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.
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.
Does Myofascial Release hurt?
“Nothing has worked as well as this.”
“I had major spinal reconstructive surgery before starting MFR. Throughout my life, I’ve also experienced a lot of back pain for various reasons, and I desperately needed to have more relaxed back muscles so that I could rehabilitate my back more comfortably post-surgery, with less pain, as I rebuilt my strength and did lots of physical therapy.
After MFR, I feel more relaxed and can bend and twist specific muscles more easily. I can bend my leg upward, rest my foot on my opposite knee, and tie my shoe more easily than ever before in my entire life!
I didn’t know what to expect with MFR and I was pleasantly surprised as I’ve tried other forms of therapy like massage, acupuncture, tens units, etc., and nothing has worked as well as this.”
- Jean Thomas, Tucson, AZ
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).
“MFR is different because it is very subtle and intuitive.”
“My body does not respond well to traditional massage, chiropractic adjustments, or PT. I often experience a ‘backlash’ from those modalities. MFR is different because it is very subtle and intuitive. Siri works with the body, helping it release where it is willing, not forcing anything. Receiving MFR has reduced my pelvic ligament pain in pregnancy.”
-Kalissa, Tucson, AZ
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
What if my complaint isn’t on this list ?
Myofascial Release therapy is a safe way to address pain and dysfunction, to improve mobility and support your return to the activities that matter most to you. Treatment is always individualized and your concerns, goals and needs are central to our work together.
$150 per session for one hour Myofascial Release treatment; package of 6 sessions for $100 off when you prepay ($800 total)
$130 per session for prenatal/postpartum clients
$185 per session for a one hour session in your home
Pay by cash, check made out to Open Hands, Zelle to (415)306-3227, or pay by credit card in person after your session
How much does Treatment cost?
What happens when I click one of the ‘Book Now’ Buttons?
You will be taken to a scheduling page where you can select the type of session, Initial Appointment or Follow-up Myofascial Release or Prenatal/postnatal Myofascial Release and a time that works for you. Acuity (the online scheduler I use) will ask for your contact information so it can send you appointment confirmation and reminders, initial sessions will have intake forms to fill out online in Acuity, you can provide as much information as you like on those forms.
What if my question is not answered here?
Feel free to contact me, Siri, directly by calling or texting 415-306-3227.
