General

For much of history, traditional medicine and massage therapy have ignored and dismissed the fascial system. Yet, it is one of the largest systems of the body. Fascia, or connective tissue, permeates throughout the entire body. It is first present between the skin and the underlying tissue, simply attaching the skin to the underlying tissue, which is often muscle. The muscles themselves are surrounded by a fascial sheath, which differentiates the muscle tissue into the anatomical muscles (i.e. biceps, triceps, quadriceps, etc). The muscles are composed of bundles of fibers, with each bundle and subsequently each fiber being surrounded by fascia. This fascial organization continues down to the cellular level. The interconnection of the fascia gives the muscle the ability to contract and relax. In its optimal organization, the fascia supports the smooth contraction and relaxation of the muscles. However, through trauma, disease, lack of use, improper posture, poor circulation, etc., the fascial layers become disorganized and bound down. The layers start adhering to each other limiting the ability of the muscle to contract and relax. Eventually, these adhesions become more solidified, much like a scar, even calcified, like a heel spur. This disorganization and the subsequent adhesions are created three dimensionally in a spider web effect within the fascia throughout the body, creating pain, dysfunction and ultimately disease. While the focus in this description is on the relationship between fascia and muscles, the same relationships hold true for the fascia and the joints, bones, blood vessels and internal organs. It is easy to see how fascial dysfunction has the ability to significantly impact one's health in a negative manner. In Myofascial Release therapy, the intention of a treatment session is to release any restrictions, encourage the reorganization of the fascia and to reduce the adhesions between fascial layers so that the body can function optimally. The fascia system is first accessed at the skin fascial layer and as releases occur, progress to deeper layers. The three dimensionality of the fascia is an advantage here. Deep fascia layers can be impacted by working at the superficial level. This is why Myofascial Release therapy can be very gentle but deep work. Initially, the technique is a gentle stretch of the fascia. As releases occur and the body reveals itself, the work can become very deep and vigorous (i.e. Deep Tissue Massage or Neuro-muscular Therapy) or the work becomes more energetic, (i.e. Reiki or Healing Touch). The distinguishing feature of the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Therapy is the longer applications of the techniques, which affects the deep fascial structure rather than the state of contraction of the muscle. Through this structural reorganization, a greater therapeutic effect is experienced (i.e. greater flexibility and strength). By inducing this structural relaxation in the muscle, rather than neurological relaxation, optimal anatomical position and alignment of the whole body can occur. Circulation to the muscle is also restored. Similar effects can be demonstrated in the physiology of internal organs. Myofascial Release therapy is a whole body treatment approach. The beauty and uniqueness of myofascial release is that it truly recognizes the need for structural work, emotional work and energetic work. An individualized treatment session can be composed of traditional manual therapy techniques, range of motion stretching, localized holding of pressure/stretch, or energy work. During a Myofascial Release treatment session the client, depending on their needs,may experience physical, emotional and/or energetic releases. Unlike with traditional massage techniques where repeating symptoms are addressed, the myofascial release sessions build upon themselves with the work often becoming deeper, more subtle and powerful, with the body creating the therapeutic treatment plan. Myofascial release provides the safety and support for the body to activate its own healing potential. During a typical Myofascial Release session, the therapist will carefully observe the patient’s posture and feel the patient’s body to identify the areas of restriction. The therapist will then utilize a series of gentle, slow sustained stretches,to soften, lengthen and realign the fascia. A session of Myofascial Release may last up to an hour and can be administered from one to three times per week, depending on the patient’s condition. Myofascial Release therapy helps people suffering with poor posture, physical injury, illness and emotional stress. It is also used to treat back pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual problems, incontinence,scar tissue problems, tennis elbow, sprains,rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasms, whiplash injuries,plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Myofascial Release may also be used to treat children suffering from birth trauma, head injuries, cerebral palsy, and scoliosis. Myofascial release therapy is also indicated and appropriate for general relaxation of stress and release of non-traumatic tension and holding patterns. The gentleness and stillness of the technique encourages deep relaxation of the mind and body. It is equally beneficial for athletes of all levels for recovery from workouts, rehabilitation of injuries or increase strength and flexibility of the body for increased performance. The myofascial techniques are uniquely effective in the release and reintegration of traumatic muscle tension and holding patterns. For even more information about what Myofascial Release is, please visit our mentor, John F.Barnes website www.myofascialrelease.com or call Jersey Shore Myofascial Release at 732 223-9335 .

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