FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How is Myofascial Release different than traditional therapy?
John F. Barnes' Approach to Myofascial Release engages restrictions in the fascial system, a web of continuous three-dimensional tissue that extends from head to toe. MFR treatment encompasses the entire body and follows exactly what the body needs, every time, using a combination of structural (or osseous) releases, rebounding & unwinding techniques. Skilled JFB MFR therapists wait at the body's barriers for a minimum of 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the body to move intuitively as it needs. Therapy is one-on-one in a private room and is 100% hands-on. Facilitated movement is never forceful or injurious. Therapists do not lead the patient or try to interpret their feelings or experiences.
Traditional therapies only address the symptoms using soft tissue or deep tissue mobilization techniques, tend to segment the body, and do not include consciousness' role in healing. They primarily use protocols and do not hold or wait at the fascial barrier long enough for a permanent release to occur, which results in relief that is temporary. Your time is also typically shared amongst several other patients in a large gym setting where you are supervised while moving from one piece of equipment to another.
Is Myofascial Release the same as Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, or Rolfing?
No. Massage consists of varying types of soft & deep tissue mobilization techniques & only engages the elastic component of the fascia. Trigger point therapy & Rolfing are deep tissue mobilization techniques that are symptomatic based, segment the body & only focus on the symptoms with mechanical application. These modalities provide temporary relief.
John Barnes' Approach to Myofascial Release engages restrictions in the entire fascial system, treats the whole body, and follows what the body needs, intuitively, every time. Myofascial Release is the only modality that addresses consciousness as a role in authentic healing. Balancing the body structurally, releasing the fascial restrictions, and 'letting go' of the subconscious holding patterns allows the fragments of the mind/body/spirit complex to feel connected again, naturally restoring the body's balance & equilibrium. When this happens results of Myofascial Release treatment are long lasting.
Can MFR help with {my pain]?
Headaches
TMJ dysfunction
Neck pain
Fibromyalgia
Back pain,
Plantar fasciitis
and so on...
Chances are, yes, MFR can help with just about any complaint or diagnosis. I treat each person as a whole- not body parts (or diagnoses). However, Myofascial Release is not a "cure all” and most people will need more than a handful of treatment sessions to alleviate severe or chronic issues. MFR can help provide most people more comfort in their bodies, yet when rare conditions have progressed beyond the point of repair, MFR treatment will not reverse these changes. (e.g. diffuse brain injuries, late stages of cancer, scleroderma, etc.) Please contact me if you have specific concerns or questions regarding your condition.
What does Myofascial Release feel like?
Myofascial Release & stretching elicits a warming response resembling the sensations of "butter melting or taffy stretching." Some patients describe heat, burning, cold, tingling, numbness, popping, buzzing, and "bubbles moving". It is often very subtle but can also be profound. Releasing affected areas may produce some temporary "therapeutic pain', which is different than pain resulting from forcing the body beyond the range of motion that is available. You may become more aware of other areas of your body and feel a connection between the areas of stretch. MFR therapists refer to those areas that speak to you as your, 'fascial voice'.
How did my body get so tight?
Fascial restrictions result from a combination of several factors. Restrictions accumulate slowly over time before developing into a healing crisis. The most common factors are: poor posture, repetitive stress, direct trauma, emotional stress, diseases processes, thwarted inflammatory responses and subconscious bracing patterns.
How many sessions will I need?
Unfortunately there is no number of treatments that corresponds with age, diagnosis, years of pain or dysfunction. Each person responds at their own rate. Patients are tapered based on their progress. In general, patients who are intrinsically motivated to achieve their goals & follow through with the home exercise & self-treatment, tend to resolve their pain & functional limitations in a shorter amount of time. Whereas people with chronic pain & symptoms may require more frequent sessions and more intensive therapy (frequency & duration).
Once it releases will it stay that way?
Myofascial Release treatment provides long term relief for a variety of ailments but nothing lasts forever. This would be the equivalent of saying, "I took a shower yesterday, do I really have to do it again today?" Sure, you can skip a few days, but eventually that will catch up with you. Each day brings on new stressors & physical demands that take a toll on our bodies over time. When we learn to take care of our physical, mental, emotional & spiritual needs, on a daily basis we can prevent the severity of future dis-ease. If you can dedicate a minimum of 5-7 minutes a day to self-treatment, you can prevent a lot of symptoms from permanently settling in. When pain is severe or chronic, you need a lot more!
What age can you safely start treatment?
Right away. Myofascial Release is safe & gentle, it will never injure. It is safe to treat a newborn immediately after birth, children & adults of all ages, and even in transition to death. Advanced trained & expert level MFR therapists know how to apply the JFB MFR principles for any kind of ailment, safely.
Will my insurance cover Myofascial Release treatment?
Possibly, it depends on your individual insurance plan and benefit details. Plans vary widely by insurance company. You can always submit your super bill from therapy to your medical insurance provider for reimbursement. However, reimbursement is never guaranteed. Please ask if you need assistance with this process.