What is Myofascial Release?
Read here or check out the videos at the bottom of the page:
Myofascial release is a safe, gentle and effective, advanced form of body/mind therapy that releases restrictions in the fascial system. Fascia is one continuous three dimensional web of connective tissue that supports and surrounds every muscle, muscle fiber, cell, nerve, blood vessel, and organ of your body. Fascia is a new frontier in research; we are just at the beginning of discovering all that it does and how to help us to have healthy fascia that supports every function in our body and mind.
Trauma, inflammatory responses, surgical procedures, repetitive postures and activities, and all types of stress can cause restrictions in the fascia. Fascia has the ability to exert tensile pressures of up to 2000 pounds of pressure per square inch, which can put tremendous pressure on pain-sensitive structures and diminish the vital functions of the body. Myofascial release takes the pressure off and allow the body to heal itself and function optimally.
Fascial restrictions can affect the whole body, one area, or several parts that are seemingly unrelated. Fascial restrictions do not show up on any diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, CAT scan, myelogram, or EMG. When fascial restrictions go undetected, people are often only treated for their symptoms without ever finding or treating the underlying cause of their symptoms. The best way to assess for fascial restrictions is by looking at posture, motion, and symmetry of the whole body, followed by skilled palpation of the tissues.
Fascia releases with slow, gentle pressure over a period of time. Pressure is applied to the body without oils or lotions to avoid sliding on the skin. Fascia requires a minimum of 90 seconds to 2 minutes to begin to release, and recent research has found that at a minimum of 5 minutes the body will release chemicals (cytokines) that can reduce inflammation and fight cancer - (interleukin-8, interleukin-3, and interleukin 1-b). Myofascial Release holds each stretch for the minimum 5 minutes which will achieve a long lasting result. Any other types of therapy that do not hold the minimum time will not release the fascial restrictions and will only achieve results that are temporary. John Barnes has been treating patients and teaching therapists myofascial release since the 1980's, long before the research was able to show what is happening scientifically.
Myofascial release can also help to address any underlying subconscious holding patterns. When we experience stress and trauma and do not fully process the event at the time, our subconscious minds will continue to protect us from the event long after it is over. When this happens, our energy is constantly being depleted unnecessarily. This protection can produce chronic tension in our bodies and even anxiety or other negative emotions. During treatment, the body is supported to release these holding patterns so the body and mind can go back to more normal function with energy restored.
Myofascial release can help to address the underlying cause and support each person on a journey to authentic healing. Many people who have exhausted all resources, finding only temporary results within conventional medicine and therapies, discover the support and relief they need from myofascial release…there is hope.
Meet John
The John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach® consistently produces lasting results. His training and treatment is like nothing else I have experienced in healthcare and in life. This is the work I share with you.
Please visit www.myofascialrelease.com for in-depth resources to help you begin your healing journey.
John Barnes' website is filled with an extensive library of easy to read articles covering many topics related to myofascial release and the positive effects it has on so many people's lives. I recommend reading his book "Myofascial Release Healing Ancient Wounds: A Renegade's Wisdom." He shares his own healing journey, how he developed his approach, and many stories of patients who had lost hope and finally found results with myofascial release. This book can assist you in participating in your treatment sessions in greater depth. You may also request to join MFR Insight on Facebook to join in many current discussions by therapists and patients about myofascial release.
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Dive in - Learn More!
1. What is Myofascial Release Version 2.0 by Richard Harty:
2. Find YouTube videos about the latest research about fascia by Jean-Claude Guimberteau, a French hand surgeon. What is fascia, what does it do? Just watch the videos to see what living fascia really looks like.
Three videos to get started: Strolling Under the Skin, Muscle Attitudes, and Interior Architectures. For a quick peek - watch from 12 minutes to 14 minutes in the Strolling Under the Skin video below.
1. What is Myofascial Release Version 2.0 by Richard Harty:
2. Find YouTube videos about the latest research about fascia by Jean-Claude Guimberteau, a French hand surgeon. What is fascia, what does it do? Just watch the videos to see what living fascia really looks like.
Three videos to get started: Strolling Under the Skin, Muscle Attitudes, and Interior Architectures. For a quick peek - watch from 12 minutes to 14 minutes in the Strolling Under the Skin video below.