Myofascial Release (MFR)
is a highly effective manual therapy treatment approach developed by John F. Barnes, PT. In order to restore pain-free range of motion and function, MFR uses a mind-body healing orientation to facilitate the release of myofascial restrictions within the connective tissue system (the fascia).
The fascia is a three-dimensional, whole-body system which supports and protects the spine, the brain, and the craniosacral system, as well as every muscle, nerve, bone, joint, blood vessel, organ, and cell in the body. The majority of the fascia of the body is oriented vertically. There are, however, four major planes of fascia in the body that are oriented in more of a crosswise (or transverse) plane. These four transverse planes are extremely dense. They are called the pelvic floor, respiratory diaphragm, thoracic inlet and cranial base. Frequently, all four of these transverse planes will become restricted when fascial adhesions occur in just about any part of the body. This is because this fascia of the body is all interconnected, and a restriction in one region can theoretically put a “drag” on the fascia in any other direction, like the yarn in a sweater. If the sweater is pulled down in the front, it tightens around the neck, but the neck is not the source of the problem; so with the fascial system, but in a three dimensional sense.
Restrictions are created when the fluid aspect of the fascia called the “matrix” solidifies as a result of physical injury, inflammation, surgery, mental stress, emotional trauma, poor posture, and/or repetitive strain. Restrictions can be as strong as 2000 lbs/in2, significantly interfering with the function of pressure-sensitive structures and vital organs. These restrictions do not appear on standardized tests like x-rays or MRI's. As the body is forced to adapt to unresolved restrictions, abnormal motion and postures develop. Over time, this causes pain, weakness, inflammation, or malfunction throughout the body, sometimes with bizarre or seemingly unrelated symptoms.
MFR treatment includes gentle, hands-on pressure or stretch to soften restrictions in the matrix via the physics of the peizoelectric effect. MFR uses a range of treatment pressures like those in deep-tissue body-work, scar release, accupressure, gentle massage, craniosacral, and energy work -- all without forcing any barrier. This inherently safe process facilitates the body’s natural ability to “unwind”, release subconscious holding patterns, and thus reintegrate the body, nervous system, and mind. The result is significant change which is measurable and functional.
Treating Fascial Restrictions
The point of all the above information is to help you understand that during myofascial release treatments, you may be treated in areas that you may not think are related to your condition. The trained therapist has a thorough understanding of the fascial system and will “release” the fascia in areas that he/she knows have a strong “drag” on your area of injury. This is, therefore, a whole body approach to treatment.
Muscle provides the greatest bulk of our body’s soft tissue. Because all muscle is enveloped by and ingrained with fascia, myofascial release is the term that has been given to the techniques that are used to relieve soft tissue from the abnormal grip of tight fascia (“myo” means “Muscle”).
The type of myofascial release technique given by the therapist will depend upon where in your body the therapist finds the fascia restricted.
The therapist needs to be use “skin to skin” contact to provide the friction interface needed to release the fascia effectively. Therefore, the patient should be “comfortably undressed”, wearing, for example a two piece bathing suit, pants and bra or gym shorts and sports bra / tank top.
Myofascial Release treatment sessions are often extremely relaxing. There may or may not be conversation with the therapist, however the therapist encourages the patient to be present and aware of sensations within their body. Feedback from the patient to the therapist regarding what they are feeling helps the therapist to be as effective as possible.
Sometimes, but not always, there is a temporary increase in pain after treatment. There is no cause for alarm, but certainly notify the therapist. This period of the “healing crisis” is then followed by remarkable improvement. Often remarkable improvement is noted immediately during or after a treatment. Sometimes new pains in new areas will be experienced. There is sometimes a feeling of light-headedness or nausea. Sometimes a patient experiences a temporary emotion change. All of these are normal reactions of the body to the profound, but positive, changes that have occurred by releasing the fascial restrictions. Any and all of these reactions should be communicated with the therapist.
It is felt that release of tight tissue is accompanied by release of trapped metabolic waste products in the surrounding tissue and bloodstream. We highly recommend that you “flush your system” by drinking a lot of fluids during the course of your treatments, so that reactions like nausea and light-headedness will remain minimal or nil.
If you have any questions concerning myofascial release, please discuss them with your therapist.
For more information, visit myofascialrelease.com.