10 Tips-Get the Most Out of Your Treatment
Here are some pointers that I want to share/revisit with you so you can get the most out of your treatments. I often find that it is helpful to review these from time-to-time asking yourself “how much am I engaging during my sessions?” And “how many of these suggestions am I actively following?” And also “which ones can I work on more?” By following any or all of these tips you will enhance your healing and your response to treatments will be accelerated!
1) Breathe - Notice your breath. Is it smooth, moving in from your diaphragm into to your lower ribs and ending all the way up into your upper ribs? Or do you notice a lack of breath? Maybe you’re having a hard time connecting your breath to yourself and your body. You might find that your breath triggers areas of discomfort. Allow your breath to move into those uncomfortable areas through feeling, not thought. Do your best to allow your breath to flow to areas of your body that you find discomfort in.
2) Awareness - Feeling is the key, not thought, when sinking into areas of pain with your awareness. You might want to allow these uncomfortable areas to feel like melting butter to create more awareness and connection to these places. While in the uncomfortable area allow yourself to scan your whole-body questioning “where else does this connect to internally?” Sinking, flowing, gliding, spreading and opening are other feeling words you might want to use to connect in with yourself. Provide feedback back when you feel you want to share. This is helpful so I know what you are experiencing.
3) The Fascial Voice - When tuning into your facial voice I suggest you scan your whole-body before, during and after treatment feeling for places that your attention is drawn to. Notice any feelings you have like pain, tingling, tension, tightness, heat, cold, etc. Whatever you feel let me know so I can understand more about what you are experiencing and have more knowledge about areas that may need to be treated.
4) Unwind - You might feel the urge to move during a session, allow this to happen. Allow spontaneous motion to occur, because it is with this motion fascial restrictions will unwind and release. Unwinding is your body’s own wisdom to self-heal. Every person has this in them, so trust it! Myofascial Release does not require you to simply lie still, your body can move. Whatever motion happens I will be there to guide you.
5) Expression/Emotions - Emotions are natural we all have them, and they are also a natural response to treatment. Allow yourself to feel what may come up during and after your session. The fascial system is like a storage tank where our emotions are held, and they can sit there until we are ready to let them out. Full expression is encouraged to help you release whatever needs to come out. You don’t need to understand your emotions. They are not good or bad, they just are. And they all have wisdom for you!
6) Goals - During your first session we probably talked about your goals and also what it looks like when you reach those goals. Now I encourage you to visualize your goals in detail and feel what it’s like once you have accomplished your goals. Allow your goals and your feelings to be something you truly want, not something that you think you “should” or “have to do.” Remember your goals are adaptable. You might reach one goal and strive for another. Keep listening to your body and showing up for yourself.
7) Communication - If you are asked a question during your treatment, allow your response to come from sensing and feeling. You don’t have to understand your answer, there is no wrong or right answer. Trust whatever comes up for you even if it doesn’t make sense to you. Remember you if you ‘re asked a question and don’t want to answer you don’t have to!
8) Images/Memories - During and even after a treatment images or memories may come into your consciousness. You may consider sharing what came up for you before, during or after your session. You also never do need to share these experiences, finding insight in privacy is a wonderful part of MFR.
9) Rollercoaster - Life has its ups and downs and so does healing. We won’t necessarily feel better right away. Healing occurs more in a zigzag way, and a flare-up, which is called a healing crisis, may even occur. Having a healing crisis is a normal part of healing and most people actually need this to move forward. Many people quit treatment during this time and that’s why the pain continues on. Healing is a journey and part of life. Feeling and experiencing the ups and downs will help you deepen your healing. Remember to keep in mind your goals and know that as you continue healing you are clearing out deep levels of restrictions and making room for better health.
10) Self-Treat - It is very important between sessions to self-treat. Self-treating daily is highly encouraged, even if you only have five minutes. If you need more ideas with how to help yourself reach out and ask.