Myofascial Release vs Deep Tissue Massage

Myofascial release is a technique, not a separate session. At our studio in Westchase, Tampa, we use it where it is needed inside our Deep Tissue and Therapeutic sessions. You do not have to book it separately.

Here is what it is, how it compares with deep tissue, and how to ask for it.

What is fascia?

Fascia is the connective tissue that covers and supports your muscles. Cleveland Clinic compares it to a spider web: one continuous layer woven through your muscles, bones and organs. Normally it is flexible. When it tightens, it can limit how freely you move.

What is myofascial release?

Myofascial release works on the fascia, not only the muscle. The therapist finds the stiff spots, often called knots or trigger points, and applies slow, steady pressure. When the tension eases, they move on.

Cleveland Clinic describes it as “a type of gentle, constant massage.” Their guide to myofascial release explains it in more detail.

How is it different from deep tissue?

Massage names are not standard. A 2018 review in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found no single agreed definition of deep tissue massage. So here is how the words work at our studio.

	Myofascial release	Deep tissue
What it is	A technique	A session you book
Pressure	Slow and steady	Firm, deeper as the muscle allows
Focus	The fascia around tight spots	Deep, stubborn tension and knots
At our studio	Used where needed inside Deep Tissue and Therapeutic	Pressure and Relief, 90 minutes suggested, $150

Our Deep Tissue Massage, which we call Pressure and Relief, is for tension that sits deep. We warm the area first, find where the tension actually sits, and then work into it as the muscle allows. Myofascial release is one of the tools we may use along the way.

Which session should you book?

• Several areas are tight? Book Deep Tissue (Pressure and Relief). We suggest 90 minutes, $150.
• One spot is the problem? Book Therapeutic (The Hands). We spend the whole session on that area. 60 minutes, $100.

Either way, every session starts with a conversation about where it is tight, what makes it worse and how firm you like the pressure. You control the pressure the whole time.

Not sure which? The Which Massage page asks three quick questions, or text us at 813.797.0406.

Will I be sore afterward?

Cleveland Clinic notes you may feel sore in the areas that were stretched, and that it should pass fairly quickly. Deep work should feel firm, not painful. Our post on being sore after a massage covers what to do next.

Does myofascial release work?

The honest answer is that the research is limited. Cleveland Clinic notes it has been studied less than other massage methods, and a 2015 review found the research mixed in both quality and results.

So we will not promise what it will do for you. What we will do is tell you at the end of the session what we noticed, and give you an honest word on whether and when to come back.

When to check with your doctor first

Cleveland Clinic suggests talking with your doctor first if you have a broken bone, a burn, an open wound or deep vein thrombosis, or if you take blood thinners. Please tell us about any of these at the start of your session too.

Book your session

Book Deep Tissue or book Therapeutic, and tell us where it is tight. Every session is with Huan Huynh, LMT.