What is Myofascial Release (MFR)? Myofascial release, as developed and taught by John F. Barnes, PT, is a gentle and safe hands on approach used to free up fascial restrictions throughout the body. The therapist releases the tight fascia by applying sustained pressure into the fascial barrier or restriction, allowing permanent elongation of the tissues. TIME is a CRITICAL ELEMENT when applying sustained pressure, it must be held continuously for a minimum of 90 to 120 seconds before the fascia begins to let go. When pressure is held longer, for 3 to 5 minutes additional releases may occur. The time element allows tissue to rehydrate with the rest of the web. As fascial layers are released, the client gains flexibility. This results in decreased pain, enhanced daily functional abilities, refined athletic performance, increased ease of movement and improved structural balance and integrity.
What is fascia and why is it important? Fascia is the tough connective tissue surrounding every cell from head to toe like a three-dimensional spider web. It provides support and flexibility to all structures of the body. Modern medicine tends to look at muscles, bones and organs in isolation, generally ignoring the importance of the global system that connects it all together. Releasing restrictions in the fascia can be the missing link in resolving problematic cases of pain and dysfunction. Click here to see Fascia on a microscopic level.
What is a fascial restriction and how does it occur? A fascial restriction is a thickening, shortening or tightening in the connective tissue caused by injury, trauma, inflammation or poor posture. Restrictions can adhere to and put abnormal pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones, organs and the brain, resulting in inefficient function of these structures. Fascial restrictions have the capacity of creating up to 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch in a restricted area. That crushing pressure can compromise any physiological system in the body resulting in pain, limitation of motion and structural misalignment.
Who can benefit from a MFR Treatment? Anyone who experiences pain and/or limited mobility. MFR can help conditions of Acute and Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Disc Problems, Sciatica, Carpal Tunnel, Arthritis, Bursitis, Sports Injuries, Rehabilitation from an Accident, Whiplash, TMJ dysfunction, Headaches/Migraines, SinusProblems, Restriction of Motion, Unresolved Scar Tissue, Muscle Spasm/Spasticity, Neurological Dysfunction, Pediatric Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism, Colic, Learning Disabilities, Birth Trauma, Scoliosis, Poor Posture, Physical/Emotional Trauma, Stress and Tension Related Problems, and just Overall Health & Wellness
The above conditions are only a partial list of what can be treated at North Country Myofascial Release. If you have a condition that is not listed and would like to know if MFR can help, please feel free to contact me.
For more information on Myofascial Release you can visit the site of John F. Barnes, the founder of the Myofascial Release approach, at www.myofascialrelease.com
John F. Barnes, PT has written many articles relating to Myofascial Release -here are a few:
http://www.myofascialrelease.com/fascia_massage/articles/release_approach_part1.pdf
http://www.myofascialrelease.com/fascia_massage/articles/release_approach_part2.pdf
http://www.myofascialrelease.com/fascia_massage/articles/release_approach_part3.pdf