Facia is a connective tissue that covers the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures in the human body. When it becomes tightened or restricted due to stress or injury, the person feels tightness and pain and may have a limited range of motion. Through Myofascial Release, a massage therapist can stretch, or release, the facia to alleviate the symptoms and restore the facia to how it was previously. Myofascial Release can be performed through either a direct method or an indirect method, the difference lies in how much pressure is exerted during the stretching of the facia.

Massage therapists wishing to expand their education to include Myofascial Release techniques can either take continuing education classes or enroll in a certification program at a massage therapy school. Most courses teaching Myofascial Release are around 20 hours in length over several days, but some advanced courses can take up to a year to complete. Which ever approach you take to complete your Myofascial Release education, make sure that the classes you take are offered through a school that either holds itself to national standards or is nationally accredited.

Massage therapists practicing Myofascial Release can be found in a variety of jobs ranging from spas to physical therapy offices. Almost anywhere clients are seeking relief from pain and stiffness in their soft tissues, Myofascial Release can be practiced. Job prospects are good for massage therapists specializing in Myofascial Release. Between the faster-than-average growth of both massage therapy and the health field as well as a trend toward wider acceptance of alternative healing methods, massage therapists with Myofascial Release experience are sure to be in growing demand.

Top Massage Therapy Programs

	Boca Beauty Academy of Massage - If you're interested in becoming a massage therapist, Boca Beauty Academy of Massage offers a fantastic program for students interested in this growing industry.
Cincinnati Cleveland	Center for Massage & Natural Health - The Center for Massage & Natural Health assists students in reaching their goal of becoming a massage therapist affordably and conveniently.
Boston Tampa Scottsdale	Cortiva Institute for Massage - Cortiva Institute for Massage prepares aspiring massage therapists with a rigorous program in the field of massage therapy. With locations available across the country, students can get prepared quickly.
	U.S. Career Institute - At the U.S. Career Institute, students will be taught alternative health treatments to assist people in feeling better. With a number of organizations hiring in various positions, don't pass up this opportunity to go back to school and start a great career.