Myofascial Release in Monterey
Myofascial release in Monterey, CA — slow, sustained pressure that frees the connective tissue to ease chronic tightness, restore movement, and relieve stubborn pain.
New Beginnings Chiropractic
Myofascial Release in Monterey
Chronic tightness, nagging pain, and that feeling of being "locked up" often trace back not to the muscle itself but to the fascia — the thin, fibrous web of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, and organ in your body. Myofascial release uses slow, sustained hands-on pressure to find and free those restrictions, restoring the glide and suppleness that lets you move without pain. Our doctors use this technique as a core part of care for patients across Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, and Carmel who haven't found lasting relief from massage or stretching alone.
How it works
What to expect with Myofascial Release
- Step 1
Find the restriction
We assess posture, movement patterns, and hands-on tissue quality to locate the fascial restrictions that are pulling on your pain — not just the area where it hurts.
- Step 2
Slow, sustained release
Using direct skin contact and no lubricant, we apply gentle, sustained pressure into each restriction and hold until the tissue softens — there's no forceful pushing or cracking.
- Step 3
Integrate and reinforce
Each session ends with movement cues and home stretches that help the newly freed fascia stay supple between visits and support the rest of your care plan.
Why patients choose it
Benefits of Myofascial Release
Relieves chronic tightness that outlasts regular massage
Restores range of motion in the neck, shoulders, and back
Calms fibromyalgia-related widespread pain and sensitivity
Reduces scar-tissue adhesions from old injuries or surgery
Complements chiropractic adjustments by freeing the soft tissue around joints
Safe and drug-free — no needles, no instruments, no downtime
The basics
About Myofascial Release
Fascia is one continuous, three-dimensional web — and when any part of it tightens or develops adhesions from injury, surgery, inflammation, or chronic stress, the restriction can pull on distant structures the way a snag in a sweater pulls the whole fabric. That's why a shoulder restriction might contribute to neck pain, or restricted fascia in the lower back can amplify hip tightness. Standard massage relaxes muscle but rarely releases the deeper fascial layers where these adhesions live.
Myofascial release works differently. Instead of sliding over tissue with lotion, the therapist applies a sustained, gentle stretch into the barrier and waits — typically 90 seconds or more — until the fascia undergoes a mechanical and neurological release. Patients often describe a gradual "melting" or "unwinding" as the tissue lets go. Over a course of sessions the cumulative result is lasting — less tightness, fuller range of motion, and pain that stays gone rather than coming back a day after your last treatment.
Limited-Time Offer
$47 New Patient Special
$357 Value — Your complete first visit — one simple price.
Your Visit Includes
New patients only. Mention this special when you book. The $47 new patient special does not include shockwave treatment.
What is myofascial release?
Fascia is the thin, continuous sheet of connective tissue that wraps around every muscle, joint, nerve, and organ in your body. Under normal conditions it is fluid and supple, allowing structures to glide past one another freely. After an injury, surgery, repetitive strain, or prolonged stress, fascia can tighten and form adhesions — areas where the tissue has essentially stuck to itself or to neighboring structures. These restrictions don’t show up on X-rays or MRIs, but they create a constant pulling force that contributes to chronic pain, poor posture, and limited movement.
Myofascial release is a gentle, hands-on therapy designed to find and free those restrictions. The therapist places their hands directly on the skin — no lotion — and applies a slow, sustained stretch into the tight area. Rather than forcing the tissue, they wait for the fascia to respond and soften on its own, a process that usually takes 60–120 seconds per site. The result is a genuine release of the restriction rather than a temporary relaxation of the overlying muscle.
What to expect
Your first session begins with a conversation about your history and a postural and movement assessment. Our doctors will note areas of reduced glide or tissue density that correlate with your symptoms. Treatment takes place on a padded table; most areas are accessed through light, comfortable clothing or with appropriate draping.
During the session you’ll feel a firm but comfortable pressure that gradually softens as each restriction releases. Many patients describe a warming, spreading, or gentle unwinding sensation — and some feel relief from pain and tension within the first few minutes. Sessions typically last 30–45 minutes depending on how many areas are addressed. Most patients leave feeling noticeably looser and lighter; mild muscle soreness the following day is normal and usually resolves quickly.
Who it helps
Myofascial release is a good fit for anyone dealing with pain or tightness that hasn’t fully responded to stretching, massage, or medication. It is especially effective for:
- Chronic neck pain and back pain with persistent muscle guarding
- Shoulder pain and restricted range of motion
- Fibromyalgia — widespread sensitivity that responds poorly to deeper bodywork
- Post-surgical or post-injury adhesions that limit recovery
- Postural imbalances driven by fascial tightness rather than structural problems
Because fascia connects everything, a restriction in one area can refer symptoms to another — so if you’ve been chasing pain from site to site without lasting relief, fascial assessment is often the missing piece.
Why choose New Beginnings Chiropractic
At New Beginnings Chiropractic in Monterey, myofascial release is never a stand-alone menu item — it’s integrated into a complete care plan tailored to your body. Our doctors combine fascial work with chiropractic adjustments, targeted rehab, and other soft-tissue techniques so the relief you feel on the table translates into lasting improvement in your daily life. We serve patients from Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, and Carmel, and we’re committed to honest, plain-English care that gives you a real endpoint rather than an indefinite schedule.
Ready to get started? Check out our New Patient Special or contact us to book your first visit — we’ll take it from there.
What it helps
Conditions we treat with Myofascial Release
What is myofascial release?+
Myofascial release is a hands-on soft-tissue therapy that applies slow, sustained pressure to tight or restricted areas of the fascia — the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles. By holding a gentle stretch into each restriction, the therapist allows the tissue to soften and release, restoring movement and reducing pain.
Does myofascial release hurt?+
It shouldn't feel sharp or intense. Most patients describe a deep pressure or mild stretching sensation that gradually softens as the fascia lets go. We always work within your comfort level and adjust pressure based on your feedback.
How is myofascial release different from regular massage?+
Standard massage uses lotion or oil to glide over muscle tissue and improve circulation. Myofascial release uses no lubricant and applies a sustained hold — sometimes 90 seconds or longer — into the fascial barrier rather than moving across it. This allows a deeper, more lasting release of adhesions.
How many sessions will I need?+
It varies by condition and how long the restriction has been there. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within 3–6 sessions; chronic issues or fibromyalgia may benefit from a longer course. After your exam our doctors give you a clear, time-bound plan — not open-ended treatment.
Is myofascial release safe?+
Yes. It is a gentle, non-invasive, drug-free therapy. We perform a thorough intake and exam before beginning care, and myofascial release is safe for most adults including those recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.
What conditions does myofascial release help?+
It is especially helpful for chronic neck and back pain, shoulder tightness, fibromyalgia, headaches tied to fascial tension, post-surgical adhesions, and any recurring muscle tightness that keeps returning despite other treatment.
Will my insurance cover myofascial release?+
Coverage varies by plan. We accept many major insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay rates. Send us your insurance information and we'll verify your benefits before your first appointment.
How should I prepare for a myofascial release session?+
Wear or bring comfortable clothing you can move in. Arrive well-hydrated and let your therapist know about any recent injuries, surgeries, or tender areas. After a session, drink plenty of water and avoid intense exercise that day.
Can myofascial release be combined with chiropractic care?+
Absolutely — it works especially well alongside adjustments. Freeing the fascial restrictions around a joint makes the joint easier to adjust and helps the correction hold longer. Our doctors often integrate myofascial release as part of a broader care plan.
Is myofascial release suitable for fibromyalgia?+
Yes. Research suggests myofascial release can meaningfully reduce the widespread pain and sensitivity of fibromyalgia. The gentle, non-compressive nature of the technique makes it a well-tolerated option for patients who find deeper bodywork too uncomfortable.
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Patient reviews
What our Monterey patients say
“I’ve been seeing Dr(Richard) Westbrook for about 25 yrs. My go-to for injuries, maintenance, and great conversation . Also to keep my immune system up. A true partner in healing. I mean the guy even “walked me through” menopause pretty much unscathed which is quite a recommendation. And is also now my partner in aging well. I think his work has been one of the reasons I’m upright, and look and feel younger than most 75 yr olds ( who don’t exercise regularly .) If you need someone to truly listen to you and heal and help you feel better he’s by far the best.”
“I have been a patient of Dr. Westbrook’s since 2010. Whenever I need chiropractic care, he is someone I trust completely. Dr. Westbrook is kind, professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely attentive to his patients’ individual needs. He takes the time to listen and has always made me feel comfortable and cared for. He is also incredibly accommodating with scheduling and has gone out of his way several times to fit me in when I needed an appointment on short notice. That level of care means a great deal to me. I especially appreciate his approach because I have had experiences with other chiropractors who were too rough and left me feeling nervous and afraid during adjustments. I have never felt that way with Dr. Westbrook. I trust him 100% and always feel that my comfort and safety are important to him. He offers both manual adjustments and the Activator technique, which I also appreciate. In all the years I have seen him, there was only one occasion when something did not feel quite right after an adjustment. When I contacted him, he got me back into the office right away, addressed the problem, and I left feeling great. That experience actually gave me even more confidence in the level of care he provides. Dr. Westbrook also has a wonderful personality and sense of humor. He makes you feel at ease while still maintaining a high level of professionalism. I always enjoy seeing him, and I consistently leave my appointments feeling better than when I walked in. His wife is also a chiropractor in the practice and has always been extremely kind and professional, although I personally see Dr. Westbrook most often. The entire office is clean, comfortable, and inviting, and the front desk staff are always friendly and welcoming. I enjoy their water massage chairs as well! After knowing the Westbrooks and returning to their practice for more than 15 years, I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for compassionate, professional chiropractic care. Finding a chiropractor you genuinely trust is so important, and I am very grateful to have found that with the Westbrooks.”
“Dr. Richard Westbrook has been my chiropractor for years and years and years. He is great at both providing temporary relief when you are in pain and also helping you prevent future problems. His latest addition to his office is a Shockwave machine, which is an amazing device for treating chronic pain. Be sure to ask him about it!”