What is Myofascial Release (MFR)?
MFR is a holistic, whole body, manual therapy approach to healing. Hands on techniques are used to lengthen the fascial restrictions. Gentle, yet firm pressure is applied into the area of restriction and held for an extended period of time to allow the fascia to release. By applying gentle sustained pressure into the fascial connective tissue, restrictions release, eliminating pain and restoring motion.
MFR is a holistic, whole body, manual therapy approach to healing. Hands on techniques are used to lengthen the fascial restrictions. Gentle, yet firm pressure is applied into the area of restriction and held for an extended period of time to allow the fascia to release. By applying gentle sustained pressure into the fascial connective tissue, restrictions release, eliminating pain and restoring motion.
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What is Fascia?
Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater. Trauma (falls, accidents, physical and emotional abuse) inflammatory responses (illnesses and disease) and surgical procedures create restrictions that can produce tensile pressure of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up on many standard test (x-rays, CAT scans, MRI's). *This fascial image is courtesy of Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau |
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What to expect during your treatments
Treatment is completed in a quiet one on one setting. Each session begins with a postural assessment in order for the therapist to identify the areas of your body that need treatment. MFR treatment is performed directly on your skin without oils or creams. This hands on therapy applies the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate releases of the fascial restriction.
Because MFR is a whole body treatment, it is important to understand that many "non symptomatic" areas of your body will be worked. This means that if your primary complaint is headaches, your therapist may have to work on your hips or back to fully release the restrictions that are causing your pain.
To gain access to the skin, ladies should wear a sports bra, bathing suit top, or loose fitting tank, with bathing suit bottoms or loose fitting shorts. Men should wear loose fitting shorts with elastic waist. Please do not wear denim or shorts with buttons and zippers. We also ask that you not apply lotions or oils to your skin prior to treatment as this will interfere with your treatment.
Treatment will also include demonstrations and education on an individually prescribed self treatment program.
Treatment frequency and duration will be discussed on an individual basis, however it is common that one to two treatments weekly is recommended for the first several weeks for a maximum level of healing.
Treatment is completed in a quiet one on one setting. Each session begins with a postural assessment in order for the therapist to identify the areas of your body that need treatment. MFR treatment is performed directly on your skin without oils or creams. This hands on therapy applies the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate releases of the fascial restriction.
Because MFR is a whole body treatment, it is important to understand that many "non symptomatic" areas of your body will be worked. This means that if your primary complaint is headaches, your therapist may have to work on your hips or back to fully release the restrictions that are causing your pain.
To gain access to the skin, ladies should wear a sports bra, bathing suit top, or loose fitting tank, with bathing suit bottoms or loose fitting shorts. Men should wear loose fitting shorts with elastic waist. Please do not wear denim or shorts with buttons and zippers. We also ask that you not apply lotions or oils to your skin prior to treatment as this will interfere with your treatment.
Treatment will also include demonstrations and education on an individually prescribed self treatment program.
Treatment frequency and duration will be discussed on an individual basis, however it is common that one to two treatments weekly is recommended for the first several weeks for a maximum level of healing.