top of page

Myofascial Release (MFR)

Conditions that benefit from Myofascial Release

   (Using the John F. Barnes approach)

 

  • Back Pain

  • Bulging Disc

  • Bursitis

  • Breast Cancer (post surgical)

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Cervical and Lumbar Injuries

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  • Chronic Pain

  • Degenerative Disc Disease

  • Emotional Trauma

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

  • Herniated Disc

  • Headaches or Migraines

  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome

  • Neck Pain

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Pelvic Pain

  • Plantar Fascitis

  • Pudendal Nerve Entrapment

  • Scars (hypertrophic, hypersensitive, painful, burn scars, mastectomy scars)

  • Sciatica

  • Scoliosis

  • Shin Splints

  • Tennis Elbow

  • Tinnitus (Ringing of the ears)

  • TMJ Syndrome

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

  • Whiplash

  • Women's Health

  • Any pain that traditional therapy has not helped and that does not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)

"I suffered from lower back pain for years, but two years go, I developed severe, acute pain on my right side, which effected my entire lifestyle.  For two years, I saw physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, yoga therapists, even mindful meditation, seeking relief.

 

My Doctor recommended Darly at Revive Rehab.  After a few visits, Darly not only started relieving my pain through specialized myofascial work, but diagnosed the source as coming from my psoas muscle (hip flexor) in front.  Each visit she followed the tight fascial tissue, releasing different connecting areas. I began to realize that each of the specialists I’d seen for years had identified and worked on a specific area, but Darly used her myofascial training to identify the source of my back pain.

 

She used the John Barnes’ Myofascial Release Techniques to release all of the myofascial restrictions in my body. It was like magic. I am close to pain free on a regular basis!"               

Laura F.

What is Myofascial Release

John F. Barnes Myofascial Release is an innovative, non-invasive, pain management technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.

 

Trauma, such as a fall, car accident, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture and repetitive stress injuries has cumulative effects on the body. The changes trauma causes in the fascial system influences comfort and function of our body. Fascial restrictions can exert excessive pressure causing all kinds of symptoms producing pain, headaches or restriction of motion. Fascial restrictions affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and perform daily activities.

 

The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body.

 

Adapted from the website of John F. Barnes, internationally recognized physical therapist, lecturer, author and authority on Myofascial Release

Myofascial tissue photo courtesy of  Dr. Guimberteau

Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater. In the normal

How Trauma or Tightness in One Area Can Effect Other Areas of the Body that are Seeminingly Unrelated

The figure in this picture has tightness in the muscles in the front of the thigh. The tension is causing the bones of the pelvis to be pulled out of proper alignment. This, in turn, causes an imbalance in the muscles in the low and mid back that place strain on spine, causing the spine to shift sideways. Once the spine has shifted to the side, the neck must then compensate by shifting to the opposite side in order to keep the eyes and head level and centered on the body. A person with this type of fascial restrictions would likely present with symptoms of a headache, neck pain, and low back pain, all caused from tightness in the thigh, causing a pelvic misalignment.

 

Why Use Revive Rehab

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. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, through the enhancement of strength, flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.

Fascia Man image used curtesy of ________

Our Services

Our therapists are trained in Myofascial Release treatment techniques by John F. Barnes himself and offer a very individualized, hands-on, therapy session to all our clients. Our therapy sessions usually last for an hour and our goal is to eliminate pain and restore range of motion. We also train our clients to perform correct stretching and home exercises to continue the benefits of therapy.

bottom of page