What is MFR?

Myofascial Release Therapy?

The John F. Barnes' approach to Myofascial Release therapy (MFR) is a safe and highly effective hands-on treatment that involves applying a slow, gentle stretch into the fascial system. It provides lasting results, decreasing pain and increasing range of motion.

Dr. John F. Barnes, PT developed this treatment following his own injury and finding that traditional physical therapy was not effective for him. It gets results and never injures anyone. He has been teaching this holistic approach to myofascial release for over 50 years. Research and science is finally helping to prove what he intuitively knew all those years ago.

The fascial system is very protective, so it will resist a suddenly applied force. That's why faster or more aggressive forms of therapy, many times, only produce temporary results, sometimes injure or aren't effective at all.

During a session, gentle pressure is applied into an area of restriction, slowly, like sinking into soft clay. This is done without sliding on the skin, that's why I don't use lotion or oil and ask that you come in with dry skin. The compression must be held at least 90-120 seconds in order for the collagen component of the connective tissue to 'un-stick'. Then continued pressure for 5 minutes or more, for each restriction, allows the solidified ground substance to soften and begin 're-hydrating', allowing for more freedom of movement. Waiting for this change to occur is key to producing a lasting result. It is important to focus your attention inside your body, noticing what you feel.

Myofascial Release is helpful for these conditions, and more:

Unexplained and chronic pain
Head trauma, migraines, sinus problems, ear ringing
Neck and back pain
Recover from surgery quicker and with less pain
Sports injuries, repetitive stress injuries
Shoulder, hand and wrist problems
Scar tissue release
Unresolved pain and stiffness from injuries and accidents, even if they happened a long time ago
Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia
Nerve impingement
Plantar fasciitis
Remain active with less chance of injury throughout your lifetime