What is Myofascial Release?

From the Godfather of MFR himself: “Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.

Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (X-rays, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)

The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy.” - John Barnes, PT

What does a typical session look like?

A session starts with a postural analysis. Next, palpation of the skin will clue the therapist as to what fascial restrictions might be in play. Clients wear a swim suit, underwear, or shorts and a sports bra so that vasomotor responses (redness, temperature changes) can be seen to tell the next area to be treated. Fascia responds best after long periods of gentle pressure, so holds up to 5 minutes are the norm, before moving on to the next restriction. The area with the restriction might be far removed from the area of pain. 

Clients are encouraged to stay with their feelings during holds and any sounds or body movements they feel the urge to make are welcome, as this is the body's way of processing old injuries/trauma. MFR works best when both client and therapist are both in a somewhat meditative state, not thinking too much but noticing what is going on in the body.