Soft Tissue Care
What Is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that targets the fascia, the thin layer of connective tissue that wraps around every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ in your body. When the fascia is healthy, it is flexible and slides smoothly. After injury, poor posture, or repetitive stress, the fascia can develop adhesions, which are tight spots where the tissue sticks together and restricts movement.
During myofascial release therapy, the practitioner applies sustained pressure to the restricted area and holds it until the fascia softens and releases. Unlike traditional massage therapy, which uses flowing strokes to relax muscles, myofascial release uses slow, deliberate pressure held for 30 seconds to several minutes at each point. The goal is to break up adhesions, restore tissue glide, and reduce pain at the source.
How Traditional Chiropractic Adjustments Work
A chiropractic adjustment is a quick, controlled force applied to a joint that is not moving correctly. The primary target is the joint itself, specifically the bones and the joint capsule. When a joint becomes restricted, the muscles around it tighten, nerves can be irritated, and pain follows. An adjustment restores the joint's normal motion, which in turn reduces nerve interference, eases muscle tension, and allows the body to heal naturally.
At The Chiropractic Doctors in Grand Rapids, our team uses several adjustment techniques. Dr. Matthew Phinney, who trained at Palmer College of Chiropractic and brings over 35 years of experience, often selects the Thompson Drop Table method for patients who prefer a gentler approach. Dr. Drew Bailey and Dr. Alec Papes are trained in Diversified technique, which involves a direct manual thrust. The technique chosen depends on your body type, condition, and comfort level.
Key Differences Between the Two Techniques
Although both techniques aim to reduce pain and improve function, they work on different structures and use different methods:
| Factor | Myofascial Release | Chiropractic Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Target tissue | Fascia and soft tissue | Joints and bones |
| Technique | Sustained pressure held for 30+ seconds | Quick, precise thrust |
| Primary goal | Release adhesions, restore tissue glide | Restore joint motion, reduce nerve pressure |
| Sound | Usually silent | May produce an audible pop |
| Duration per area | 30 seconds to several minutes | A few seconds per joint |
Think of it this way: if a door hinge is rusty and stuck, an adjustment is like freeing the hinge itself. If the door frame has swollen and is pressing against the door, myofascial release is like reshaping the frame so the door can swing freely. Both matter, and both contribute to a door that opens and closes without trouble.
When Each Technique Is Used
Chiropractic adjustments are ideal when the primary problem is a joint that is locked, misaligned, or not moving through its full range. Common examples include low back pain from a restricted lumbar vertebra, neck stiffness from a misaligned cervical segment, and headaches caused by upper cervical joint dysfunction.
Myofascial release is the better fit when the pain is coming from tight, bound-up soft tissue rather than a joint problem. Patients with chronic shoulder tension, IT band tightness in the thigh, or plantar fasciitis often respond well to fascial work. It is also helpful for patients recovering from surgery or an injury where scar tissue has formed and is limiting movement.
In many cases, both techniques are needed. A tight muscle can pull a joint out of alignment, and a restricted joint can cause the surrounding muscles to tighten up as a protective response. At our Grand Rapids office, our doctors evaluate both the joints and the soft tissue during your exam and build a treatment plan that addresses everything contributing to your pain.
Combining Both Approaches for Better Results
Research and clinical experience both support using soft tissue techniques alongside joint adjustments. When a chiropractor releases fascial adhesions before performing an adjustment, the muscles around the joint relax and the adjustment tends to hold longer. The joint has less resistance working against it, which means faster progress and fewer visits overall.
At The Chiropractic Doctors, many of our patients in Grand Rapids, Cascade, Kentwood, and Forest Hills receive a combination of myofascial release and chiropractic adjustments in the same visit. This integrated approach is especially effective for chronic conditions, sports injuries, and cases where previous treatment focused on only one piece of the puzzle. Whether your pain is in your back, neck, shoulders, or hips, treating both the joint and the tissue around it gives you the best chance at lasting relief.
If you would like to find out which approach is right for your situation, schedule a $47 new patient consultation with one of our three experienced doctors. Your exam will include a thorough evaluation of both your joints and your soft tissue so your care plan targets the actual source of your pain.