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Myofascial Release Training and Careers

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Myofascial release training teaches students how to enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities through gentle, specialized stretching of the connective tissue, or fascia, that surrounds muscles and organs. Trauma, inflammation and even poor posture can put abnormal pressure on nerves and muscles, causing chronic pain, impeding motion and decreasing circulation.

Using myofascial release techniques, practitioners free up the body’s fascia, which, in turn, produces a healing effect in the patient.

Career Overview

Initially, practitioners of myofascial massage will rely on a consultation and evaluation of a patient’s condition to decide where to start with myofascial release therapy. Once in session, therapists combine their myofascial release training and experience with intuition to tune in to the patient’s body, sensing cues that tell them which muscles to stretch and in what order.

Like many other natural healing alternatives, myofascial release therapy integrates well into an overall wellness plan that might include acupuncture services, chiropractics, nutrition counseling and other alternative medicine practices.

Learn how myofascial release is similar to Hellerwork®.

Training and Education

What You’ll Study in Myofascial Release School

Classes in myofascial release training typically come in the form of electives, continuing education or advanced training seminars available at massage and healing arts schools. You can expect myofascial release training course work to cover the following:

  • Anatomy of fascia and related structures
  • Whole-body interrelationships
  • Upper and lower extremity problems
  • Myofascial release techniques
  • Cranial/sacral therapy and techniques
  • Treatment demonstration and hands-on practice

Average Length of Study

Depending on the program, myofascial release training can take two to five days of seminar time either in a row or spent over the course of several weekends. Some massage and healing arts schools offer semester-long classes that incorporate intensive units on myofascial release techniques into their massage therapy curriculum.

Average Tuition

Tuition for myofascial massage therapy training ranges from $500 to $700 per seminar day. Most seminars take at least two days, but some one-day workshops in advanced myofascial release techniques are available.

Myofascial Release Certification

Certification in myofascial release therapy is available through myofascial massage and bodywork schools. Typically, myofascial release training counts toward continuing education credits for massage, physical and occupational therapists, as well as other natural healing occupations that benefit from using integrative therapies like myofascial release in practice.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) current Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of massage therapists in general will grow at a much faster than average rate: 20% through 2031. The public’s ongoing interest in natural healing alternatives and its continued acknowledgment of the benefits of massage are some of the main reasons behind the anticipated growth in massage therapy jobs over the coming decade.

Myofascial Release Salary

According to the BLS, salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors. Take a look at massage salaries by state below.

Massage Therapists

National data

Median Salary: $46,910

Projected job growth: 20%

10th Percentile: $24,450

25th Percentile: $34,770

75th Percentile: $60,510

90th Percentile: $77,600

Projected job growth: 20%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $28,810 $17,050 $48,730
Alaska $121,120 $30,330 $154,310
Arizona $43,150 $29,160 $61,890
Arkansas $37,970 $23,440 $60,400
California $47,590 $29,270 $92,590
Colorado $47,900 $29,670 $62,600
Connecticut $53,060 $26,100 $113,830
Delaware $43,600 $24,040 $78,690
District of Columbia $47,230 $31,340 $61,250
Florida $38,600 $23,360 $73,190
Georgia $38,050 $18,050 $62,650
Hawaii $49,080 $23,260 $96,520
Idaho $47,980 $24,470 $128,110
Illinois $49,130 $23,670 $79,010
Indiana $47,960 $22,680 $80,880
Iowa $46,440 $24,580 $60,490
Kansas $39,370 $16,860 $66,060
Kentucky $48,700 $28,810 $78,560
Louisiana $29,550 $17,440 $78,990
Maine $39,200 $30,150 $77,450
Maryland $46,940 $24,440 $122,960
Massachusetts $58,190 $37,070 $97,240
Michigan $59,040 $26,040 $97,410
Minnesota $46,910 $29,130 $73,290
Mississippi $43,460 $28,310 $51,520
Missouri $36,610 $21,420 $60,450
Montana $59,380 $22,680 $82,970
Nebraska $46,640 $23,110 $79,010
Nevada $30,700 $17,720 $59,380
New Hampshire $47,980 $23,250 $77,440
New Jersey $44,870 $29,110 $61,670
New Mexico $38,330 $28,190 $79,010
New York $47,460 $31,930 $75,940
North Carolina $47,120 $22,740 $68,920
North Dakota $60,550 $30,380 $87,620
Ohio $46,490 $29,380 $76,190
Oklahoma $47,550 $26,160 $59,380
Oregon $70,300 $30,350 $94,020
Pennsylvania $46,410 $25,890 $71,500
Rhode Island $30,350 $24,540 $30,350
South Carolina $35,880 $17,440 $55,800
South Dakota $30,780 $23,340 $49,300
Tennessee $45,400 $18,850 $60,400
Texas $42,860 $22,330 $62,680
Utah $45,910 $18,020 $65,640
Vermont $47,850 $29,650 $61,340
Virginia $46,460 $21,190 $76,250
Washington $65,610 $31,150 $88,610
West Virginia $46,640 $23,340 $75,450
Wisconsin $39,300 $17,470 $61,450
Wyoming $47,820 $29,010 $61,690

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

Is a Myofascial Release Career Right for You?

A career in myofascial release requires advanced training in massage therapy topics and techniques, comfort working one-on-one with patients in a quiet environment and strong communication skills. Much like a career as a massage therapist, earning a living as a myofascial release specialist takes business savvy and marketing skills to build a client base.

If you are interested in a myofascial release therapy career, take a closer look at myofascial release training courses by clicking the Find Schools button below. Then choose the myofascial massage program that meets your personal and professional needs.