Workshop 2: Unlocking Movement and Recovery: Practical Myofascial Release for Wellbeing and Performance
The fascial system has emerged as a critical yet underappreciated contributor to human movement, athletic performance, and recovery (Fede et al., 2025).
This interactive practical workshop is designed to demystify fascia and equip attendees with evidence-informed self-myofascial release (SMFR) techniques that offer high return on investment for athletes, coaches, therapists, and active individuals (França et al., 2023).
The majority of the session will be hands-on. Participants will be guided through a curated set of practical SMFR strategies using low-cost tools, targeting commonly restricted areas.
Techniques are chosen based on their ease of use, minimal equipment, and applicability across sport and occupational settings.
Theory will be woven into the session to discuss the structure and function of fascia, foundational concepts of myofascial release, and what current evidence does and does not support regarding its efficacy in mobility, performance, and well-being.
Key takeaways for attendees include:
- A working knowledge of fascia and myofascial release principles
- Evidence-based clarity on SMFR effectiveness
- A take-home set of simple and effective SMFR strategies
- Insight into how to integrate SMFR into warm-ups, recovery routines, and well-being practices
This session offers immediately transferable value for sport practitioners and health professionals seeking to enhance mobility, reduce injury risk, and support wellbeing using accessible, low-cost tools and techniques.
Presenter: Dr Daniel Wilson
Dan is passionate about holistic wellbeing, performance, and evidence-based practice. He teaches a range of topics on our certificate in sport, exercise and recreation, in addition to the sport, health and human performance degree in partnership with the University of Waikato.
Dan’s PhD focused on enhancing the health and well-being of staff at Air New Zealand through lifestyle medicine interventions.
His current postdoctoral research focus areas include behavioural medicine, aviation medicine, and technology-integrated interventions to enhance the well-being of rangatahi.
Presenter: Carolynn Margan
Carolynn teaches on the Toi Ohomai therapeutic and sports massage course. She is particularly interested in the sports massage area after spending 25 years working in this field with our elite athletes, focusing on recovery and injury prevention.
Carolynn is very involved with rehabilitation after surgery and is still working with the public.