What is Myofascial Release (MFR)?

MFR addresses the fascial system which is a network of connective tissue that surrounds nerves, organs, muscles and other structures. It has direct communication to the nervous system. Injury, trauma, movement patterns and compensations can create fascial restrictions which in turn can put up to 2000 lbs of pressure per sq inch on an involved area creating pain and dysfunction. Fascia also can store emotions and memories, which, when not addressed, can limit optimal health. Fascial restrictions are often the cause behind unexplained pain and dysfunction. At Looking Glass Myofascial release, the John Barnes’ MFR approach is used. This is a hands on technique performed by listening to the body as a guide to where restrictions or holdings need to be released. 

Who benefits from MFR? 

Everyone can benefit from MFR! It is appropriate for people all across the lifespan, and especially for those struggling with pain, trauma, post surgery, inflammatory issues or a dysregulated nervous system. You also do not have to have an active problem for MFR treatment! Working on your fascia at any point can help you maintain your mobility or even improve your physical performance and boost your nervous system.

What can MFR do for me?

MFR can help to address restrictions that could be causing pain or dysfunction. When the tissue is released it can allow for physical, emotional and/or energetic changes. This could bring about ease of motion, mitigation of pain, as well as breaking through patterns or beliefs that may be limiting your full potential. 

When should I try MFR?

The sooner the better! MFR can help resolve pain after an acute incidence (i.e. waking up with pain from an altered sleeping position) or with more chronic conditions. It is never too late to try MFR, but starting as soon as you have a concern allows us to catch an issue before other compensations and dysfunctions develop. Even if you do not have a current ailment or injury, MFR is a great tool to keep your body mobile and functioning properly. 

I get massages regularly. Is this the same thing?

MFR is different from massage therapy. In massage, sweeping strokes are used with oil to increase tissue mobility or improve tension. This can feel great and be very relaxing, but often the results do not last long because it is not addressing the fascia. MFR uses sustained holds on the skin which create changes to the fascia at the cellular level allowing for more lasting results.

How is MFR different from chiropractic or physical therapy treatments? Aren’t they working on my fascia?

Chiropractic and PT are typically working on your body’s soft tissues, strength or alignment with adjustments and other modalities. These services are not typically performing the direct sustained pressure as part of their manual therapy which is needed for fascial tissues to change. MFR can work wonders in conjunction with chiropractic and PT and I encourage you to add MFR to your team approach!  

What does MFR feel like?

The sustained pressure on your tissues can sometimes feel like a stretch, pull or tug where my hands are or elsewhere in your body. Often people report feeling deeply relaxed after a session. You are welcome to verbalize what you feel during treatment as it can help me to address the areas that are restricted. However, you can be as communicative or quiet as you like. It is not uncommon to feel that your body wants to move, or memories/emotions will come forth. If this happens, I encourage you to allow the movement and feelings to occur. Sometimes you may feel familiar pain or discomfort - we often need to feel to heal! There is a difference between therapeutic pain and injurious pain though. You have full control during the session and should verbalize if you are not comfortable at any time and I will stop.

How many sessions do I need?

Most people see and feel a difference after just one treatment! The more frequently we do MFR, the faster you see results. The extent of treatment needed depends on your individual concerns and is best addressed together in our first meeting. If a condition is chronic, it likely will take more sessions to achieve your desired goals. Once you are feeling well, ongoing intermittent treatment every 4-6 weeks is recommended to help you maintain optimal health. Even if you are only able to come for one session, you will receive a benefit and tools to help you!

Do I need to do anything special before or after a MFR session?

Please avoid using any oil or lotion on your body the day of your appointment as this limits my ability to successfully mobilize the fascia. There is nothing else specific you need to do or avoid before or after treatment. You can continue with your day as you planned. It is best to stay well hydrated and aim to get good sleep as this further assists in overall recovery.

What can I expect from a session?

At our first session we will some time discussing your current concerns, medical history and goals. I will answer any questions you may have before we begin. I then perform a physical assessment where I look at your body while you are standing and lying down. I will share findings with you and explain next steps for treatment. During our session, I need to be directly on your skin to mobilize the fascia. Wearing gym shorts and a tank top or sports bra is best as I often am working throughout your body, not just in the area that is bothersome. I do not use any oils or lotions during treatment. The fascial release itself utilizes a sustained pressure on your tissues for upwards of 5 min in an area. Throughout your treatment, a handful of skills might be utilized to help you achieve your goals. This could include providing you with some home exercises/stretches, recommendations, coaching or using other tools such as dry needling for those who are interested. 

What is dry needling and how is it different from acupuncture?

Dry needling is a tool in which fine needles are placed in the body to help stimulate a healing response for areas that are painful, tight or have increased sensitivity. These are the same needles that acupuncturists use, however, the theory behind needle placement differs between these two services. In dry needling, the needles are inserted following the anatomy of the nerve pathways and tissues in an affected area. Acupuncture uses meridians as a map of the body and places needles to help balance chi. The needles do not have to stay in for any set duration of time with dry needling, whereas you may sit with the needles for some time in acupuncture. 

When is dry needling used? How do results differ from MFR?

Dry needling can be used to help reset the nervous system and address trigger points. Both dry needling and MFR can improve pain, mobility and support your nervous system. MFR focuses on restoring balance to the body’s physical structure, which in turn positively influences the nervous system, by releasing fascial adhesions and treating the root cause of an issue. Dry needling yields short term changes causing a reset to the nervous system and often is best paired with other modalities, such as MFR, to improve an underlying dysfunction.