The Myofascial Release Approach
I have been studying and practicing the John F. Barnes’ P.T. form of Myofasical Release since 1997. I have practiced Myofascial Release as both a Physical Therapist and a Massage Therapist. I have been a Physical Therapist since 1989 and a Massage Therapist since 2000.
The Myofascial Release approach is a comprehensive “hands-on” technique for the whole body performed by licensed therapists who have been highly trained by John F. Barnes, P.T., the developer of the Myofascial Release Approach. When all else has failed, our approach can be successful because we treat the fascial system, which has been ignored by other treatment approaches. John F. Barnes, P.T. has developed and refined this approach over the past 45 years to make this approach the most advanced and effective hands-on care available efficiently treating the whole person in order to return them to a pain free and more active lifestyle.
The main component in the myofascial concept is the fascia’s elastocollagenous tissue which creates three-dimensional forces imposed upon pain sensitive structures. Imbedded in that three-dimensional web is a matrix or ground substance which under normal conditions is gelatinous-like in consistency. Fascia is a three-dimensional web surrounding and within EVERY tissue of the body, including every organ, every muscle, every bone, every nerve and every blood vessel, all the way down to every cell. When an individual experiences physical trauma, repetitive stress injuries, postural compromises over time, inflammatory processes or scarring, the fascial tissue can become restricted and begin to pull throughout the body causing pain, headaches, altered posture, excessive joint compression decreased range of motion, decreased muscle efficiency and many symptoms all of us struggle with daily, many of which can not be explained. The fascia can produce enormous tensile strength of up to 2000 lbs. per square inch on pain-sensitive structures. Excessive pressure such as this can explain why symptoms develop and may not respond to the conventional treatment methods which do not affect the fascial system. For example, the pressure of fascial restrictions on blood vessels and nerve roots can create entrapment syndromes and ischemic-like conditions. It is important to recognize that fascial restrictions do not show up in any of the standard tests (x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, myelograms, etc.), so it is felt that fascial problems are being missed or misdiagnosed.
You can find out more information at:
John F. Barnes’ website:
On You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWRuS9xAbMo
In Massage Magazine:
http://www.massagemag.com/News/massagenews.php?id... =62&title=therapeutic-insight-the-myofascial-releaseperspectivewhat-do- you-believe
