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.
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.
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 interwoven across the session to discuss the structure and function of fascia, foundational concepts of myofascial release, and how current evidence does and does not support regarding its efficacy in mobility, performance, and wellbeing.
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 wellbeing 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 Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise, in addition to the Sport 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 wellbeing of rangatahi.
Presenter: Carolynn Margan
Carolynn teaches on the Toi Ohomai Sports Massage course. She is particularly interested in the sports massage area after spending 30 years working in this field with elite athletes, focusing on recovery and injury prevention.
Carolynn is very involved with rehabilitation after surgery and combines teaching with her own client practice.