Myofascial Release For Yoga

Experience the profound difference on your practice and well-being

How Myofascial Release Improves Yoga Movement

Myofascial release refers to the technique of applying gentle pressure on ‘trigger points’ to release tension in the connective tissues or fascia that bind and support our muscles, organs, bones, joints, nerve fibers and other structures of our body. Releasing this tension helps to alleviate pain and improve flexibility and mobility of the body, which in turn improve your yoga practice. Some of these trigger points could be the cause of stiff shoulders and neck, headaches, sore feet and other discomfort around the body caused by poor posture, stress-induced muscular tension, lack of movement and injuries. At TFX, we have tennis balls and/or foam rollers available for you to apply pressure on the targeted areas alongside with yoga moves; you can also use yoga blocks and massage as well. 

Why Incorporate Myofascial Release In Your Practice

Myofascial release has multiple benefits: 

1. Reduces muscle soreness and stiffness: myofascial release can reduce muscle tension, by stimulating the stretch reflex in muscles, which aids in alleviating muscle aches and pain. 
2. Better blood circulation: releasing of muscle knots helps to improve blood flow in the area, thereby keeping the connective tissues well hydrated and oxygenated, and aids in muscle recovery. 
3. Encourages flexibility and movement: myofascial release techniques help promote the slide and glide of the connective tissues surrounding the joints, protecting them from friction and lack of lubrication, hence improving the flexibility and movement of the joints. 
4. Improves balance and coordination: facilitates an improved awareness and coordination of your body as the activity clears up the pathway for nerve signals flowing to the brain.
5. Decreases overall stress: emotional stress can also cause muscle tension and stress, hence reducing pain around the body can feel relaxing and therapeutic. 

When performing myofascial release, remember to breathe through movements and do some post-myofascial release poses such as pigeon pose and vinyasas to encourage change within the connective tissues.  

Myofascial release can be done on any one area of the body, but you will be amazed at how the release of tension in just one area can promote the release of tension elsewhere in the body.  

To feel the effects of myofascial release straight away, follow TFX Yoga Teacher, Rohit Mistry, in his short 30 minute class on myofascial release techniques for Yoga: 

For a full yoga experience, check out our yoga class schedule and try a class of your choice.