Myofascial Release developed by John Barnes, P.T. (physical therapist) in the late 1960's, is a massage technique that brings balance to the whole-body by releasing tension in the fascia by using long, sustained pressure stretching strokes on dry skin.

Myofascia is the thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds, supports and interweaves every muscle, organ and bone in the body. Fascia in its normal state is elastic and relaxed, but it can become tight and distorted due to trauma, illness, injury, habitual poor posture, and emotional stress. Eventually this tight fascia can pull muscles and bones out of place, resulting in pain and lack of mobility.

Myofascial Release is an important precursor technique and plays a key role with any type of bodywork for truly lasting effects of a massage treatment. If a therapist works only on the level of relaxing the muscles without releasing the fascia then the effects are temporary in relief. Not until fascia first then muscle second is released, will long term pain relief, and structural balance result.