Myofascial Decompression: Background
Myofascial Decompression (MFD) evolved out of addressing sports and orthopedic injuries that did not respond to traditional joint mobilizations, HVLATs, other soft tissue interventions, or therapeutic exercise.
Simply addressing symptom-based articular, neural, or muscular complaints are only temporary fixes when the root cause of the problem may be connective tissue matrix dysfunction or fascial plane restriction. Without addressing soft tissue densification and the compensatory movement inefficiencies that they may cause, outcomes will be less effective.
We believe you can maximize your outcomes with these techniques by increasing efficiency of motion through fascial flexibility and neuromuscular re-education.







Current Research

We have partnered with the University of California, San Francisco Department of Radiology for research collaborations to produce innovative cutting-edge assessments using Myofascial Decompression techniques. This is the first 3T MR image ever taken of a decompressor on the body during intervention!
2020 Study: Acute Outcomes of myofascial decompression compared to self myofascial release on hamstring pathology after single treatment

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute effects on hamstring flexibility and patient-rated outcome mea- sures comparing two soft tissue treatments, 1) MFD, and 2) a moist heat pack with SMR using a foam roller in patients with diagnosed hamstring pathology.
Background Articles
MFD News/Information
MFD in the Media
What are the differences between Myofascial Decompression Techniques and cupping?
MFD is based on assessing and correcting movement inefficiencies. Backgrounds in biomechanics, kinesiology, and functional anatomy are essential to identify and treat ROM restrictions and muscular imbalance. Interventions include neuromuscular re-education, AAROM, and PNF, making the patient an active participant in their treatment.
Traditional cupping does not include active movement, and often is targeting energetic imbalances from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective. MFD is a novel approach to musculoskeletal treatment, utilizing negative pressure tools and western medicine based movement paradigms and algorithms. These applications are very effective for orthopedics, sports medicine, contractures, post-op recovery, overcoming dominance strategies, postural syndromes, hand therapy, neuro re-education, and scar mobilization.
Why is fascia so important with regard to movement?
This link will give you a greater insight into fascia from the lens of a French hand surgeon 'Strolling under the skin' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW0lvOVKDxE
Why should I utilize these techniques as compared to other STM tools out there in the market?
The myofascial decompression approach is the only one of its kind that works in the lifting of adhesions with movement instead of compressing on tissues. If collagen is cross bonded, and fibrosis around tissues leads to decreased blood flow or metabolic exchange, it makes much more physiologic sense to pull on these structures instead of pressing down on them to allow flow improved exchange and mobility.