What Is Myofascial Release and Why We Use It for Pelvic Floor Tension

Working with the body and the nervous system through myofascial release can increase blood flow, reduce pain, improve body awareness, regulate the nervous system, ease muscle tension, support mobility and range of motion, and even speed up recovery.

But what exactly is fascia — and how does working with it help ease pelvic floor pain?

What Is Fascia?

Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and supports every muscle, muscle group, blood vessel, nerve, bone, and organ in the body.

Think of fascia like a spiderweb or a full-body bodysuit made of connective tissue — it wraps around everything inside of you and helps everything stay connected, supported, and responsive.

There are several types of fascia:

• Superficial fascia – just beneath the skin

• Myofascia – surrounding the muscles

• Visceral fascia – surrounding the organs

• Periosteal fascia – surrounding the bones
  

Fascia holds everything together and connects everything. It’s one continuous structure running from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. That’s why tension or restriction in one area can affect distant parts of the body.

Yep — everything is connected. Wild, right?

What Does Healthy Fascia Look Like?

Healthy fascia is hydrated, flexible, and moves smoothly — sliding and gliding with ease between layers of tissue. This movement allows your muscles, organs, and nerves to function without restriction or discomfort.

But fascia can become restricted or less mobile due to:

• Injury or trauma

• Chronic inflammation

• Surgery or scar tissue

• Lack of movement or repetitive movement

• Stress or nervous system dysregulation
  

When fascia becomes sticky or rigid, it can feel dry and tight. This can reduce circulation, create tension in distant areas, and contribute to pain.

For example, if you’ve had endometriosis surgery, the healing process may result in adhesions — bands of scar tissue that stick together layers of fascia or organs that are supposed to glide past each other. These adhesions can limit mobility and lead to chronic pain, digestive issues, or pelvic floor tension.

Myofascial release is one gentle way we can support the body in navigating these changes — without force or pressure.

Speaking from personal experience: I’ve had vulvar surgery due to my lichen sclerosus. When I saw a pelvic physio afterwards, they worked with the scar tissue to support better movement in the fascia around the area. Using gentle, respectful care.

What Is Myofascial Release for Pelvic Floor Tension?

Myofascial release is a gentle, intentional way of working with the fascia and surrounding muscles to ease tension, restore mobility, and support healing.

In my classes, we use tools like therapy balls (such as Yoga Tune-Up balls) or soft inflatable balls to apply gentle pressure to specific areas of the body. This pressure helps hydrate the tissues, increase circulation, and support the nervous system.

If you’ve ever been told to foam roll your inner thighs to help with pelvic floor dysfunction — that’s a form of myofascial release! Many people living with hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction experience tightness in places like the inner thighs, glutes, or even the feet. When a pelvic floor physio works on your glutes, for example, they’re releasing both muscle and fascia.

While foam rolling is one method, the approach we take inside my membership is much softer and more nervous-system-friendly. We’re not here to “dig in” or “push through.” We’re here to invite the body to release — with safety, softness, and support.

A Myofascial Release Practice for Your Pelvic Floor

Here’s something surprising: Myofascial release doesn’t always start where the pain is. In fact, working with distant areas of the body can have a powerful impact on pelvic floor function.

One of my favorite starting points? Rolling the feet.

The bottom of your feet are connected to your pelvis through fascia. By tending to your feet, you can support your pelvic floor.

And honestly — your feet carry you around all day, yet they’re so often forgotten.

So grab a ball (a tennis ball works, but I highly recommend Yoga Tune-Up balls if you can get them). Take a few minutes to slowly roll the bottom of each foot. Notice what you feel. Can you find any sore or crunchy spots that might need some extra love and attention?

Remember: less is more with these practices. We’re working with your nervous system, not trying to conquer your fascia. Think gentle, slow, and curious.

Want More Fascia-Loving Practices Like This?

Inside The Pelvic Health Yoga membership, you’ll find a whole library of myofascial release classes (and also bi-weekly live classes) — each one created specifically for people living with pelvic floor tension and chronic pelvic conditions.

We don’t just stretch. We support your nervous system, work with your fascia, and create safety in your body — gently and intentionally.

You'll find:

• Guided myofascial release sessions

• Breathwork and nervous system regulation tools

• Pelvic floor–friendly flows

• Meditations and energy-shifting practices

• A welcoming space where nothing about your body is too weird to talk about (hello, vulvas!)
  

👉 Click here to start your free 30-day trial and join a community of folks learning how to soften, release, and heal — one gentle roll at a time.

Your body doesn’t need to be forced into healing. It needs to be invited.

I'd be honoured to guide you through your first practice, Penny