Myofascial Release

When pain and stiffness linger no matter how much you stretch or rest, the fascia may be the missing piece. Myofascial release is a specialized form of bodywork that targets this web-like connective tissue surrounding your muscles, bones, and nerves — the network that quietly holds so much of our chronic tension. At Body Dealing, licensed massage therapist Ana Suriel uses slow, sustained pressure to gently release restricted fascia, ease tight trigger points, and help your body move more freely. Unlike a fast-paced massage that glides over the muscles, myofascial release works patiently and precisely, giving stubborn tension the time it needs to let go. If chronic tightness has become part of your daily life, myofascial release therapy offers a gentle path toward lasting relief.

Myofascial release focuses on the fascia — the tough, web-like connective tissue that surrounds and supports your muscles, bones, and nerves throughout the body. When fascia becomes tight or restricted, it can pull on surrounding structures, limit your movement, and contribute to persistent pain. What makes myofascial release distinct is its patient, sustained approach. Rather than gliding quickly over the muscles, the therapist searches by hand for stiff, tight areas and applies steady, constant pressure, often holding it for a minute or two — sometimes longer. This sustained stretch gives the connective tissue time to soften, lengthen, and reorganize, which is what allows tension to release at a deeper level. The result is often improved mobility, reduced stiffness, and relief from chronic tightness that quicker treatments can't fully reach. As with any bodywork, myofascial release supports your well-being but isn't a substitute for medical care, so it's best to consult your doctor about any diagnosed condition.

Myofascial release works to loosen stiff, restricted fascia, decrease chronic pain, and improve your mobility and range of motion. By applying gentle, sustained pressure to tight areas and trigger points, it helps release the connective-tissue restrictions that contribute to persistent tension and discomfort. People commonly seek myofascial release to help ease muscle knots and myofascial pain, chronic back and neck tension, headaches, scar-tissue restrictions that can follow surgery or injury, and the widespread tightness associated with conditions like fibromyalgia. It tends to benefit those whose pain feels deep, lingering, or resistant to stretching and rest — from desk workers and active individuals to anyone carrying long-held tension. While many people find meaningful relief, it's important to remember that myofascial release is a complementary therapy that supports the body rather than a cure for medical conditions. If you're managing a diagnosed issue or recovering from surgery or injury, it's best to check with your doctor first so your care can be coordinated safely.

The main difference lies in what each technique targets and how. A traditional massage primarily works the muscles, using strokes, kneading, and pressure that glide across the body to relieve tension and promote relaxation. Myofascial release, by contrast, focuses specifically on the fascia — the connective tissue surrounding the muscles — using slow, sustained holds rather than flowing movements. Instead of moving continuously, the therapist stays with a restricted area, applying steady pressure and waiting for the tissue to soften and release. In practice, a relaxation massage is wonderful for easing everyday tension and unwinding, while myofascial release is especially suited to stubborn, chronic tightness rooted in the fascial network. At Body Dealing, Ana offers both approaches and can help you choose — or blend — the right technique based on what your body needs.

Many people ask whether myofascial release can help with TMJ, the jaw discomfort and tension centered around the temporomandibular joint. Because the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders are all connected through the fascial network, tension in these areas often overlaps, and some people find that gentle myofascial work around the surrounding muscles helps relieve the tightness that contributes to their discomfort. By easing restriction in the muscles that support the jaw, myofascial release may offer a sense of relief and improved comfort for some individuals. That said, TMJ disorders can have many underlying causes, and myofascial release is not a diagnosis or a medical treatment for them. If you're experiencing significant or ongoing jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening your mouth, it's important to consult your dentist or doctor, who can evaluate the cause and guide your care. Myofascial release can be a soothing complement to that care, but it shouldn't replace it.

What sets Body Dealing apart is the skill and patience behind every session. Ana Suriel is a licensed massage therapist and the owner of Body Dealing, trained at the New York College of Health Professions in a curriculum spanning both Eastern and Western techniques. That well-rounded, recognized foundation gives her a deep understanding of how tension moves through the body — and why the slow, precise approach of myofascial release can reach what other treatments miss.

Just as important, Ana believes in educating her clients rather than simply working on them. She'll help you understand what fascia is, why certain areas feel restricted, and how to care for your body between sessions. Her myofascial work is gentle yet effective, always guided by your feedback and focused on genuine, lasting relief.

How long is a myofascial release session?
At Body Dealing, myofascial release sessions are offered in 30-, 60-, and 90-minute lengths, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs. A 30-minute session works well when you'd like to focus on a single restricted area, such as a tight neck, shoulder, or lower back. A 60-minute myofascial release session allows time to address several areas thoroughly at the slow, sustained pace this technique requires. If your tension is deeper or more widespread, a 90-minute session gives Ana the time to work patiently through the fascial restrictions without rushing. During booking, she's happy to help you decide which length will serve you best based on what you're experiencing.
What does myofascial release feel like?
Myofascial release feels quite different from a typical massage. Rather than flowing strokes, you'll notice steady, sustained pressure that Ana holds on tight or restricted areas, often for a minute or two at a time. Many people describe a gradual sense of release, as if the tissue is slowly softening and letting go, sometimes accompanied by a mild stretching sensation. It's generally gentle rather than intense, though you may feel tenderness in especially restricted spots. The experience is patient and deliberate by design, and most people find it deeply relieving. As always, Ana works within your comfort level and checks in throughout your session.
How will I feel after a myofascial release session?
After a myofascial release session, most people feel looser, more mobile, and noticeably lighter in the areas that were worked on. Because the technique encourages the connective tissue to release and reorganize, it's also common to feel some mild soreness or tenderness for a day or so afterward, similar to how you might feel after gentle exercise. Staying well hydrated and moving gently helps your body respond and settle. Many clients find that once any initial tenderness fades, they're left with meaningful relief from tension they'd carried for a long time. Ana will let you know what to expect based on the work done during your session.
Is myofascial release safe for everyone?
Myofascial release is gentle and well tolerated by most healthy adults, but there are situations that call for extra care or a doctor's guidance. If you're pregnant, recovering from a recent injury or surgery, managing a condition such as a bleeding disorder, or dealing with a diagnosed medical issue, it's best to speak with your physician before booking and to let Ana know in advance. This allows her to adjust her approach, focus on appropriate areas, or recommend a gentler option when that's the safer choice. Being open about your health history helps ensure your myofascial release session is both effective and safe for you.
How often should I get myofascial release?
How often you should get myofascial release depends on your goals and how your body responds. If you're working through chronic tension or a specific restricted area, more frequent sessions early on — such as every one to two weeks — can help make steady progress. Once you're feeling better, many people shift to a maintenance rhythm, like a monthly session, to keep tension from rebuilding. Because everyone's fascia and tension patterns are different, Ana takes time to understand your body during each visit and can offer personalized guidance on a cadence that supports lasting relief, without ever locking you into a fixed schedule.

What Your Myofascial Release Session Includes

How Myofascial Release Works

What Does Myofascial Release Do?

What Is the Difference Between Massage and Myofascial Release?

Serving Nearby Communities with Myofascial Release

Does Myofascial Release Help TMJ?

Why Choose Body Dealing for Myofascial Release

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a myofascial release session?

What does myofascial release feel like?

How will I feel after a myofascial release session?

Is myofascial release safe for everyone?

How often should I get myofascial release?

Book Your Myofascial Release Session Today

Have a Question? Let's Talk

Services We Offer:

Providing you with Harmony between Body, Mind, & Spirit

Contact Information

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Book Your Session

Newsletter Sign Up