To understand this brand of therapy it is important to know what the fascia is. Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue that provides support and protection for most structures within the human body, including muscle. This soft tissue can become restricted due to overuse, trauma, infectious agents, or inactivity, often resulting in pain, muscle tension, and corresponding diminished blood flow. Although fascia and its corresponding muscle are the main targets of myofascial release, other tissue may be affected as well, including other connective tissue. Myofacial release works to gently stretch, lengthen, and open the fascia to improve range of motion, increase circulation, and decrease pain.