What is Myofascial Release?
Excellent 5min video:
About Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release (MFR), as designed by John F. Barnes PT, is unlike any form of therapy today because it focuses on treating the fascia, or the connective tissue system.
MFR utilizes techniques that are very different from other forms of manual therapy, such as deep tissue or general therapeutic massage. The therapist finds restrictions in your myofascial system (myo = muscles; fascia = connective tissues) and gently stretches, or “releases”, those adhesions to minimize pain and improve function. Because the fascial system is a continuous, uninterrupted 3-dimensional web that runs from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet, it directly impacts and influences every system (e.g. muscles, bones, cells) and motion center of the body. So, if there is a restriction in one part of our body (fascia), it will have an effect on other parts of the body.
In the normal healthy state, fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration with the ability to stretch and move allowing our body to absorb and adapt to stress, and move without restrictions. With an injury or trauma (e.g. falls or surgery) the fascia loses some of its pliability, and begins to shorten limiting normal movement. The restrictions that develop can result in inflammation of joints and soft tissue, compression of bones and nerves, poor posture and pain. This causes enormous crushing pressures that spread over time like a 'drag' on a sweater to distant areas of the body. Science has shown that adhesions in the fascial network can create pressure on structures in our body of up to 2,000 pounds per square inch. Without the constant balanced pull of the fascial network there is a loss of equilibrium in the body resulting in the dysfunction of one or more of our body systems.
With the therapist's intuitive touch and constant, sustained pressure to treat these restricted regions, not only can the symptoms be effectively treated, but the underlying issue can also be detected and addressed. We will focus on the whole body in every session. For example, even if your primary issue is neck stiffness or pain, I might release restrictions in your ribcage, pelvis, arms, and legs because every part of your body affects every other part of your body via the fascial web. Fascial restrictions, which do not appear on standard medical tests (Xrays, MRIs, CT scans, etc), are a frequent root cause of chronic pain, immobility, and/or decreased function and often go undiagnosed.
Benefits from MFR include:
• Reduce and eliminate pain
• Improve ease and range of motion
• Regain strength and function in injured areas
• Help correct and balance structural problems and posture
• Reduce stress
To learn more about the John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach, and other useful resources please visit: myofascialrelease.com
MFR utilizes techniques that are very different from other forms of manual therapy, such as deep tissue or general therapeutic massage. The therapist finds restrictions in your myofascial system (myo = muscles; fascia = connective tissues) and gently stretches, or “releases”, those adhesions to minimize pain and improve function. Because the fascial system is a continuous, uninterrupted 3-dimensional web that runs from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet, it directly impacts and influences every system (e.g. muscles, bones, cells) and motion center of the body. So, if there is a restriction in one part of our body (fascia), it will have an effect on other parts of the body.
In the normal healthy state, fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration with the ability to stretch and move allowing our body to absorb and adapt to stress, and move without restrictions. With an injury or trauma (e.g. falls or surgery) the fascia loses some of its pliability, and begins to shorten limiting normal movement. The restrictions that develop can result in inflammation of joints and soft tissue, compression of bones and nerves, poor posture and pain. This causes enormous crushing pressures that spread over time like a 'drag' on a sweater to distant areas of the body. Science has shown that adhesions in the fascial network can create pressure on structures in our body of up to 2,000 pounds per square inch. Without the constant balanced pull of the fascial network there is a loss of equilibrium in the body resulting in the dysfunction of one or more of our body systems.
With the therapist's intuitive touch and constant, sustained pressure to treat these restricted regions, not only can the symptoms be effectively treated, but the underlying issue can also be detected and addressed. We will focus on the whole body in every session. For example, even if your primary issue is neck stiffness or pain, I might release restrictions in your ribcage, pelvis, arms, and legs because every part of your body affects every other part of your body via the fascial web. Fascial restrictions, which do not appear on standard medical tests (Xrays, MRIs, CT scans, etc), are a frequent root cause of chronic pain, immobility, and/or decreased function and often go undiagnosed.
Benefits from MFR include:
• Reduce and eliminate pain
• Improve ease and range of motion
• Regain strength and function in injured areas
• Help correct and balance structural problems and posture
• Reduce stress
To learn more about the John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach, and other useful resources please visit: myofascialrelease.com