Soft Tissue Therapy & Myofascial Release

Mark Boutillier performing soft tissue release on his client

A staple of osteopathic care is soft tissue therapy, which is any method directed at tissue other than bone, particularly muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. As with all other forms of osteopathic treatment, soft tissue therapy aims to address the primary cause of the pain or dysfunction, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

A primary goal of all osteopathic treatment is to restore proper physiological motion to the areas of the body that have become restricted or dysfunctional. Soft tissue therapy aims to improve and restore proper function of body’s soft tissues. Once the function of the musculoskeletal system has been improved, other connected body parts can benefit as well. Soft tissue therapies are hands-on, manual techniques where pressure is applied to various soft tissues of the body.

Soft tissues can develop abnormal tension for many reasons, such as a traumatic injury, sprain or strains, or simply from poor postural habits. It is this tension that can cause pain and tenderness or limit and prevent certain movements. Common soft tissue techniques to address these issues include stretching across or along the lines of muscular fibers, deep pressure techniques (often referred to as “trigger point therapy”), and myofascial release techniques. Benefits from soft tissue therapy include pain relief, decreased inflammation, reduced muscle spasm, improved circulation and blood flow, postural corrections, and reduced risk of further injury.


Conditions treated by soft tissue therapy:

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Injuries

  • Chronic or acute tension

  • Limited flexibility

  • Poor posture

  • Improves function

Mark Boutillier is a Manual Osteopathic Practitioner (DOMP) practicing in Waterdown, Ontario.