Is this backed by science?

Myofascial release techniques—including sustained pressure, massage, and tools like the RELIEF+—are evidence-backed methods used to deactivate trigger points. These techniques work by applying gentle, sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue to release restrictions, increase blood flow, and improve overall muscle function.

Studies have shown that releasing trigger points through myofascial therapy can reduce pain, improve range of motion, and enhance recovery—making it a valuable tool in both clinical settings and everyday wellness routines.

Below are just a small sample of studies documenting this research.

Tsai, P., Edison, J., Wang, C. et al. Myofascial trigger point (MTrP) size and elasticity properties can be used to differentiate characteristics of MTrPs in lower back skeletal muscle. Sci Rep 14, 7562 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57733-4

Do, T. P., Heldarskard, G. F., Kolding, L. T., Hvedstrup, J., & Schytz, H. W. (2018). Myofascial trigger points in migraine and tension-type headache. The journal of headache and pain, 19(1), 84. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-018-0913-8

Money S. (2017). Pathophysiology of Trigger Points in Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy, 31(2), 158–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2017.1298688

Barbero, M., Schneebeli, A., Koetsier, E., & Maino, P. (2019). Myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points: evaluation and treatment in patients with musculoskeletal pain. Current opinion in supportive and palliative care, 13(3), 270–276. https://doi.org/10.1097/SPC.0000000000000445

Mazza, D. F., Boutin, R. D., & Chaudhari, A. J. (2021). Assessment of Myofascial Trigger Points via Imaging: A Systematic Review. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation, 100(10), 1003–1014. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000001789

Ajimsha, M. S., Al-Mudahka, N. R., & Al-Madzhar, J. A. (2015). Effectiveness of myofascial release: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 19(1), 102–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.06.001

Wu, Z., Wang, Y., Ye, X., Chen, Z., Zhou, R., Ye, Z., Huang, J., Zhu, Y., Chen, G., & Xu, X. (2021). Myofascial Release for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in medicine, 8, 697986. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.697986

Beardsley, C., & Škarabot, J. (2015). Effects of self-myofascial release: A systematic review. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 19(4), 747–758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.08.007

Sığlan, Ü., & Çolak, S. (2023). Effects of diaphragmatic and iliopsoas myofascial release in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled study. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 33, 120–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.09.029

Is this backed by science?Updated 8 days ago