Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release (MFR) is not traditional therapy. MFR is not alternative therapy. MFR is authentic therapy! It is the only form of therapy that addresses the true underlying cause of most pain and dysfunction that many people suffer with. MFR is therapeutic artistry, chiseling away barriers to health much like a sculptor would chisel stone to create a work of art. A Myofascial Release therapist sees the masterpiece underneath.

Myofascial Release is a hands on technique that releases restrictions in a connective tissue of the body known as fascia. Fascia surrounds and infuses every other structure in the body including muscles, nerves, blood vessels, bones, ducts, and organs. Fascia is similar in configuration to a sweater or a spider web, giving support, shock absorption and under normal conditions it should allow for motion. Due to trauma, surgery, inflammation or poor posture over time, the fascia will tend to shorten and solidify. It has been shown that fascial restrictions have the potential of exerting pressures of up to 2000 lbs./ sq. inch. This creates enormous crushing pressure upon the pain sensitive structures, like nerves, that pass through it. This will also prevent normal flexibility of the joints that the fascia crosses.

Restrictions of the fascia can pull on the bones that it attaches to, pulling the body out of alignment, causing muscles to spasm, discs in the spine to bulge, and arthritic changes to occur. Because fascia also surrounds blood vessels, many times it is responsible for poor blood circulation or swelling. Fascial restrictions do not show up in any of the medical tests now being performed (MRI, CT scan, X-Rays, EMG, etc.). It is only with skilled hands and eyes that fascial restrictions are found and treated.

A Myofascial Release therapist applies gentle, sustained pressures into areas of the body that are found to be restricted. It is under this pressure that the fascia will lengthen and re-hydrate, removing the "straight jacket" from nerves, blood vessels, organs, joints, discs etc., reducing your pain, increasing your flexibility, and allowing those structures to function better so your body can heal itself.

All our physical therapists have extensive training in Myofascial Release, taught by John F. Barnes, P.T. (www.myofascialrelease.com). Mr. Barnes is the authority on the technique. There are other forms of MFR that are taught by other therapists. These forms are incomplete, and the results are not as permanent as the "new" form of MFR.