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| What is Myofascial Release? What do pain, stiffness, achiness, headaches and poor functioning of the body have in common? More often than not, restrictions in the body's connective tissue system, the fascia. Myofascial Release is the form of treatment that frees us from these restrictions and restores the body to a normal state.
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual form of physical therapy that is safe, gentle, comprehensive and higly effective in relieving pain, headaches and restoring motion. The goal of MFR is to return the individual to a pain-free, active lifestyle.
MFR is a revolutionary form of treatment developed by Physical Therapist John F. Barnes, PT. Understanding how Myofascial Release works requires an understanding of the fascial system.
So what is fascia? The fascia is stretchy connective tissue that covers and interpenetrates every part of our body; muscles, bones, nerves, arteries and veins as well as all of our internal organs and spinal cord.
The fascia is actually one, three-dimensional structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. It is easy to see how each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation or spend a lot of time in certain positions (e.g.sitting!) the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. The restricted fascia exerts excessive pressure producing pain, restriction of motion or lack of flexibility and strength. Standard tests such as X-rays, MRIs etc do not show fascial restrictions, and therefore most remain undiagnosed. How does MFR affect the fascia? Myofascial Release lengthens shortened connective tissue, unwinds neuromuscular holding patterns and improves structural alignment. It also facilitates the release of emotional holding patterns associated with the physical restrictions.The result is freedom from pain, increased function and greater emotional freedom.
The use of Myofascial Release requires looking at each patient as a unique individual. My one-on-one therapy sessions are highly individualized hands-on treatments during which I use a multitude of whole-body Myofascial Release techniques as well as other advanced physical therapy techniques as needed. I support your continued healing journey through education in self-care techniques, proper body mechanics and movement, and through the enhancement of strength, flexibility, and postural and movement awareness and a health-promoting lifestyle in body and mind.
This groundbreaking approach is often called John Barnes Myofascial Release to distinguish it from older, conventional soft-tissue mobilization techniques that are sometimes called "myofascial release" as well.
Who can benefit from Myofascial Release?
In a word, anyone. From tiny babies to adults to seniors, we all develop restrictions from traumatic events, inflammation, scars, poor postural habits, repetitive strains, overuse during exercise or work. These restrictions cause pain and dysfunction. Whether you're dealing with acute pain or long-standing dysfunction and pain that hasn't responded to other forms of treatment, including more traditional forms of Physical Therapy, Myofascial Release can help you discover a healthier, happier you. Click here to see examples of conditions commonly treated with MFR.
You can learn more about this fascinating, gentle, yet tremendously effective form of therapy at http://www.myofascialrelease.com/Adapted from http://www.myofascialrelease.com/mfr/mfr_what.asp and "Healing Ancient Wounds" by John F. Barnes, PT
Is Myofascial Release covered by health insurance?
Yes, it is. Myofascial Release is billed as Manual Physical Therapy. See Office and insurance faq . | |
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