What is fascia?
Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds, supports, protects and connects every structure and cell in our body — including our muscles, bones and organs. This three-dimensional web is made of a watery gel-like substance and runs from head to toe, throughout our entire body.
Fascia is responsible for our shape and structure, supporting movement and facilitating communication within the body. Healthy fascia moves and glides freely.
When we experience trauma, our fascia tightens to protect the surrounding tissues. Trauma could be caused by a fall, a car accident or even surgical incision. Emotional trauma, too, can be stored in the body.
Tightened fascia cannot glide and move as easily; imagine this watery-gel like substance freezing and becoming more solid. This then restricts the movement of muscles, leads to poor posture, potentially creating crushing pressure on nerves, which can be extremely painful.
Fascia cannot be seen on current medical scanning technology.
What to expect during a Myofascial Release treatment
It’s best to wear loose clothing, such as shorts and a vest top, and avoid applying moisturiser on the skin on the day of your treatment.
Your first session will involve a thorough consultation and evaluation. A postural assessment will identify restrictions and any holding patterns.
Myofascial Release (John F Barnes method) is different to traditional massage in that each hand position is held for a minimum of 90 seconds and up to 5 minutes, to allow for fascia to respond and release. Gentle yet firm pressure is applied around the restricted areas.
Restrictions can sometimes feel tender, and you may feel warmth, tingling, lengthening, movement or relaxation during a release. Some people report the sensation of energy moving, this can be pleasant though sometimes it may be uncomfortable.
Every session is different and is based on the needs of the client at that moment. Frequency of treatments is also unique to the individual. Sessions are typically 60 minutes.
Will I feel sore afterwards?
Always drink lots of water after a treatment session, it’s important to keep fascia hydrated. Some clients report feeling achy after a treatment; where restrictions have been released and the body is reorganising it can feel uncomfortable. This usually lasts no longer than 48 hours.
Where deep-rooted trauma is released, you may feel worse for a short time before feeling better — this is part of the healing process. Myofascial Release creates space in the body and allows more ease of movement, and most people feel these benefits after the first treatment.
Is Myofascial Release right for me?
Myofascial Release (John F Barnes method) is used to treat back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, tight muscles, headaches, postural imbalance, injury recovery, fibromyalgia, stress, sleep issues, chronic pain, low energy, and much more. If you’re experiencing pain, physical restriction or tightness, Myofascial Release can help.
Who is John F Barnes?
John F. Barnes is an American physiotherapist who began developing his Myofascial Release Approach® and teaching seminars in the 1970s. He has trained over 100,000 therapists and physicians from around the world, and is also the owner and director of two Myofascial Release treatment centres in Sedona, Arizona and Malvern, Pennsylvania.
John was named one of the most influential persons in the therapeutic profession in the last century, and has been the featured speaker at the American Back Society symposiums for over 25 years. The American Back Society is comprised of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, psychiatrists and TMJ specialists whose focus is the most important advances in healthcare.
Find out more on his website www.myofascialrelease.com