The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release approach is a hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Myofascial Release is safe, gentle, and consistently effective in producing positive and lasting results. The theory of Myofascial Release requries and understanding of the fascial, or connective tissue, system.
Fascia is a specialized system of the body that resembles of spider’s web or a sweater. It is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every structure of the body. The fascial system is not just a system of seperate coverings; it is actually one uninterrupted structure that exists throughout the entire body, head to toe, front to back, side to side. Fascia connects each part of the body to every other part, somewhat like how the continuous strand of yarn in a sweater connects each stitch in the sweater to every other stitch. In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and has a wavy configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction.
When we experience physical trauma or inflammation, the fascia loses it’s flexibility. It becomes very tight and can be a source of tension to the entire body. Trauma; such as a fall, whiplash, surgery, or even habitual poor posture has a cumulative effect on the fascial system. The fascia can exert excessive pressure, producing pain, headaches, or restriction in motion.
Trauma or inflammation can cause fascia to bind or constrict, putting excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones or organs. Since standard tests do not show fascial restrictions, it is thought that an extremely high percentage of people suffering with pain, headaches, or lack of motion may have fascial problems, however must go undiagnosed.
Common Questions
What is Myofascial Release? Myofascial Release is a gentle, safe, and highly effective whole body hands on approach to physical treament. It provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions, utitilizes variance of pressure from heavy to light, eliminates pain and headaches and restores motion. It also deepens the relaxation response and is the ulitmate in mind-body healing approaches.
What is fascia? Fascia is a tough, connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in a three dimensional web, extends head to toe without interruption and acts as a shock absorber in the body.
What is a myofascial restriction? Myofascial restriction is a tight, hardened fascia that occurs following injury, repetitive microtrauma, stress, inflammation, poor posture, or scarring.
What can I expect from Myofascial Release? A Myofascial Release session consists of gentle, hands-on, therapeutic bodywork.