Case Study: Relief Using Deep Myofascial Release
- Christina Aldan
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
1. Patient's Issue
A client in their late 60’s came to the student clinic for a routine maintenance massage. They had traveled extensively and experienced massage treatments from around the world. Overall, they considered themselves healthy, with only the usual aches and stiffness that come with age. They were not taking any medication and showed no signs of acute dysfunction. From the outset, they were very clear about their preference: “I like firm massages. I will probably fall asleep.” They specifically requested deep tissue work and asked for a full-body session, emphasizing their desire to keep their body in shape with regular care.
2. My Treatment
Instead of defaulting to deep pressure, I introduced them to myofascial release (MFR). I discussed how it is an active-participation thing while we collaborate on the bodywork instead of them checking out and falling asleep. Then I asked my favorite question: “Have you ever heard of MFR before?” I explained how this approach works with the body rather than against it, using slower, more intentional techniques to go deeper not through force, but by allowing the tissue to unwind naturally. I educated the client on how MFR can not only relieve pain but also lead to longer-lasting results (sometimes permanent!) by releasing fascial restrictions rather than simply pushing through muscular tension.
3. How I Helped
During our 80-minute session, I used a blend of:
compression,
Swedish massage,
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF),
non-forceful and targeted forceful MFR techniques,
deep intention, and
minimal conversation (this allowed us both to maintain focus).
The session began with light effleurage across the back to gently warm the tissue and assess for restrictions. Next I used skin rolling to reach the deeper layers in the back. I transitioned into compression techniques on the arms and applied deep MFR to the hands, where I found restrictions in the thumb and palm that softened.
On the lower body, I detected notable restrictions in the right tensor fascia latae and the medial aspect of the right knee. I used multi-directional deep MFR techniques with thumbs and fingers, followed by leg pulls and knee jostling to improve mobility. The right side required more attention due to fascial density, and I continued until I felt the connective tissue "melt" under my touch, a telltale sign of release. While the client lay prone, I slowly drew the shoulder back and gently stretched the pectoralis muscles, opening the chest and allowing greater respiratory expansion and improved circulation.
Throughout the session, I guided the client to focus on the area I was working on take deep, diaphragmatic breaths into the area to enhance blood flow and encourage fascial hydration, facilitating an even deeper release.
4. Results of Deep Myofascial Release
When the client turned over to lie supine, they looked up with surprise and said, “Wow, you sure are finding all the spots today. You found things I didn’t even know I had!” I smiled and replied, “Yes, your body tells me what it needs. I’m just here to listen and help it do its thing.”
By the end of the massage, they declared it was the best massage they had ever received. That's quite the compliment, given their global experience. They immediately booked weekly two-hour sessions for both themselves and their partner (sometimes twice a week) for the remainder of my time in the student clinic.
They reported greater mobility, less discomfort, and feelings of calm and relaxation. More importantly, they experienced a shift in mindset, approaching massage from a more therapeutic outlook rather than looking forward to their monthly nap. Equating depth with pressure won’t always get the long-lasting relief a client is searching for. I help my clients understand that true depth comes from patience and presence.
This case demonstrates that deep MFR taught by my instructor, Chris Melmoth, is a profoundly effective alternative (or complement) to traditional deep tissue massage techniques. While deep tissue targets muscle hypertonicity, Chris's style of deep MFR addresses the connective tissue system that can hold and restrict a body’s structure and movement. By releasing adhesions and restoring hydration to the fascia, clients often experience long-lasting relief, greater body awareness, and improved circulation. When a person can relax at this deep level, their parasympathetic nervous system will activate and they may experience an overall sense of calm and restored energy.
To learn more about how my personal massage style can help you or your loved ones, subscribe to my newsletter, where I will continue to share case studies, interviews from my instructors, massage techniques, and upcoming news about my massage student journey.
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