Myofascial Release vs. Deep Tissue Massage: Which Do You Need?

I recently had a client ask, “What exactly is fascia? And is releasing it the same as getting a deep tissue massage?” These are great questions! And the short answer is this: fascia and muscles are closely related, but releasing fascia is not the same as receiving a deep tissue massage.

Let’s take a look at why:

Understanding Fascia and Myofascial Release

The word myo refers to muscle, while fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles throughout your body. Think of it as a stretchy web or sheath that helps hold everything in place and keeps your body working as a unit. When fascia becomes tight, restricted, or stuck (often due to stress, overuse, injury, or even poor posture), it can limit your range of motion and contribute to chronic tension, stiffness, or discomfort.

Myofascial release is a technique designed to gently stretch and loosen this connective tissue. Using sustained pressure and slow, targeted movements, it helps the fascia become more pliable, which can improve mobility, increase circulation, and reduce discomfort over time. This kind of work can feel very different from what you might expect in a typical massage. It’s often subtler, slower, and more focused on releasing long-held tension in the body’s support structures.

How Deep Tissue Massage Differs

Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is aimed at the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Using firm pressure and slower strokes, it works to release muscle knots, adhesions, and areas of chronic tightness. This approach is especially effective for addressing sore shoulders, low back pain, athletic recovery, and repetitive strain injuries.

While both techniques aim to relieve pain and improve physical function, they focus on different structures. One targets the muscles themselves; the other works with the tissue surrounding those muscles.

Personalized Bodywork for Better Results

As a licensed massage therapist trained in both deep tissue and myofascial release, I often blend techniques based on your body’s specific needs. Sometimes it’s the fascia causing discomfort; other times, it’s the muscles. Often, it’s a combination of both.

During each session, I assess posture, tension patterns, and areas of restriction to determine the most effective approach. Whether we focus on deep tissue, myofascial release, or a customized blend of the two, my goal is always the same: to help you feel more relaxed, aligned, and at ease in your body.

If you’re experiencing stiffness, soreness, or unexplained aches, fascia could be the missing piece. Let’s take a closer look and create a bodywork plan that actually works for your body.