What is Myofascial Release therapy? And other common questions.
What is Myofascial Release therapy?
Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds all of our muscles, bones, joints, organs, nerves, blood vessels and literally connects any one part of the body to the whole. Healthy fascia is fluid filled, smooth and flexible. John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR) is bodywork developed by Physical Therapist, John F. Barnes to address the fascial restrictions (where fascia adheres to itself or other structures) we all hold in our bodies from accidents, injuries, body changes, postural habits, trauma. These restrictions are often the hidden source of pain, dysfunction and immobility.
Does Myofascial Release hurt?
Myofascial Release therapy is a gentle way of working with the fascial to free up tension in the body. We use sustained gentle pressure to slowly melt the fascial restrictions that lead to pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, muscle tension, and dysfunction throughout the body. There is no force and this work should not be painful, you may feel stretch, heat, tingling, burning sensations as the fascia releases but it is not painful.
How is this different from PT or massage?
Myofascial Release therapy works direction with the fascial restrictions we accumulate over a lifetime and can transform long standing patterns of tension, pain and dysfunction. Myofascial Release is gentle and does not push past where the body is ready to go. Most massage techniques focus on relaxing muscles, which can feel good and relax the body but does not change the fascia or reduce fascial restrictions. Some physical therapy and chiropractic techniques push past the body's barrier and force change only to cause a backlash in the fascial system that was not able to adapt to such change.
How soon will I notice relief?
The body and fascia change at their own pace and Myofascial Release is patient, most people notice relief right away and that change grows over time in a non-linear way as they get consistent treatment. When you make time to work with your body on the fascial level, the effects ripple out in unexpected and profound ways. I have had clients tell me they have never felt so relaxed or that that nagging sensation in their hip that has been there as long as they can remember is just gone (even though I did not touch their hip directly).
What kind of symptoms does Myofascial Release treat?
Myofascial Release therapy can help you heal:
Back pain, neck pain, disc problems
Headaches, migraines and jaw pain
Pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction and women’s health issues
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia
Sports Injuries, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome
Adhesions and painful scars, chronic muscle tension and stiffness
Neurological dysfunction
Myofascial Pain syndrome
