Myofascial Release Tool: Everything You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

✔ Myofascial release tools provide deep, sustained pressure to relieve muscle pain, break down fascial restrictions, and enhance recovery.
✔ More effective than foam rolling or massage sticks, these tools precisely target trigger points for muscle soreness relief.
✔ Mobilization Magic™ Tool uses Sideways Stretching™ technology to release tight fascia faster than traditional methods.
✔ Regular use increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and improves joint mobility, preventing injuries and muscle imbalances.
✔ The tool is ideal for athletes, office workers, older adults, and therapists seeking self-myofascial release for their patients at home.
✔ Cold therapy enhances myofascial release by reducing inflammation and promoting muscle recovery.
✔ Using the Mobilization Magic™ Tool for 5–30 minutes per session can provide long-lasting pain relief and improve flexibility.
✔ Watch the full demonstration video to learn how to properly use the Mobilization Magic™ Tool for maximum effectiveness.

What Are Myofascial Release Tools?

Myofascial release tools are handheld tools designed for pain relief, deep tissue massage, and muscle recovery. These tools work by applying sustained pressure to specific areas, targeting stiff fascia and fascial tissues to break down adhesions and improve muscle health. By increasing blood flow and reducing fascial restrictions and releasing Trigger Points , these tools provide relief from muscle pain and enhance flexibility.

Professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and physical therapists use myofascial release therapy to treat myofascial pain, muscle soreness, and chronic pain. Unlike traditional massage therapy, these tools allow for precise targeting of hard-to-reach areas, making them highly effective for self-myofascial release.

Why Use Myofascial Release Tools?

✔ Provides relief from muscle pain and muscle soreness
✔ Breaks down fascial restrictions, painfull Trigger Points  and restores muscle health
✔ Aids in deep tissue massage for myofascial pain treatment
✔ Enhances blood flow to reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery
✔ Improves levels of pressure applied to muscle knots
✔ Recommended by massage therapists, physical therapists, and personal trainers
✔ More effective than foam rolling, peanut balls, or massage sticks
✔ Compatible with cold therapy for reducing inflammation
✔ Designed for all body sizes with adjustable levels of intensity

Myofascia has ten times more pain and movement sensors in it compared to muscle tissue, so when it is dysfunctional it causes profound disability and pain. Muscle Trigger Points are a very localised form of myofascial dysfunction. Pain occurs due to pain sensors in the fascia and muscles having stress placed upon them, this stress comes from the tightness and stiffness of the fascia and the accumulation of metabolic waste products due to restricted blood flow.

How Myofascial Release Tools Work

Compared to foam rolling, which covers a larger surface, or massage guns, which rely on vibration settings, myofascial release tools provide deep, sustained pressure on quads muscles, tight muscles, and fascial tissues. This method helps restore balanced body function and relieves painful sensations caused by muscle imbalances and stiff fascia.

Choosing the Right Myofascial Release Tool

When selecting a myofascial release tool, consider the following:
✔ Deep muscle layers require intense pressure for acute muscle release
✔ Larger body sizes may need tools with stronger pressure levels
✔ Portable handheld tools offer convenience for self-myofascial release
✔ Affordable options without compromising deep-tissue massage effectiveness

The Mobilization Magic™ Tool is an effective tool for targeting fascial tissues and stiff fascia, making it ideal for muscle soreness relief and myofascial release therapy.

Understanding Myofascial Release & Connective Tissue

What Is Fascia & Why Does It Matter?

Fascia is the connective tissue membrane that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. When fascia becomes stiff, it restricts blood flow, increases muscle tension, and leads to chronic pain.

Why Myofascial Release Is Essential

✔ Increases blood circulation, improving muscle health and muscle recovery
✔ Prevents injuries by maintaining joint mobility and flexibility
✔ Releases muscle knots and myofascial trigger points
✔ Helps restore balanced body function and reduces fascial restrictions
✔ Supports soft tissue health, preventing muscle imbalances

According to research by Janet Travell and David Simons (Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual), myofascial trigger points are a major cause of referred pain. The Mobilization Magic™ Tool effectively addresses these issues, restoring muscle function and reducing pain.

Unlike foam rollers or massage balls, the Mobilization Magic™ tool delivers focused pressure (25mm diameter, similar to a therapist’s elbow) for deeper relief.

How to Use the Mobilization Magic™ Myofascial Release Tool

The Mobilization Magic™ tool is a professional-grade therapy tool designed for self-myofascial release, muscle health, and pain relief. It is widely used by athletes, massage therapists, and physical therapists to improve joint mobility and treat chronic pain.

Step-by-Step Guide

1️⃣ Identify Your Trigger Points
Locate tight muscles, muscle knots, or fascial restrictions in areas like the quads muscles, hamstrings, lower back, shoulders, and calves.

2️⃣ Position the Tool Correctly

• Use the tall option for larger muscles such as quads and glutes.
• Use the short option for hard-to-reach areas like the neck, elbows, or IT band.

3️⃣ Apply Deep Pressure
Gradually shift your body weight onto the tool, adjusting for optimal relief.

4️⃣ Use Sideways Stretching™ for Maximum Effect

• This therapeutic method, exclusive to Mobilization Magic™, helps release tight fascia faster than traditional tools.
• It enhances joint mobility and reduces muscle stiffness.
• Just lay the side of the muscle on the tool so it stretches sideways

5️⃣ Maintain Pressure for Best Results

• Begin with 5-10 minutes per session and gradually increase to 30 minutes if tolerated.
• If discomfort arises, reduce the level of intensity and slowly build up pressure over time.

Sideways Stretching ™

One of the important benefits of the MMT (unlike foam rollers, for example) is that it can be used to stretch muscles sideways, instead of lengthways (the conventional way). Sideways stretching is very effective in releasing adhesions and the fascial sheath continuum which surrounds all muscles and ‘sticks’ them to each other. Sideways stretching is particularly effective for muscles such as the Quads, Calf, Groin and Hamstrings.

See our video above for a demonstration of how easy it is to use the tool to achieve this ‘sideways’ stretch with the MMT.

Self Myofascial Release

Self-help is a fast-growing segment of the health industry. People are looking for ways to fix their own problems rather than relying on health professionals to do it for them. The reasons for this are many but the main ones are that people want to take control of their lives and the issues that they face. Reducing the cost of rehabilitating yourself is also a strong motivator. If you’re looking for effective muscle recovery without having to visit a professional, the Mobilization Magic™ self-myofascial release tool is just what you need.

Common Causes of Myofascial Pain

Myofascial pain stems from restricted blood flow, stiff fascia, and metabolic waste accumulation. Fascia contains 10x more pain sensors than muscle, making it a significant pain source.

Trigger points (knots) in muscles are a localized form of myofascial dysfunction, contributing to discomfort and reduced mobility.

Acute muscle pain in the quads muscles causes Knee pain

See more on sideways stretching here

Additional Therapies for Myofascial Release

Combine myofascial release with these treatments for optimal results:

• Muscle Stretching
• Posture Training
• Heat Therapy
• Cold Therapy
• Physical Therapy tools
• Dry Needling
• Vibration & Ultrasound Therapy
• PNF Movement Patterns

Why Choose Mobilization Magic™ Over Other Tools?

Many myofascial release tools, like foam rollers & massage guns, lack concentrated pressure because of their large diameters. The Mobilization Magic™ tool offers:

• Smaller 25mm diameter for targeted deep-tissue release
• Sustained pressure for long-term fascia stretching
• Sideways Stretching™ for superior muscle recovery
• Perfect for trigger point therapy
• Perfect for Neck Pain – Trigger Point
• Increase your joint range
• Take control of your pain management
• Has a smooth surface that is comfortable to rest on
• The swiss knife ultimate all-in-one tool

Get your Mobilization Magic Tool here

Watch This Video for a Full Demonstration

For a step-by-step demonstration on how to properly use the Mobilization Magic™ tool, watch this video:

📺 How to Use the Mobilization Magic™ Tool – Full Tutorial

This video covers:✅ Best practices for using the tool✅ How to maximize deep muscle release✅ Tips for targeting different muscle groups

👉 Don’t just read about it—watch the experts demonstrate the technique in action! 🎥

👉 Shop Now & Relieve Pain Today!

FAQs About Myofascial Release Tools

Q: Can I use myofascial release tools daily?

✔ Yes! Daily use enhances muscle recovery, improves blood circulation, and prevents stiff fascia from restricting movement. Using the Mobilization Magic™ Tool consistently can help manage chronic pain and muscle imbalances.

Q: Who should use myofascial release tools?

🔹 Athletes & fitness enthusiasts – For deep tissue massage and muscle soreness relief.
🔹 Office workers – To combat muscle tension from prolonged sitting.
🔹 Older adults – To improve joint mobility and prevent stiff fascia.
🔹 Massage therapists & physical therapists – For targeted pain relief techniques at         home and the office.

Q: How does myofascial release compare to foam rolling?

🔹 Foam rollers provide surface-level relief, while myofascial release tools deliver deep, targeted pressure.
🔹 Massage balls and peanut balls focus on small trigger points but lack sustained pressure.
🔹 The Mobilization Magic™ Tool is an effective tool for myofascial release therapy, offering levels of intensity adjustable for muscle soreness relief.

Q: Does cold therapy enhance myofascial release?

✔ Yes! Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation, making it an excellent therapeutic method for trigger point therapy. Alternating between cold therapy and deep pressure massage can speed up muscle recovery.

Q: What makes the Mobilization Magic™ Tool unique?

Unlike massage guns, foam rollers, or massage sticks, the Mobilization Magic™ tool provides:
✅ Deep tissue massage with levels of pressure suited for muscle recovery
✅ Designed for self-myofascial release at home
✅ Sideways Stretching™ technology, which foam rollers lack

Take Control of Your Recovery Today!

If you’re tired of chronic pain, muscle tightness, or reduced mobility, the Mobilization Magic™ tool is the effective tool you need for myofascial release therapy, muscle health, and pain relief.

🔹 Get the #1 Myofascial Release Tool Today!
🔹 Try it risk-free for 60 days – or get your money back!

👉 Shop Now & Relieve Pain Today!

References & Scientific Studies:

• Study 1 – Benefits of Myofascial Techniques
• Study 2 – Deep Tissue Therapy Research
• Study 3 – Myofascial release therapy compared to Swedish massage in Fibromyalgia

Get Relief Today Shop Now

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Best Trigger Point Massage Tools

Trigger point massage tools help resolve problems with muscles that account for a very large proportion of the chronic myofascial pain people suffer all over the world. Muscles develop what people call knots, or myofascial trigger points, which can cause myofascial pain syndrome and dysfunction, which are small, local concentrations of electrical activity that can be detected by scientific instruments.

Myofascial Trigger Points TP display a typical pattern of localised tenderness and a tense band of shortened and weak fibres. Myofascial Trigger Points TP start with a muscle strain and becomes a site of sensitized nerves, increased metabolism and reduced blood flow. If left untreated it will become an area of scar tissue that does not stretch anymore and if there are enough of these trigger points, then the muscle will not function properly and cause ongoing problems. This often leads to myofascial pain in nearby joints and referred pain to other areas of the body. You feel the pain in one area, but the problem is in another area and so if you apply pain cream, heat, cold or massage to the area of myofascial pain it does not fix the pain because the problem is elsewhere. see the images to the right that show the referred pain areas.

Trigger Point Therapy reduces myofascial pain at the location of the trigger point but also the referred pain away from the trigger point, increases movement, and allows the muscles to lengthen and become stronger. To treat Myofascial Trigger Points, enough pressure needs to be applied to the muscle to reach the TP which are often deep in the muscle and deactivate the electrical activity and unblock the blood flow again. Unfortunately foam rollers cannot produce the concentrated force required to treat and break up Trigger Points because of their large radii. That’s why the Mobilization Magic™ trigger point massage tool works so well with Myofascial Trigger Points.

Trigger Point Massage Tools

Pressure and Time make Diamonds and Happy Muscles

The reason this Trigger Point Massage Tool works so well is that it works on a material science concept called creep. Creep describes where a material has a concentrated force applied to it over time and that material yields to that force, an example of creep is when the gas spring of an office chair pushed through the   5 star base and drags on the floor. The gas spring crept through the base, just like the MMT tool creeps through your problem muscle like nothing else can and allows it to heal itself. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creep_(deformation)#Examples

In 1983, Janet Travell & David Simons, published a book on Myofascial Trigger Point treatment that revolutionised the treatment of myofascial pain and forms the basis of how they found that Trigger Points occur at the point where a nerve enters a muscle. Trigger Points result in muscles which have been stressed by accidents, sports, occupational stress, and overuse. Once a Trigger Point develops, it can remain for life unless properly treated. The Myofascial Trigger Point restricts range of motion of the muscles and decreases blood flow, reducing nutrients and oxygen to the muscle. This in turn causes a build-up of  waste products including lactic acid, these chemicals stimulate pain nerve endings making them more sensitive, creating a vicious cycle that damages the nerve and muscle tissue and increases your pain and makes the muscle shorter and tighter.

These effects are not confined to the local muscle as tight contracted muscles can compress nerves and blood vessels causing sensations like throbbing, burning, numbness, pins & needles, coldness and swelling of upper and lower limbs.

Pressure applied to the Myofascial Trigger Point is called Ischemic Compression, Acupressure, Shiatzu and the Magic Elbow by some Chinese masseuses. Normal muscles do not contain Trigger Points, nor do they have taut bands of muscle fibers, are not tender to firm pressure, exhibit no local twitch responses and do not refer pain to other areas in response to firm pressure. Women are statistically more vulnerable to Trigger Points than men. There are two different types of stimuli that activate Trigger Points. Firstly there are direct stimuli like acute overload (unusual exercise), overwork fatigue (Shoulder/Neck and Lower Back muscles)  chilling or gross trauma. Secondly there is indirect stimuli like other Trigger Points, visceral disease, arthritic joints and emotional stress.

The reason the Myofascial Trigger Point and the pain that is felt are often in different areas is not completely understood, it does have to do with the fact that nerves in muscles are part of a nerve distribution area like a tree which is serviced by a spinal segment in your spinal cord. The spinal cord segment is like a little computer and interprets the signal from Trigger Points before it sends it to the brain and in that process your brain interprets the pain being in a different location within the nerve distribution.

Using the Trigger Point Massage Tool

When using the trigger point therapy tool on a new spot only use it for a minute or so to see if it increases your myofascial pain for longer than a few minutes and reduce the pressure exerted by the roller or trigger point therapy tool by placing pillows or towels on top of or either side of these tools. If there is no sustained increase in pain after a few hours slowly increase the amount of time by a few minutes each time you use the tool. If you feel this spot is the centre of where you feel tightness and pain, you can spend 30 minutes or more on that spot until the tool melts deeply into the muscle and releases the trigger point and muscle fascia. Hot packs or even better hot baths greatly improve the effectiveness of these techniques as warm/ hot muscle stretch and give way more easily.

The beauty of this trigger point therapy tool is within your tolerance you can eventually lay on this tool for 30 minutes or more which penetrates deeply into the muscles in a gentle way. You will feel it slowly sink into the muscle over time as the tissues yield to the pressure. No other approach I know of enables you to put the right amount of pressure on these trigger points and very tight muscles for extended periods of time which is what they need to reverse the problems of many years.

You will get accustomed to this pressure quickly and so the way to progress this procedure is to use the trigger point massage tool in its tall option, which increases the pressure the tool exerts. Again, start this new use with only a few minutes to start with to ensure there is no increase in myofascial pain.

Always stretch the muscle before and after using the tool, notice if there is any increase in range of movement after using the trigger point massage tool ?

Trigger Point Therapy Roller Exercises

Foam Rollers are used all over the world to treat Trigger Points TPs and tight fascia, unfortunately foam rollers cannot produce the concentrated force required to treat and break up TPs because of their large diameter. Foam Rollers have a 150 mm diameter which produces a diffuse pressure that can increase pain by stirring up the nerves in the area and increase muscle spasms. Therapists use their elbow or thumb to treat TP’s and apply enough force to increase the pain initially but as the pressure is continued to be applied the pain melts away and the dysfunctional biology returns to normal.

Pain and tightness in muscles and connective tissue at the front, back and side of joints can cause pain and reduced range of movement of the joint.

Conventional stretching of these muscles has some effect on the pain and restricted range of the joint, but this can only help to a limited extent because stretching tends to stretch the parts of the muscle that are not constrained and stuck down by adhesions that develop around a tight painful muscle.

Getting Started with Trigger Point Therapy

Step 1

It is recommended that you take a hot bath or apply a hot pack to the affected area before you begin using the tool. Warm muscles stretch and give way more easily and this will greatly improve the tool’s effectiveness.

Step 2

Lay the muscle or joint onto the tool. Rate the pain you feel while using the tool from 1 to 10 (with 1 being the least pain and 10 being the greatest). Your pain when resting on the tool should not be more than 4-5.

Step 3

If your pain is greater than 5, place a towel or a cushion over the tool, or on either side of it, to reduce the amount of pressure, which should reduce the pain to a level of 5 or below.

Step 4

When you feel the position of the tool is in the correct central point where you feel tightness and pain, you can start off laying on the tool for a few minutes to make sure the tool does not increase your pain. If after a few hours rest everything is ok you can start increasing the time on the tool. Once you are comfortable with the tool you can spend 30 minutes or more resting on that same spot (watching TV or reading) until the tool melts deeply into the muscle or joint and releases that trigger point and muscle fascia

Step 5

The pain should begin to decrease within the first couple of minutes and continue to reduce as time goes on. If you notice no improvement within about five minutes, the muscle or joint may be too inflamed and may require the application of an ice pack. Try again later.

This is the number one IASTM Tool to fix your tight Myofascia

This Is the No 1 IASTM Tool used at Home

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization IASTM tools are instruments used by therapists for fascia soft-tissue mobilization.

This Mobilization Magic IASTM tool is Australia-made and Designed by an Award Winning Physical Therapist.

These tools are usually operated by a professional therapist because it is not possible to use IASTM tools that are normally associated with IASTM treatment on yourself easily. The Mobilization Magic soft tissue mobilization tool allows you to mobilize yourself in the comfort of your home.

How to use these Mobilization IASTM tools?

All you have to do is lay on the MMT tool for successively longer periods of time up to 30 mins so gravity, your body weight and time releases trigger points, the fascia and connective tissue (CT) in the skin and the underlying muscle as seen in the image right. By stretching the fascia you will increase your range of motion and be able to do things you have not been able to do for years.

Muscles have a cartilaginous/fascia skeleton that runs down the core of it, seen in the diagram below. It is difficult to stretch this skeleton by other approaches but using this MMT tool especially in sideways stretches works very well in bending the fibres in a direction that breaks up stiffness and adhesions.

How this IASTM Therapy Tool works

This soft tissue mobilization tool effectively breaks down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The introduction of sustained pressure to affected soft tissue causes the stimulation of local inflammatory response. The microtrauma that pressure causes starts a reabsorption process of fibrotic tissue or excessive scar tissue and promotes a chain of healing activities resulting in normalizing the affected soft tissue. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.

Our IASTM Therapy Tools stimulate:

• A flexible and well-maintained, healthy fascial network.
• Improved (soft) tissue perfusion.
• Improved range of motion.
• Mobilization of the soft tissue fascia.
• Loosening of adhesions in the connective tissue.
• Treatment of trigger points.

The most common conditions Mobilization Magic IASTM Tools are used for:

• Back Pain
• Hip Pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Neck Pain & Headaches
• Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis
• Patella tendonitis
• Adhesive Capsulitis
• Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
• Surgical or Traumatic scars
• Ligament Sprains
• Non-Acute Bursitis
•  RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
• Muscle Strains and tightness
• Shin Splints
• Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Is IASTM Therapy safe?

A Yes, IASTM Therapy has been used world wide for over 100 years with no reported adverse reactions to it. There are some reasons (Contra-indications) to not use it which can be found here.

Q What is Fascia?

A Fascia is the glue that holds our bodies together. All the forces that our bodies experience are transmitted by the fascia, without fascia we are just a pile on bones. See Fascia Facts

Top IASTM Tool for Crossfit

Searching for top-notch massage products for CrossFit? The Mobilization Magic Tool MMT is proving to be the Crossfit Massage Tool of choice. Our MMT is a self-myofascial release tool that produces strong concentrated pressure required to stretch the very tuff strong myofascial fibers. Crossfit is such a brutal sport that takes a heavy toll on a cross-fitters body.

Most Mobility tools have a large diameter—like 150mm—for foam rollers and trigger balls. This size diameter produces a diffuse pressure profile which struggles to stretch tight fascia effectively.

The beauty of the Crossfit Massage Tool MMT is its two heights for different parts of the body, with a 25mm diameter, which creates the concentrated force required to stretch seriously tight muscles and fascia.

Tight hips are a significant inhibitor of overall mobility and Crossfit competence. If your hip is tight, getting the body part loose again is no easy feat. Luckily, the Crossfit Massage Tool MMT can direct the whole of your body weight into its 25 mm surface. This action melts its way through the many tight layers surrounding the hip.

Tight calves are another area that cross-fitters work on a lot, as those muscles get worked a lot. As one of the leading massage products for CrossFit, the Mobilization Magic tool magically melts through to the very tight layers of the calf. When you first get the 20-minute mark on your calf, you will feel an increase in pain. This is because the tool has worked its way through the superficial Gastroc muscle of the calf—and is pressing on the deeper pressure-sensitive Soleus. Just take your calf off the tool until the pain subsides. Then, place your calf right back on the tool so the Crossfit Massage Tool can continue to melt through the tight layers.

Crossfit Mobility

Crossfit Mobility requires that muscles be at the functionally optimum length and that joints Range Of Movement (ROM) be as loose as needed to perform the daily workout of the day (WOD)

Cross-fitters use a Crossfit Massage Tool like the Mobilization Magic Tool to get them back in the box performing as hard as they possibly can.

Some of the benefits of using Crossfit Mobility Tools like the mobilization Magic Tool are:

• Better Performance
• Pain Relief
• Speed-up recovery and DOMS decrease
• Increases blood flow
• Cleared-up lactic acid
• Broken-up scar tissue
• Released Knots/ Trigger Points
• Increased Range of Movement