Myofascial Therapist Serving Poulsbo, WA
John Barnes Myofascial Release is a comprehensive approach that addresses the whole person- body and mind. The techniques are highly effective at reducing pain and improving function, encouraging health and well-being. People of all ages and abilities, from disabled to competitive athlete can benefit from myofascial release. I have taken and repeated John's coursework and have studied with him directly. I have 25 years experience with this style of fascial work.
What can you expect from Myofascial Release?
Patients often feel a lengthening or softening of their tissue. They may also experience emotions or memories associated with the long-held patterns of tension. Spontaneous movement into positions can facilitate the stretch or help the process of letting go of the emotion and the beliefs associated with the fascial restriction.
Often, patients feel good or great after a session, but they may also feel sore, pain in different locations, or even like they have the flu as the body reorganizes and releases the long held toxins that were locked in their bodies. These are all normal responses and can be part of the healing journey towards living fully in one's body with less pain and better function.
Patients may experience less inflammation and pain because myofascial release techniques use sustained pressures and/or stretch of 3 to 5 minutes. Research has shown that sustained pressure of 3 minutes stimulates production of interleukin, an essential protein for healing. Interleukins neutralize free radicals and stimulate cell production. Thus, MFR is a great technique to treat inflammatory conditions.
Because the lymphatic, cardiovascular and nervous systems are all conatined within the fascia, changes in the fascia can restore the ability of blood vessels and nerves to perform their functions. This allows all systems of the body to work more effectively. Patients may experience more energy, less pain, better balance and more ability to return to the activities they enjoy. And, patients can expect results to last when they receive MFR treatments. The sustained pressures/stretches of the techniques actually change the condition/state of fascia, resulting in it becoming more fluid, more elastic, flexible and strong.
Fascia is made up of collagen, elastin, cells, and hyluranon (a gel like substance). The nerves, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are all contained within the fascia.
The piezoelectric effect describes what happens when a crystal experiences pressure, it produces electricity. Fascia can be described as liquid crystalline matrix. The piezoelectric effect causes the hyluranon in the fascia to “melt”, changing from a more solid, stuck state to a more fluid, adaptable state. The “melting” allows the fascia to elongate and open up and reduces pressure on pain sensitive tissue. This opens up channels of communication because fascia is a conductive tissue for vibration and electrons and is vital for communication throughout the body.