Are Your Workouts Helping or Holding You Back?

We live in a culture that often tells us to “push through” discomfort, strengthen weak areas, or do more cardio when something feels off in our bodies. But when it comes to fascia, the body’s connective tissue network, more effort isn’t always the answer.

If you're looking for long-term pain relief, pain management, or simply a new approach to healing in Santa Cruz, it might be time to explore something different.

Fascia Doesn’t Respond to Force

Unlike muscles, fascia doesn’t release through typical strengthening or dynamic stretching exercises. Using resistance bands, lifting weights, or doing repetitive cardio can all help build muscle, but they don’t necessarily address fascial restrictions. In some cases, they can even worsen them by strengthening around misalignments.

Many people assume they’re stretching when they feel a pull, but what they’re really doing is engaging and activating muscles. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just not the same as releasing fascia.

First, Align the Body & Then Strengthen

A helpful visual here: Imagine building a house on uneven ground. Would you reinforce the walls before leveling the foundation? Probably not. You’d want a stable, balanced base first.

Similarly, Myofascial Release therapy works by gently releasing restrictions in the fascia to restore postural alignment, balance, and range of motion. Once your body’s natural foundation is restored, muscles can activate more effectively, and strength returns more naturally.

If you jump straight into strengthening without this foundational alignment, you may unknowingly strengthen around dysfunction, holding poor posture or imbalances in place.

Movement Matters—But So Does How You Move

This doesn’t mean you should stop moving. On the contrary, your body was designed for movement! The key is to choose gentle, supportive activities that keep your body fluid without reinforcing tension.

Try this instead:

• Take a mindful 10–20 minute walk

• Swap one workout per week for a stretching or self-MFR session

• Build in quiet time to feel how your body responds after activity

Remember: not every day requires full effort. Some days will call for rest, and that’s part of healing, too.

3 Myofascial Release Stretches You Can Start Today

These self-treatment techniques focus on feeling into the body rather than forcing change. Each stretch should be held for 3–5 minutes, preferably longer, allowing time for the fascia to begin to soften and release.

1. Wall Chest Stretch

Stand in a doorway, place your forearm on the wall with your elbow bent at shoulder height. Gently turn your torso away until you feel a light pull through the front of your shoulder or chest. Hold and breathe.

2. Reclined Low Back / Pelvis Release

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Let your knees fall inward, resting against each other or on a pillow. Stay here and notice what lets go over time.

3. Upper Back / Shoulder Blade Stretch

Sit on the floor and slowly round forward, letting your arms rest in your lap or on the floor. Let your head hang comfortably. Feel for subtle shifts as you breathe deeply.

These stretches aren’t about performance, they’re about presence.

When to Reintroduce Strengthening

Once fascial tension and misalignment have been addressed, many people find their strength improves without doing much. That’s because the muscles are no longer fighting against tight tissue or poor posture.

If focused strengthening is still needed, it may be helpful to work with a physical therapist or personal trainer who understands alignment-based movement. They can help assess what’s appropriate for your body’s current needs and guide you toward building true, functional strength.

Supporting Long-Term Pain Relief in Santa Cruz County

Movement is essential, but not all movement is created equal. Myofascial Release therapy offers a gentle, powerful way to restore balance and alignment so your body can move, stretch, and strengthen in a way that supports long-term ease and vitality.

If you're in Santa Cruz or Santa Cruz County and looking for support with pain relief, pain management, posture, flexibility, or overall wellness, I'm here to help.

Curious to experience this for yourself?
Explore self-treatment resources or schedule a Myofascial Release session with me by clicking the button below. I work with clients from across Santa Cruz County and beyond.