Chiropractor Greer SC: Myofascial Release and Active Release Explained

Why Muscle Tension and Fascia Issues Are Common in Greer

Muscle tension and fascia issues are widespread, but we see many athletes from Greer because of the rise in multi-season participation, higher intensity sports, and the physical demands of modern technology like computer work and phone usage. Dr. Michael Day, Director and Founder of Mountain Movement Center, explains:

"From weekend warriors to elite athletes, high school and youth players, these modern demands create fascial and muscle patterns that are not optimized for injury prevention or peak performance. What we see is the body trying to compensate for repeated stresses, and that often leads to chronic pain or decreased performance."

For example, an athlete who spends significant time sitting may develop a forward-flexed posture. The chest and shoulder muscles internally rotate the arm, while the back-of-shoulder muscles fail to engage properly. This can cause a loss of speed or power in throwing, swinging, or other sport-specific motions.

"Sometimes, a simple fascia release on the knee can transform a golfer’s swing or a pickleball player’s game," Dr. Day notes. "Many have been told they’re just developing arthritis, when in fact, the issue is a fascial or muscular restriction affecting movement patterns upstream and downstream."

‍What Is Fascia and Why It Matters for Pain and Performance

Fascia is more than connective tissue; it’s a communication network that coordinates movement. Research shows that fascia is essential for explosive, coordinated motion. Muscles never fire in isolation — they work as part of a larger fascial system that links joints, muscles, and nerves.

"When a bicep fires, the fascia from the fingers all the way up to the shoulder blade and neck is engaged. Nerve signals travel between muscle, fascia, joints, and brain. A patient may come in with hand pain, but the underlying issue could be scapular or neck fascia dysfunction," Dr. Day explains.

By understanding fascia’s role in performance and injury, Mountain Movement Center can connect the dots and fix even the toughest cases.

Difference Between Myofascial Release and Active Release Technique

The distinction between myofascial release (MFR) and Active Release Technique (ART) lies not just in technique but in execution.

• ART, developed by Mike Leahy, focuses on breaking adhesions and restoring proper muscle motion.
• MFR, taught through multiple specialty programs, emphasizes restoring fascia mobility and integrating muscle firing patterns.

Dr. Day says:
"It’s really in the hands of the practitioner. The key is whether they can analyze the fascial system and integrate motion properly, not just 'dig' into muscles. We use over 15 different myofascial approaches, which allows us to customize treatment for every athlete."

This expertise is what sets Mountain Movement Center apart from typical clinics, ensuring optimal recovery and performance.

‍How These Techniques Complement Chiropractic Adjustments

All of Mountain Movement Center’s doctors emphasize integration: myofascial therapy, movement exercises, and chiropractic adjustments work best together.

"This is the culmination of years of study and experience," Dr. Day explains. "When you combine all three, you not only relieve pain but also enhance performance. Muscles fire better, reaction times improve, fascia becomes more elastic and responsive, and athletes perform at higher levels."

By addressing both neurological and structural patterns, patients recover faster, reduce the risk of injury, and regain natural movement efficiency.

‍Conditions We Help

Dr. Day notes that the clinic treats virtually any condition affecting the musculoskeletal system:

• Tennis shoulder
• Frozen Shoulder
• Tendinitis of all Types
• Golfers elbow
• Tennis Elbow
• Patellar Tendinitis
• Surgical Scar Tissue
• Runner’s knee
• Desk-related postural pain
• Foot, toe, finger, or joint issues

"With the addition of Multi Radiance laser therapy, even distal joint problems can be treated effectively. We work upstream and downstream from the site of pain, connecting the dots. Often, a shoulder issue relates to the opposite hip, scapular stabilization, and base-of-skull integration," he says.

The breadth of treatment demonstrates that myofascial therapy is not limited to neck or back pain. Extremity and joint issues respond exceptionally well when combined with laser therapy, ART, MFR, and chiropractic care.

‍What to Expect During Your First Visit at a Greer Sports Chiropractor

New patients receive a comprehensive assessment designed to identify hidden dysfunctions:

• Detailed movement exam
• Fascial motion evaluation
• Muscle firing pattern and alignment check

Based on the findings, Dr. Day and his team devise a stepwise treatment plan that may include:

• Laser therapy
• Myofascial release
• Dry needling
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Graded movement instruction

"Our goal is to integrate therapy, exercise, and adjustments to get athletes back to peak performance as efficiently as possible," Dr. Day explains.

‍Why Integration Matters

The combination of ART, Myofascial Release, and chiropractic adjustments ensures that the body:

• Restores natural movement patterns
• Resets neurological firing
• Improves fascial elasticity
• Coordinates muscle timing for performance

"Many athletes are amazed at how quickly they regain speed, power, and precision after treatment. This isn’t just about pain relief — it’s about performance optimization," Dr. Day says.

By addressing both the cause and the effect, Mountain Movement Center achieves results rarely seen in traditional sports clinics.

‍Trusted by Greer Athletes of All Levels

Mountain Movement Center serves athletes from:

• Greer High School, Riverside, JL Mann, Greenville High School and Eastside,
• Youth programs like CESA Soccer, Team Greenville Swim, Crush FC, and YSSC

"We work with athletes of all levels — from weekend warriors to elite youth competitors. Our focus is always on restoring performance, preventing injury, and helping athletes reach their potential," Dr. Day notes.

Athletes often return for pre-event optimization, ensuring muscles and fascia are firing correctly, and the nervous system is fully engaged before competition.

‍Call to Action

If you’re an athlete in Greer or Greenville, struggling with chronic muscle tension, fascial restrictions, or sports-related injuries, Mountain Movement Center is here to help.

“There’s rarely a case we can’t improve,” Dr. Day says. “Book a consultation for myofascial care and see how proper evaluation and integrated therapy can transform your performance and reduce pain.”

Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference of a Greer sports chiropractor who combines myofascial expertise, Active Release, and chiropractic care.