The John Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR) approach is a gentle, three-dimensional ‘stretching’, opening and unraveling of bound-up soft tissue.
It is powerful, effective work that uses sustained pressure on restrictions (injured areas, tightness, scars, etc.) in the body to eliminate pain, restore motion, and improve posture. Such restrictions can exert up to 2000 pounds per square inch (the equivalent of a horse’s full weight on an area that is as small as a dime).
To better understand MFR, a basic understanding of the fascial system is necessary:
Fascia is a densely woven connective tissue that surrounds every cell in the body; it is a continuous three-dimensional structure that exists from head to toe and fingertips, without interruption.
Fascia is a fluid and elastic material that gives us our shape, carries nerve impulses, and connects each part of the entire body to every other part. In its normal healthy state, fascia is relaxed; it stretches and moves without restriction.
Fascia will lose its pliability, can shorten and glue together as a result of major trauma, micro-trauma, repetitive movements, emotional stress, and poor posture over time. Such instances can render fascia tightened and restricted causing it to be a source of pain and tension throughout the body.
Since fascia surrounds every cell in the body, when it becomes restricted, it compresses and bears down on all of the underlying structures: nerves, bones, organs, blood vessels, etc!
Where conventional medicine treats merely the symptoms (most often with medications that produce harsh side effects), and other bodywork modalities provide temporary results; John Barnes’ MFR is one of the most effective methods for relieving pain, restoring mobility, improving posture and returning the body to a state of balance, health, and well-being.
Myofascial Release is a modality that reaches deeper than other modalities and creates lasting change.
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Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage and bodywork are effective tools for managing this stress, which translates into:
- Decreased anxiety.
- Enhanced sleep quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Increased circulation.
- Reduced fatigue.
Bodywork can also help specifically address a number of health issues such as:
- Alleviate and improve range of motion, low-back pain
- Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
- Ease medication dependence
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain.