What to expect during your first MFR Session:
The quick answer:
MFR is NOT like a massage with gliding strokes and oil. There is no oil/lotion used, you are in some clothing (see below), laying on top of the sheet (blanket added if you're cold), and the pressure I use is generally lighter than a massage. Pain/pressure on a 1 - 10 scale (very light to OUCH!) should only be around a 6 or 7 since I will be holding my position in an area for 5min minimum or however long we sense the body needs the work there. It is NOT a deep tissue massage, or something deeper than a deep tissue massage, or like Rolfing.
The longer answer:
We will discuss your health history and pain patterns, do a visual assessment of you to analyze imbalances in the body to help guide the treatment, and most importantly get you on the table to experience the work. After the session I will provide you with self-myofascial release techniques for homework.
How do I dress for an MFR Session?
MFR requires use of the skin as a lever for the fascial system. Therefore, male patients wear athletic shorts and women wear loose shorts or bikini bottoms plus a sports bra. Please DO NOT put on lotion prior to your MFR session. I need to gently “anchor” into your skin without sliding or gliding.
Can symptoms get worse after treatment sessions?
Some patients, especially those with complex or chronic pain, experience what can best be labeled as a Healing Response, especially after the first few treatment sessions. It is not uncommon, especially initially, to feel “stirred up” after some sessions. This occurs as layers of built up tissue restrictions begin to soften, lengthen, and release. Longstanding restrictions actually store accumulated toxins so when they open/release, these toxins are finally able to escape the body. This is why we recommend that all of our MFR clients drink water after each MFR session. The increased water consumption ensures that the released toxins can be eliminated from the body. It is important to know and remember that MFR never injures and never harms. Symptoms may increase or migrate as the body shifts into better alignment and longstanding restrictions leave the body. This is all just a reflection of positive change occurring in the body and it is part of the healing process.
To learn more about the John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach, and other useful resources please visit: myofascialrelease.com
The quick answer:
MFR is NOT like a massage with gliding strokes and oil. There is no oil/lotion used, you are in some clothing (see below), laying on top of the sheet (blanket added if you're cold), and the pressure I use is generally lighter than a massage. Pain/pressure on a 1 - 10 scale (very light to OUCH!) should only be around a 6 or 7 since I will be holding my position in an area for 5min minimum or however long we sense the body needs the work there. It is NOT a deep tissue massage, or something deeper than a deep tissue massage, or like Rolfing.
The longer answer:
We will discuss your health history and pain patterns, do a visual assessment of you to analyze imbalances in the body to help guide the treatment, and most importantly get you on the table to experience the work. After the session I will provide you with self-myofascial release techniques for homework.
How do I dress for an MFR Session?
MFR requires use of the skin as a lever for the fascial system. Therefore, male patients wear athletic shorts and women wear loose shorts or bikini bottoms plus a sports bra. Please DO NOT put on lotion prior to your MFR session. I need to gently “anchor” into your skin without sliding or gliding.
Can symptoms get worse after treatment sessions?
Some patients, especially those with complex or chronic pain, experience what can best be labeled as a Healing Response, especially after the first few treatment sessions. It is not uncommon, especially initially, to feel “stirred up” after some sessions. This occurs as layers of built up tissue restrictions begin to soften, lengthen, and release. Longstanding restrictions actually store accumulated toxins so when they open/release, these toxins are finally able to escape the body. This is why we recommend that all of our MFR clients drink water after each MFR session. The increased water consumption ensures that the released toxins can be eliminated from the body. It is important to know and remember that MFR never injures and never harms. Symptoms may increase or migrate as the body shifts into better alignment and longstanding restrictions leave the body. This is all just a reflection of positive change occurring in the body and it is part of the healing process.
To learn more about the John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach, and other useful resources please visit: myofascialrelease.com