Why Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release (MFR) is a gentle, safe and effective hands-on manual therapy technique that applies sustained pressure into the body with the goal of reducing pain and improving motion. It is a whole body approach that is tailored to each individual person.
MFR works by influencing the fascial system, which is a dense web of connective tissue. In its healthy state it is relaxed and will stretch with movement. Tightness in the fascia can create pain and lost of function in the body.
The Fascial System
Fascia is very densely woven connective tissue, which surrounds and interweaves with every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ in the body. It is one continuous sheet, similar to a spider web that exists from head to toe without interruption. Because of its structure, it connects the entire body together. Restrictions in one part of the body can cause pain in another part, like pulling a thread on a sweater can destroy the sweater somewhere else.
Restrictions in the fascial system can be caused by trauma, posture, inflammation, and surgery. The compressive forces from these restrictions can result in pain, restricted blood flow, and disease. Fascial restrictions don't show up with current imaging (MRI, x-ray, etc.).
John Barnes (PT) developed the JFB Myofascial Release Approach over 50 years ago to address these fascial restrictions, an often overlooked part of the body. Utilizing his principles, myofascial release has helped millions of people decrease pain and restore movement.
Conditions Helped w/ Myofascial Release
- Acute Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Abnormal Posture
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Emotional Trauma
- Headaches
- TMJ Pain
- Neck Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Scars
- Sciatica
- Tinnitus
- Vestibular Problems
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Tennis Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Bladder Problems (urgency, frequency)
- Invertility, Menstrual Problems
- Pelvic Pain
- Back Pain
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
- Sports Related Injuries
- Pain Management
What to expect with Myofascial Release:
- Before treatment: Reflect on a clear and realistic goal prior to treatment. Once treatment needs to be on skin, please wear shorts/sports bra and refrain from wearing any lotion or oils to your appointment.
- First treatment: A full evaluation of posture and areas of tightness will be performed on the first visit and an individualized plan will be created with you to work toward your goals.
- During treatment: Treatment is always one on one with a therapist. It is helpful to focus on what you are feeling in your body and share with your therapist. You are always in control.
- After treatment: You may experience mild soreness or an increase in your symptoms after treatment, which confirms that the healing process has begun.
