WHAT IS MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
The following is a quick explanation of Myofascial Release as I have learned from training with John F. Barnes. To get a more thorough understanding please refer to the many articles and books that John has written or see his website: www.myofascialrelease.com. You can also refer to my books.
Myofascial Release(MFR) is a full body, hands on technique that was developed and refined by John F. Barnes. This technique releases the fascial system- a 3-Dimensional web that connects and surrounds every muscle, organ, cell, and system in the body.
MFR helps to remove the straight jacket from the body. A skilled therapist will look at and treat your entire body, helping to restore balance. Releasing the fascial restrictions throughout the body will decrease the crushing force which will increase function, decrease pain, increase blood flow and nutrition to the body, and increase overall health down to the cellular level.
There are many forms of myofascial release and many of them only address the superficial aspect of the tissue. So, if you have had myofascial release before and not had significant changes or results, then they may not have been following these principles.
Myofascial Release(MFR) is a full body, hands on technique that was developed and refined by John F. Barnes. This technique releases the fascial system- a 3-Dimensional web that connects and surrounds every muscle, organ, cell, and system in the body.
MFR helps to remove the straight jacket from the body. A skilled therapist will look at and treat your entire body, helping to restore balance. Releasing the fascial restrictions throughout the body will decrease the crushing force which will increase function, decrease pain, increase blood flow and nutrition to the body, and increase overall health down to the cellular level.
There are many forms of myofascial release and many of them only address the superficial aspect of the tissue. So, if you have had myofascial release before and not had significant changes or results, then they may not have been following these principles.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is the tough connective tissue that creates a 3-dimensional web which extends without interruption from a person's head to their feet. Fascia surrounds and infuses every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ, all the way down to the cellular level. The fascial system can affect every system and function in the body- muscular, cellular, neurological, metabolic, ect. The white, glistening fibers you see when you pull a piece of meat apart or when you pull chicken skin away is fascia.
Fascia is the tough connective tissue that creates a 3-dimensional web which extends without interruption from a person's head to their feet. Fascia surrounds and infuses every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ, all the way down to the cellular level. The fascial system can affect every system and function in the body- muscular, cellular, neurological, metabolic, ect. The white, glistening fibers you see when you pull a piece of meat apart or when you pull chicken skin away is fascia.
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What is Fascia Made Of?
Fascia is composed of an Elasto-colegenous complex which has three parts: 1. Elastin The most elastic part of the complex. It makes up the core of the complex. 2. Collagen These fibers are extremely tough and give support to the structure. They coil around the elastic fibers in a relaxed, wavy configuration. 3. Ground substance/Matrix A gelatinous like component that transports metabolic material through the body and also acts like a cushion. What is Fascia's Role? The fascial system generally supports, stabilizes, and cushions. Fascia creates separation between vessels, organs, bones and muscles. Fascia creates space through which delicate nerves, blood vessels, and fluids must pass. Fascia is the 3-dimensional web that runs throughout the entire body- literally connecting us from head to toe. What is a Treatment Like? Every time you come for a treatment, the therapist will observe you in standing to help see where you are restricted. The therapist will then use their hands to find the restrictions and use the varies techniques to help release the tight areas. The treatment involves either using direct pressure or stretching to engage the tight areas and giving them the appropriate time to release. The restricted tissue needs to be held for a minimum of 90-120 seconds before it STARTS to release. For a good release to occur, the restriction needs to be held at the barrier at least 3-5 minutes. If released before this time then it does not result in a lasting release and will only provide temporary relief. The technique is not forceful. The body is allowed to release, not forced to release. This does not mean that the releases will not be painful. Many times during a release, pain and many other sensations will be felt, but you will always feel your body softening. During treatments, you will also be shown how to treat yourself. That way you will have the tools to help keep yourself healthy. A treatment will consist of:
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What are Fascial Restrictions?
Through trauma, repetitive motions or positions, and the inflammatory process, fascia can become solidified and shorten. Fascia will thicken or reinforce in these areas of stress and in turn shorten the connective tissue. This shortening or thickening is what is referred to as a fascial restriction. Fascial restrictions have the capability of putting 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch in a restricted area. That pressure can compromise any system in the body causing pain and dysfunction. What Areas of the Body can Restrictions Effect? Since the fascial system runs throughout your entire body, these restrictions can cause pain anywhere in the body, and compromise every system. By system I mean vascular, neurological, muscular, circulatory, digestive, etc. So fascial restrictions can cause digestive problems, fertility problems, circulation problems, neurological problems, and muscular problems. These restrictions can become tighter over time, literally making you feel like you are in a straight jacket and sending symptoms throughout your body. How do I know if I have Restrictions? Fascial restrictions can not be seen by any x-ray or imaging machines that are currently be used. But, they are easily felt. If you run your hand over a muscle and feel one spot tighter than another, then that is a restriction. All the therapists at Motion For Life are extremely skilled at finding restrictions and we will teach you how to find them so you will be able to treat yourself. What Diagnosis can Myofascial Release Help? A diagnosis is usually just a naming of the symptoms. It is just a way to fit people's symptoms into a category so it can be "treated" or "fixed". The only problem is, as soon as the label is put on a person’s dysfunction, they are already being sold short. What I mean is, when we as therapists or patients are given a diagnosis, our attention usually shifts to "How can I fix that?", instead of "Where am I or where is the patient restricted, or out of balance". At our clinic, no matter what the diagnosis, the therapists will look at your entire body. That way we won’t just treat the symptoms, but will also help relieve the cause of the problem. Not only does MFR work with acute dysfunctions like back trauma from falls, MVA's, etc. But, also for systemic and chronic diagnosis like Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue syndrome, Depression, etc. Then there is the category of nerve/neural diagnosis- CVA, carpal tunnel, sciatica, etc. If the nerve has been completely severed, then MFR will not restore the nerve function. But, again, MFR will free up the system so that what muscle activity is available will be more efficient. Myofascial restrictions can simulate every diagnosis out there. Restrictions can compress muscles, nerves, and every system in the body. It doesn't matter the age, you are never too young or too old to have benefits from MFR. So, what have you got to lose with trying MFR except some restrictions? |
What should I wear for a Treatment?
Since MFR is a whole body treatment, it will necessary to be able to treat the entire body. Most people either getting treated in a pair of shorts and tank top, or in their undergarments. There are also paper gowns available to wear during the treatments.
Since MFR is a whole body treatment, it will necessary to be able to treat the entire body. Most people either getting treated in a pair of shorts and tank top, or in their undergarments. There are also paper gowns available to wear during the treatments.