Fascia is connective tissue that runs throughout the body.  It runs through and around layers of muscle, nerves and arteries, organs, and travels all the way down to the level of the cell.  It has been shown that fascia can both contract (like a muscle does when you use it) and be painful.  Since it connects throughout the body, tightness in one area can cause problems and/or pain in other areas.  Releasing tight fascia can be an important component to improving pain and moving better.  Myofascial release is a type of self-exercise or hands-on technique to help the fascia of the body move better.