The John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach
What is MFR?
MFR is a hands-on technique which uses gentle sustained pressure to slowly release muscle tightness and tension. The goal of MFR is to create more space in your body. It helps restore body motion and balance, and decreases pain and stress.
What is fascia?
Fascia is three-dimensional connective tissue that runs head to toe throughout our entire body without interruption. Fascia wraps around literally every muscle, organ, bone, nerve, blood vessel, including the brain and spinal cord, down to the cellular level. It gives support and shape to our body.
What is a fascial restriction?
A fascial restriction might be referred to as a "knot"--it is hardened or shortened fascia, which can lead to pain, inflammation and limited range of motion. Stress, poor posture and injuries can all cause fascial restrictions.
What are the benefits of MFR?
Myofascial Release can help you release tension holding patterns related to pain and trauma, improve joint flexibility, increase range of motion, reduce mental and physical fatigue, improve posture, increase circulation, improve injured tissue and scars. MFR is also known to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
How does an MFR session work?
MFR uses no oils, lotions or creams, to prevent sliding, and contact is made directly to your skin. A bra and/or shorts will be worn during your session. MFR creates a deeper awareness of your mind-body connection during and after treatment. MFR treatments are relaxing like a massage but have longer lasting results.
How many sessions will it take before I feel better?
This is definitely a difficult question to answer. Every person is different when it comes to how many sessions it will take to start to feel a difference because we are all different when it comes to healing. How many sessions it may take you might depend on how often you come in and your self-care outside of the treatment room. Healing takes place over a period of time. One session is just that, it’s one session and it’s like going to the gym for the first time when you haven’t been in years. There are no quick fixes when it comes to healing especially if you have been dealing with your concerns for a long time. This work is about showing up for yourself over a period of time and learning more about yourself and working through your discomforts to feel better again.
What do I wear to my session?
Please wear comfortable loose-fitting shorts, underwear, swimsuit or bra. This is important so I am able to evaluate the balance of your body through a visual assessment. Please do not apply any lotions/creams/oils to your body the day of your treatment.
What is myofascial unwinding?
Unwinding is like an amplified release. It is a continuous, without thought, movement in any given part of the body. Unwinding is similar to an early morning stretch while still in bed. It has a natural fluctuation to it and there might be a bit of shakiness to it. Myofascial unwinding happens without conscious effort.
Is MFR right for me?
Many of us suffer from shortened and solidified fascia. The solidification creates a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure and dehydration of systems in the body. This pressure acts like a "straightjacket". MFR is able to tap into the "straightjacket" by working with the fascia and slowly releasing the built-up pressure.
If you experience any of the following and would like sustained relief MFR might be right for you.
-Chronic pain and tightness
-Neck pain
-Low back pain
-Pelvic or hip pain
-Fibromyalgia
-Headaches
-Whiplash
-TMJ
-Sports injuries
-Poor posture
-Other forms of tightness
If you’re tired of not feeling good in your body and you’re ready to heal MFR is for you!
If you want to show up for yourself and self-treat between sessions MFR is for you!
If you have stopped activities you love because of chronic pain and discomfort and want to do them again MFR is for you!
If you have stopped activities due to a recent injury or surgery and want to do them those activities again MFR is for you!