What is Myofascial release therapy?
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a gentle, hands-on therapy that uses sustained pressure and slow, intentional movements to release tightness and restrictions in the myofascial system.
Fascia is the dense connective tissue that surrounds and supports every muscle, bone, organ, and cell in the body. When healthy, fascia is flexible and moves freely. However, following injury, surgery, or chronic tension, it can become tight or rigid—creating a sensation of restriction and contributing to pain or dysfunction throughout the body.
Unlike massage, which primarily focuses on muscle tissue, Myofascial Release works with the fascia to address the underlying cause of pain, not just the symptoms. By relieving these deeper restrictions, MFR supports long-term healing, improved movement, and overall wellbeing.
How may myofascial release help children?
Parents have reported that Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy has helped their children manage symptoms associated with a range of conditions, including:
Head injuries
Cerebral palsy
Birth trauma
Scoliosis
Neurological or movement dysfunction
Headaches
Constipation
Sleep difficulties
Joint pain or limited joint movement
Back pain Thoracic outlet syndrome
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Trigger and tender points
Whiplash
Complex pain complaints e.g. complex regional pain syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Myofascial pain syndromes
Plantar fasciitis / Sever’s Disease
Osgood Schlatters
Please note: While some clients report benefits, individual results can vary. MFR is a supportive therapy and does not replace medical treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and medical advice.
What happens during a session?
During each session, Zoe carefully assesses areas of tension and applies gentle, sustained pressure or stretching to support release. The pressure is held until the tissue begins to soften and respond, at which point the stretch may be gradually deepened. This process is repeated gently until the area feels more relaxed.
Zoe always works in tune with the child’s body, using subtle feedback to guide the pressure, direction, and duration of each technique. In many cases, only the lightest touch – just two fingers – is enough to make a difference. Progress is assessed by observing reductions in physical discomfort, improvements in mobility, and changes in emotional well-being over time.
My child will not stay still!
For young children – especially those who may have difficulty staying still or are sensitive to touch – Zoe takes a flexible, child-led approach. She gently follows the child’s natural movements, maintaining therapeutic contact in whatever position feels most comfortable for them.
Relaxing elements such as calm music, favourite books, or short videos (shared with a parent) can help children settle and feel at ease during the session. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, Zoe understands that every session may look different and often requires creativity and flexibility. She will work closely with you and your child to create a positive and supportive experience tailored to their individual needs.
Please note: It’s helpful if your child is open to trying bodywork. If they are old enough, we recommend having a conversation with them beforehand so they know what to expect and feel empowered in the process.
Does myofascial release hurt?
Myofascial release is a gentle and calming therapy. Many children feel relaxed, sleepy, or noticeably calmer after treatment. The technique is designed to be soothing, and there should never be any significant pain during a session. However, it’s not unusual for some mild discomfort or unfamiliar sensations to occur in the day or two afterward, as the body adjusts to new patterns of movement and alignment.
Our practitioner, Zoe, brings years of experience caring for children within the NHS to her Myofascial Release work. Her calm, compassionate approach helps children feel safe and supported throughout their sessions.
“We reached out to Zoe when my son had a diagnosis of Sever’s Desease and she has truly transformed his childhood as well as his future life trajectory. We were advised by other professionals to stop our son doing sports and playing at school but since he has met Zoe, who’s truly understanding him as an individual and patiently working with him, he’s just like any other 6 year old, able to take part in any activity he feels like doing. Zoe has allowed our son to be pain free, which is a stark difference to the child we had before who would wake in pain every single night for years. We would highly recommend Zoe for the MFR that she practices, but also for her kind, warm and welcoming way, with an ability to tap into then important aspects of a child’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Thank you Zoe!” C.P. 2024