Myofascial Release in Novato
Myofascial release in Novato, CA — slow, sustained hands-on pressure that frees tight fascia to ease neck, back, shoulder, and arm pain. Book your first visit.
DeSalvo Chiropractic
Myofascial Release in Novato
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. Dr. DeSalvo offers myofascial release in Novato, CA as part of a complete chiropractic care plan, using slow, sustained hands-on pressure to find and free those restrictions so the tissue can glide again and you can move with less pain. It's a natural next step for patients across Novato and Marin County 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
Targets chronic tightness that massage or stretching alone hasn't resolved
Helps restore range of motion in the neck, shoulders, back, and arms
A gentle option for the widespread tenderness of fibromyalgia
Helps loosen scar-tissue adhesions from old injuries or surgery
Complements chiropractic adjustments by freeing the soft tissue around joints
Drug-free and non-invasive — 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, we apply a sustained, gentle stretch into the barrier and wait — typically 90 seconds or more — until the fascia begins to soften and release. Patients often describe a gradual "melting" or "unwinding" as the tissue lets go. Over a course of sessions, many patients notice less tightness and a fuller range of motion that holds up better between visits.
One visit. Real answers. A plan made for you.
Reserved for new patients: an unhurried first visit with Dr. DeSalvo himself. Your one-on-one consultation, comprehensive exam, muscle and nerve function assessment and first treatment, plus a care plan designed around you, all for $97.
What your New Patient Special includes
- A one-on-one consultation with Dr. DeSalvo
- A comprehensive exam
- A muscle & nerve function assessment
- Your first treatment
- A customized care plan, built around your goals
New patients only, one per person. X-rays are not included. If you choose to continue care, your care plan and its pricing are discussed with you up front. Not available for automobile-accident or personal-injury cases. Read the full New Patient Special disclaimer.
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. Hands are placed directly on the skin — no lotion — and a slow, sustained stretch is applied into the tight area. Rather than forcing the tissue, we wait for the fascia to respond and soften on its own, a process that usually takes 60–120 seconds per site. The goal 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. Dr. Douglas DeSalvo 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 can be especially helpful for:
- Chronic neck pain and back pain with persistent muscle guarding
- Shoulder pain and restricted range of motion
- Arm pain and elbow pain from tight forearm and upper-arm tissue — common with repetitive gripping, typing, or overhead work
- Forearm and wrist tightness that often accompanies carpal tunnel symptoms
- 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 DeSalvo Chiropractic
At DeSalvo Chiropractic in Novato, myofascial release is never a stand-alone menu item — it’s integrated into a complete care plan tailored to your body. Dr. DeSalvo combines 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 Novato and across Marin County, 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 book your first visit online — 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. Holding a gentle stretch into each restriction gives the tissue time to soften and release, which helps restore movement and ease 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 a difference within the first several sessions; chronic issues or fibromyalgia may need a longer course. After your exam Dr. DeSalvo gives 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, arm and forearm tension, fibromyalgia, headaches tied to fascial tension, post-surgical adhesions, and 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 us 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. Dr. DeSalvo often integrates myofascial release as part of a broader care plan.
Is myofascial release suitable for fibromyalgia?
It can be. Some research suggests myofascial release may help ease the widespread pain and tenderness of fibromyalgia, and 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 Novato patients say
“I had a great experience at DeSalvo Chiropractic! Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and professional, and I felt comfortable from the moment I walked in. They took the time to listen to my concerns and made sure I understood what they were doing throughout my visit.”
“Great chiropractic service! The staff was friendly and professional, and I felt comfortable throughout my visit. The treatment was helpful, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for quality chiropractic care.”
“I am an avid tennis player with the usual tennis injuries and Dr. Desalvo has helped me play again without pain!”