If you’re suffering from persistent muscle, back or nerve-type pain, there’s a growing treatment option in the UK known as fascial hydrodissection or hydrorelease. Clinics such as ProBack describe these as “innovative, advanced techniques increasingly used in the treatment of fascial pain”. Proback Advanced Back Care+1
Here’s a UK-friendly guide to what this treatment is, when it might help, and what to expect.
What is fascia — and what are hydrodissection/hydrorelease?
Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps around muscles, bones, nerves and organs. It’s richly supplied with nerve fibres, and when fascia becomes tight, scarred, inflamed or stuck to adjacent tissues it may contribute to chronic pain. Proback Advanced Back Care
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Hydrodissection: Under ultrasound guidance, a fluid (often saline) is injected beneath or around the fascia to gently separate (“dissect”) it from adjacent tissues. The goal is to relieve pressure on a nerve or to restore movement between layers of tissue.
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Hydrorelease: Similar in principle, but specifically targets scar tissue or fascial adhesions within or between muscle layers — aiming to restore normal gliding of tissue layers and reduce stiffness.
When might it help?
This treatment may be considered if you have:
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Pain that seems to involve nerves being ‘entrapped’ by fascia (for example numbness or tingling in hands or legs). The clinic page describes examples such as the dorsal scapular nerve (upper back) or cluneal nerve (lower back).
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Myofascial pain or stiffness where physical therapy, massage or standard injections haven’t given sufficient relief.
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Reduced movement or range of motion in a joint area suspected to involve fascial restriction — for example the shoulder. Research found ultrasound-guided fascial hydrorelease led to improved shoulder range of motion in a Japanese pilot study.
What the evidence says
While this is still a niche and evolving treatment, emerging research is encouraging:
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A 2022 pilot study on ultrasound-guided fascia hydrorelease in the shoulder (on the coracohumeral ligament) found statistically significant improvements in passive range of motion and pain/disability scores.
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A cadaveric biomechanical study found that hydrorelease reduced gliding resistance between fascial layers — suggesting a plausible mechanism: by injecting fluid, the tissue planes separate and movement becomes easier.
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A systematic review style study described interfascial hydrodissection in myofascial pain syndrome and found better short-term pain relief compared with dry needling.
Still, it should be emphasised: this is not a guaranteed cure. Not all patients respond, and the long-term data is still emerging. Clinics emphasise the need for expertise and patient selection.
What to expect during the treatment
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The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance, so the practitioner clearly visualises the fascial layers and the target area.
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The injection is typically of a saline (or low-volume fluid) between fascial planes. Minimal or no local anaesthetic may be needed, depending on the clinic’s protocol.
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Some patients report immediate improvements in movement or reduction of “tightness”, though full benefit may take days or weeks and sometimes multiple sessions.
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Following the procedure, you may be advised to do light movement, stretching or physical therapy to maximise the benefit and maintain mobility.
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Possible side-effects are relatively mild: temporary soreness, bruising, or a “full” feeling at the injection site. Because ultrasound-guidance is used, risks of nerve or vessel damage are reduced.
Is it suitable for UK patients?
Yes — clinics in the UK offer this kind of treatment (for example the London-based ProBack) and list it among non-surgical options for nerve- or fascia-related pain. Proback Advanced Back Care
However, a few practical considerations for UK audiences:
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Cost & funding: Many of these treatments are performed in private clinics rather than through the NHS, so check cost, what is included (assessment, ultrasound, follow-up) and whether your insurance may cover any part.
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Expertise matters: Because this technique requires specialist ultrasound skills and a good understanding of fascial anatomy, it’s wise to choose a clinic with trained personnel and good track-record.
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Integration with other care: For best results, fascia-directed injection may work best as part of a broader plan (physical therapy, movement work, lifestyle factors) rather than a stand-alone “magic bullet”.
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Realistic expectations: As with all treatments, results vary. It’s reasonable to view it as an option among many, particularly if you have tried standard therapies and are still in pain or restricted mobility.
Summary
For UK patients with persistent pain related to nerve entrapment or fascia-layer restriction, fascial hydrodissection/hydrorelease is a promising and minimally invasive option that merits discussion with a specialist.
By using ultrasound-guided injection of fluid to “free up” fascia or separate adhesions, this approach aims to restore movement, reduce nerve irritation and relieve pain. While still emerging in research, early studies show meaningful improvements in function and pain in selected cases.
