What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release (MFR) is the release of myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.

What is fascia?

Fascia is a web-like tissue tied to our muscles, bones, nerves, organs, all the way down to the individual cells. All the space that isn't occupied by our body parts is occupied by fascia.  From a functional point of view, the fascia is a continuous sheet of connective tissue that extends without interruption from the top of our heads to the bottoms of our feet.

Who can benefit from MFR?

MFR is a great solution for many conditions including:

• Back Pain

• Headaches

• Migraines

• Whiplash

• Neck Pain

• Jaw Pain

• Pelvic Pain

• Sports Accidents

• Accidents / Falls

• Chronic Pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic Fatigue

• Myofascial Syndrome

• Carpal Tunnel

• and more!

What does an MFR session feel like?

It involves gentle pressure and slow movements or stretches.  Holding a stretch for an extended period is a key aspect of MFR. This technique allows for the release of interleukin, a natural anti-inflammatory produced by the body, promoting healing. Each session is tailored to the individual, with stretches often held for 5 minutes or longer, to achieve the best results.​

What is the John Barnes Method?

The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR) Approach is a specialized form of therapy developed by physical therapist John F. Barnes. This method focuses on applying gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue to alleviate pain and restore motion. Unlike traditional therapies that may offer temporary relief, the Barnes approach emphasizes a whole-body evaluation to identify and treat the root causes of dysfunction, leading to long-lasting results. For more detailed information, you can visit the official Myofascial Release website.

How does Myofascial Release work?

Trauma (physical and emotional), inflammatory responses, poor posture, stress, repetitive use and/or surgical procedures create myofascial restrictions.  When an incoming force hits the body, your fascia dehydrates and shrinks producing extreme tightness that many refer to as “feeling as if you are in a straitjacket.” A fascial restriction can create crushing pressure on pain sensitive structures of up to 2000 pounds per square inch.

Unfortunately, myofascial restrictions are usually undiagnosed and become chronic because most standard tests such as X-Rays, MRIs, or CT scans cannot detect them.  If left untreated for any length of time, these restrictions can develop into unnecessary secondary problems with joints and organs.

During assessment of client’s posture and range of motion, the therapist can identify areas of fascial restriction and lack of mobility. Once identified, therapist will apply gentle pressure into the fascial restriction. After 60-90 seconds, the body softens and a gentle fascial stretch is applied to deepen the release. These MFR holds can last anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes (or much longer!), depending on how tight or restricted the tissue is. 

As these restrictions soften the therapist maintains their position deepening the fascial stretch as the body unwinds. There are more aggressive forms of MFR like soft tissue mobilization that involve deep friction over a tight area or muscle. This is sometimes used in very specific cases, but the slow, gentle approach mentioned before is the primary method used in my treatments because in working slowly with the body, releasing layer by layer without resistance, we can create lasting results, improved posture, and better mobility.