Myofascial Release vs. Sport Massage: Are they really different?
- Sandy Cole-Cross
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
In the bodywork world, there’s a constant trend of separating massage modalities like they’re completely different practices. After more than a decade in this field, I’ve seen it all—endless classifications, each claiming to do something unique. But the one distinction that really gets me? The supposed difference between myofascial release and sports massage.
Here’s my take—they’re the same frrrrrrick frackin thing!"
I know, I know. Some will say, “But myofascial release is about fascia, and sports massage is for athletes!” But in my world, the distinction doesn’t exist because I integrate them seamlessly. And honestly? The belief that they are completely separate is a misconception that limits how people approach bodywork.
Sports Massage Isn’t Just One Thing
I don’t know a single Sports Massage Therapist who sticks to just one technique. We all mix and match different methods, tools, and whatever else it takes to release those stubborn knots and restrictions—so our clients can keep moving, training, and performing at their best. In my experience, sports massage operates on three levels, all of which incorporate myofascial work:
Superficial Level – Focuses on circulation, lymphatic movement, and surface tissue work. This is the “recovery” style of sports massage.
Muscular Level – Deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, and targeted muscle manipulation.
Fascial Level (Myofascial Release) – The deepest level, working with the connective tissue that wraps around and through the muscles, breaking up adhesions and restrictions for long-term mobility improvements.
See that last level? That’s myofascial release. It’s not separate from sports massage; it’s just a deeper layer of it. oooooohhhhhhhh....
Why the Misconception Exists
Why do people think myofascial release is a completely separate thing? Marketing and perception.
Say “sports massage,” and people picture athletes, injury prevention, and recovery.
Say “myofascial release,” and it conjures up chronic pain relief, slow techniques, and deep, sustained pressure… or does it? Some believe myofascial release is super light work—that’s a whole other blog post!
But in reality? It’s all part of a complete system of bodywork that adapts to what the client needs.
The Takeaway: Clients who book with me are not choosing EITHER sports massage or myofascial release. They’re choosing a STRATEGY to get them out of pain and moving better.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, restrictions, or movement limitations, you need all three levels of sports massage, especially the fascial level. And that’s exactly why I don’t separate them. Because in my world, they are one and the same.
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