Myofascial Release (MFR)is a safe, effective, hands on technique that utilizes various forms of pressure into the fascial system of the body to relieve restrictions, decrease pain and increase mobility in the body.
Fascia is a densely woven connective tissue that interpenetrates every muscle, bone, nerve and organ of the body. It is continuous from head to toe without interruption. It provides support, protection and fluidity to all the cells of the body. Trauma, surgery, repetitive injuries, postural stresses and inflammatory responses can alter the structure of fascial system, leading to pain, impingement syndromes and limited mobility.
The John F. Barnes approach to structural myofascial release uses gentle, sustained pressure into myofascial structures to restore length and fluidity to tissue that has become shortened and thickened. This approach uses low load (gentle pressure) and longer durations to increase fluidity and flexibility into the connective tissue.
Myofascial Unwinding is the movement component of myofascial release. After traumatic events or accidents, there may be bracing and holding patterns in the body as the subconscious attempts to continue to protect itself. The body may need to move into various positions in space in which the injury occurred in order to access the cellular tissue memory, releasing the fight/flight mechanism, allowing the body to soften its protective response. Unwinding may access buried emotions which allows the body to release holding patterns at a deeper level.