The Art of Light Touch Myofascial Release

This comprehensive one-day workshop introduces participants to the science, techniques, and clinical applications of Light Touch Myofascial Release (MFR). Designed for both new and experienced manual therapists, the course emphasizes subtle, sustained touch that produces deep therapeutic results with minimal strain on the practitioner.

Whether you’re new to myofascial release or looking to enhance your existing skills, this workshop will help refine your ability to feel fascial restrictions and guide the body into release.

9:00 – 10:00am

Course Overview

• Introduction to objectives for the day and the importance of Light Touch Myofascial Release (LTMFR)
• Brief review of fascial anatomy, the role of fascia, and the benefits of working with fascia at a subtle level
• Light Touch Myofascial Release vs. traditional techniques (e.g., deep tissue or active release techniques)

Setting the Tone

• Philosophy of “gentle touch” and working with the fascial system rather than against it
• Sensitivity and listening to the tissue during therapy

Theory Behind Myofascial Techniques

• Basic Science Recap:
• The fascial system and its interconnectedness across the body
• How fascia stores tension and can lead to dysfunction when restricted
• Fascial fluidity and how light touch affects mechanotransduction (tissue response to pressure)
• Why Light Touch?
• Exploring the benefits of ‘lighter touch’ on the nervous system, especially for clients with heightened sensitivity
• Fascia’s ability to “release” and reorganize through slow, sustained pressure
• The body’s response: pain reduction, increased circulation, and tissue reorganization
• Key Concepts:
• Fascia’s role in restriction
• The importance of sensory feedback and “listening” to the body

10:00 – 11:30am

Demonstration – Single Hand Myofascial Release

• Technique Overview:
• The single hand release focuses on subtle pressure and longer, sustained contact
• Ideal for areas with little fascial glide
• Key Elements:
• How to find a point of resistance or tension in the fascia
• Applying gentle, steady pressure with one hand while being responsive to the body’s feedback
• Identifying and allowing fascia to ‘release’ under light pressure
• Live Demo:
• Demonstration on a volunteer showing effective hand placement, how to listen for tissue changes, and holding the pressure.

• Hands-On Practice:
• Participants will pair up and practice single hand myofascial release.
• Focus on finding and holding a gentle point of resistance (not forcing tissue movement).
• Coaches will walk around to give feedback on hand placement, pressure sensitivity, and proper body mechanics.

• Target Areas for Practice:

11:30am – 12:30pm

Demonstration – Cross Hand Myofascial Release

• Technique Overview:
• Cross-hand release allows for broader, more expansive releases across the body, especially used in areas whre there is more glide
• Uses the principle of creating a slight diagonal tension (one hand pulling in one direction while the other hand moves opposite).
• Key Elements:
• Applying pressure with two hands at different points on the body
• Working with larger muscle groups or larger fascial planes (e.g., lower back, thighs)
• Listening to fascia for shifts, releases, or changes in texture under pressure
• Live Demo:
• Demonstration on a volunteer showing how to create cross-handed tension across key muscle groups.

• Hands-On Practice:
• Participants will pair up and practice cross-hand release.
• Focus on creating effective, gentle pressure across large tissue areas.
• Focus on controlled and fluid hand placement, feeling for fascial “release” rather than forcing movement.
• Target Areas for Practice:
• Back
• Quadriceps or hamstrings
• IT bands or lateral thighs