The complementary benefits of Myofascial release and Pilates

The combination of myofascial release with Pilates has been gaining popularity during the last decade.  Clients quickly identify the added value of the dual approach in the studio and will often practice self-myofascial release at home between Pilates sessions.

Why is this ?

Complementary Benefits: Myofascial release and Pilates offer complementary benefits. Myofascial release focuses on releasing tension in muscles and fascia allowing more range of movement around joints as well as preparing soft tissues before stretching, while Pilates targets focused strengthening, flexibility, muscle balancing, and improved posture. By combining the two clients quickly recognise the improvements the dual approach delivers.

Enhanced Results: The release of muscular tension and fascial restrictions often improves the effectiveness of Pilates exercises, allowing for better movement patterns and muscle engagement.

Pain Management: Many clients turn to Pilates to aid pain management as well as for injury or condition rehabilitation. The addition of myofascial release techniques can provide additional pain relief benefits by targeting specific areas of tension or discomfort. This makes it particularly appealing to those dealing with chronic pain or post-injury recovery.

Mind-Body Connection: Both myofascial release and Pilates employ a mind-body connection. The combination encourages clients to become more attuned to their bodies, promoting mindfulness and self-awareness during movement. This holistic approach can enhance the overall quality of the session.

Class or Individual Focus: Instructors can tailor the combination of myofascial release and Pilates to suit the goal of a class or the specific needs and goals of one on one clients. Data shows that the more personalised or tailored a workout the higher the retention levels enjoyed by a business.

Professional Integration: Myofascial Release combined with Pilates, flexibility sessions, and with Gym work for targeted strengthening, is gaining increased awareness as a standard practice in the physical conditioning and match preparedness of professional sportsmen and women. This contributes to the growing popularity of a combination of myofascial release with a stretch or strengthen discipline.

Scientific Understanding: There is a growing body of scientific research supporting the effectiveness of myofascial release and its impact on musculoskeletal health. This evidence-based approach has led to increased acceptance and adoption of myofascial release within the fitness and healthcare communities.

Holistic Wellness: The combination of myofascial release and Pilates aligns with the broader trend toward holistic wellness. People are increasingly seeking approaches that address not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional well-being. This combination can promote a sense of balance and overall wellness.

Positive Testimonials: As more individuals experience the benefits of combining myofascial release with Pilates, they share their positive testimonials and experiences. Word of mouth and online reviews have contributed to the popularity of this approach.  

There are a range of techniques and approaches to myofascial release, and similarly a range of accessories that practitioners might choose to aid partner releases in a one-on-one situation or individual releases in a group setting.   Mbodies deliver an online, in your own time, instructor training course.  that teaches partner releases as well as individual releases through rolling, static pressure, cross-fibring, and sensory stimulation using the most effective small accessories to allow instructors working with individual clients or groups to harness the value of a dual approach to get more profound, targeted results.  

A Pilates instructor may be doing a disservice to their clients by not incorporating myofascial release into their practice for several reasons:

Incomplete Holistic Approach: Myofascial release is a valuable component of a holistic approach to fitness and wellness. By omitting it from their instruction, Pilates instructors may provide an incomplete or less comprehensive experience for their clients. This could result in missed opportunities to address issues related to muscular tension, flexibility, and pain management.

Limited Pain Relief: Many clients turn to Pilates for pain relief and rehabilitation purposes. Myofascial release techniques can be highly effective in providing pain relief by releasing muscular tension and fascial restrictions. Without these techniques, clients dealing with chronic pain or discomfort may not achieve the optimal relief they seek.

Reduced Flexibility and Mobility: Myofascial restrictions can limit flexibility and mobility. By neglecting myofascial release, Pilates instructors may miss the chance to help clients improve their range of motion, which is essential for overall functional fitness.

Incomplete Muscle Activation: Myofascial release can help activate and engage muscles more effectively. When combined with Pilates exercises, clients can achieve better muscle engagement and recruitment, leading to improved results in terms of strength, stability, and posture. Without myofascial release, clients may not fully activate their muscles during Pilates sessions.

Postural Issues: Myofascial release can assist in addressing postural issues by releasing fascial restrictions that contribute to poor posture. Instructors who do not incorporate myofascial release may not fully address these underlying postural problems, potentially exacerbating or perpetuating postural-related discomfort.

Missed Mind-Body Connection: Myofascial release can enhance the mind-body connection, helping clients become more aware of their bodies and areas of tension or discomfort. Pilates is known for its emphasis on mindfulness and body awareness, and the combination with myofascial release can deepen this connection. By excluding myofascial release, instructors may miss the opportunity to promote this essential aspect of Pilates practice.

Client Satisfaction: Clients who have experienced the benefits of myofascial release may expect it as part of their Pilates practice. Failing to incorporate myofascial release may lead to client dissatisfaction and a perception that the instruction is lacking in terms of providing a comprehensive and effective fitness experience.

Competitive Disadvantage: In a competitive fitness and wellness industry, offering a more comprehensive and well-rounded approach can set Pilates instructors apart from others. By not incorporating myofascial release, instructors may miss the chance to provide a unique and appealing service to potential clients.

Missed Opportunity for Education: Teaching myofascial release techniques within a Pilates context can empower clients with self-care tools. Instructors can educate their clients on how to perform myofascial release on their own, promoting long-term self-maintenance and well-being.

In conclusion, by not practicing myofascial release within their Pilates instruction, instructors may fail to provide a complete and effective wellness experience for their clients. Myofascial release can enhance the physical and mental benefits of Pilates, address issues related to pain and tension, and promote a deeper mind-body connection. Instructors who integrate myofascial release into their practice can better support their clients in achieving their fitness and wellness goals.

Author:  Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant

Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998.  He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners.  With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency.  His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew.  As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD.  Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices at www.pilates-consultant.co.uk