Myofascial Release
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What is Myofascial Release?
Barnes’ Myofascial Release therapy uses gentle, sustained stretching and compression to release restrictions in the fascia, allowing the body to manifest its natural healing abilities. The direction, force and duration is determined by feedback from the client and their body. Myofascial Release is a whole-body treatment performed directly on the skin without the use of oil, cream or lotion. What is Fascia? Fascia is a 3-dimensional web of thin, tough connective tissue that surrounds and pervades every organ, muscle, bone, nerve and blood vessel in the body, all the way to the cellular level. Muscle and its associated fascia is known as myofascia. Restrictions in the fascia have many repercussions including pain and limited mobility. Because the fascial web is continuous, restrictions in one place can have effects throughout the body. The restriction causing a symptom is often distant from the place where the symptom is experienced. In this picture you can see how a restriction at the hip pulls into the opposite shoulder. Each person's pattern of fascial restrictions is a result of their life experiences and is unique. What Causes Facial Restrictions? Fascial restrictions can result from trauma, both physical and emotional. Physical traumas include a single major event such as a car accident, sports injury, surgery or difficult birth; and ongoing micro-trauma such as repetitive actions, chronic inflammation or compromised posture. Since the emotions are also stored in the fascia, releasing the tissue physically can often release emotions stored from the original trauma. When the emotions connected with the original trauma are released, so are the holding patterns which may contribute to the current symptoms. For more information see the John Barnes' MFR website or Perth Myofascial Release |