John F Barnes Myofascial Release

Credit: Architecture of Human Living Fascia by Jean-Claude Guimberteau, MD and Colin Armstrong, DO 2015 Handspring Publishing

Fascia is a dense connective tissue system that surrounds every cell in the body, therefore connecting all parts of the body to each other. Myofascial pain is caused by structural changes in the fascia and underlying muscles that may occur as a result of injury, trauma or repetitive strain. Myofascial Pain Syndrome is chronic myofascial pain that can involve any area of the body, since all parts of the body are connected by the fascia.

Myofascial Release (MFR), as taught by John F. Barnes, PT is a hands-on therapy that restores the normal state of the fascia, which opens cell communication throughout the body and facilitates healing.

To learn more about fascia and the John F. Barnes Approach to Myofascial Release, visit the MFR website: About Myofascial Release

Myofascial pain is a painful condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles). Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is chronic myofascial pain that can involve either a single muscle or a muscle group. Myofascial release (MFR) is hands-on, soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain, myofascial pain and myofascial pain syndrome.

The goal of myofascial release is to:

  • Stretch and loosen the fascia,
  • Release muscular shortness / tightness and relax the contracted muscles,
  • Improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and
  • Stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles

Many patients seek myofascial release treatment after losing flexibility / function following an injury or if they are experiencing ongoing pain in the back, shoulder, hip or virtually any area containing soft tissue.

Myofascial release is highly effective in treating patients with a variety of diagnoses, including:

  • Chronic Back Strain, Low Back Pain and Thoracic Back Pain
  • Chronic Cervical Pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Complex Pain Complaints
  • Dizziness, Vertigo
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Fibrositis
  • Headache / Migraine Headaches
  • Chronic Myofascial Pain / Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Post-Polio Symptoms
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
  • Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
  • Whiplash