Myofascial Release

I use John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR) techniques to work on the fascia—the connective tissue web that envelops everything in our bodies, including muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. Fascial tightness often hides in plain sight as the source of unexplained pain, restricting muscles, compressing nerves and blood flow, and leading to chronic pain and motion limitations.

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Years of postural habits, daily activities, injuries, and emotional stress all take a toll on the fascia. Because the fascia connects throughout the entire body, the pain you feel might not even be coming from where you feel it. For example, chronic stiffness and pain in your back could stem from fascial restrictions in entirely different areas. To restore pain-free mobility, we need to heal the fascia and release these restrictions. We also empower you with myofascial release self-care stretching techniques to maintain relief after our treatments.

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Myofascial release massage therapy can benefit individuals with various physical issues, including:

• Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Muscular imbalances and postural issues.

• Sports injuries, strains, or sprains.

• Headaches, migraines, and jaw pain (TMJ disorder).

• Scar tissue and adhesions.

• Restricted motion or flexibility.

• Stress-related tension and anxiety.

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How Does It Work?

Before the session begins, we conduct postural and movement screens, combined with intuitive assessments, to tailor the treatment to your specific needs. MFR is performed directly on your skin without using oil or lotion. It involves slower, deliberate hands-on contact tailored to your range of motion assessment, symptoms, and fascial restrictions, which may be far from where your symptoms are. Unlike traditional massage, MFR doesn’t follow a set sequence. Each session is unique. You might be treated lying on your back, stomach, or side, sitting in a chair, or even standing. Each fascial maneuver is held for about five minutes—the time it takes for the fascia to release. The pressure can be either a compressing or an elongating force, and it’s not painful like deep tissue massage.

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During MFR, you typically wear comfortable clothing, like a bra or tank top for women and shorts. This allows for movement and enables the practitioner to observe changes in your body. Sheets and blankets are available for your comfort. Most people are pleasantly surprised by how relaxing MFR is, often drifting off and falling asleep during the treatment.

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How is MFR Different from Massage?

Traditional massage uses oils or lotions with flowing movements that glide over muscles from their origins to their insertions, following a sequence from head to toe, arms, and legs. While it feels wonderful and relaxing, it doesn’t address the fascia. Deep tissue massage might feel like it’s doing something because it can be painful, but it also doesn’t target tight fascia. You might feel looser and have less pain temporarily, but if the pain returns soon after, it’s because the fascia wasn’t addressed. Traditional massage usually involves undressing to your comfort level and being continuously draped by a sheet.

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MFR is a safe and gentle technique suitable for anyone experiencing physical or emotional pain. Accidents, injuries, repetitive motions, and poor posture all cause the fascia to tighten. Emotional stress impacts everyone’s fascia, whether or not you’ve been through a traumatic event. Our bodies keep score, and our tissues tighten with every stressor. If you feel stuck in fight or flight, overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted, unlocking your fascia can help bring your system back into balance.

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