bodyweight exercises, can also target fascial tightness and improve mobility. The effectiveness often depends on how consistently and correctly you use the tool, rather than the tool itself. (Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies)