MFR has stood the test of time as a powerful healing tool. As discussed here MFR is the John Barnes method. A treatment approach that focuses on healing the Fascia in our bodies. Fascia is a connective tissue that runs continuously throughout our bodies like a three dimensional web. It is connected to everyting inside of us, organs, bones, muscles, lymphatic and nervous systems. Fascia provides structure, support, and provides protection for our our body. This three dimensional web "holds" us together from the inside out.

FASCIAL INJURY

When an injury to the fascia occurs, the fascia can become immobile and tighten down. This tightening puts pressure on joints and nerves. The result is often felt as pain, headaches or restricted motion. Cumulative memory can come from various sources such as physical/emotional  trauma, overuse, disease, stress, surgical or other medical procedures and even blocked emotions or memories.

When injury to the fascia occurs, the result can be felt in different areas of the body. Clients often report symptoms in seemingly unrelated areas of the body. To illustrate: Pull down on your shirt sleeve toward your fingers and you will feel the pressure on your elbow or shoulder, not your fingers. Because MFR treatment encompasses the whole person in the treatment, consistently effective results are achieved for a wide variety of health issues. This can include unexplained or chronic symptoms which traditional treatments have not resolved; and common situations  such as TMJ, joint pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, migraines and back pain. Frequently emotions can release while the tissue restricitons release because when the body suffers, so does the 'mind'; and vice versa. Release of restrictions can cause myofascial 'unwinding' or movement in the body or spine as a self-correcting mechanism, and can address very strong or chronic pain patterns. Sometimes the old adage 'it gets worse before it gets better' can occur after a session; as the body is readjusting and re-organizing itself, working back through old injuries. It is never forceful and never harmful.

HOW IS MFR DONE?

MFR incoporates gentle hands on techniques, usually with sustained pressure. The pressure can range from very light to very deep. Some techniques might include light compression, traction or movement of a body part or the entire body. It DOESN'T feel like a massage, but it has a full body effect. A skilled MFR therapist learns to feel the restrictions and apply pressure in the approproate direction and depth until the fascia releases. (For instance accessing specific structures like bone, muscles, etc.)   it usually takes between 3 to 5 minutes for fascia to respond. As release occurs, tight/stuck places in the fascia system open up, kind of like lubricating a rusty spring. Then the body naturally aligns itself in a more healthy state, providing freedom or movement and release of pain. The client may feel subtle sensation or gentle movement start to occur in a different area of the body than is being treated as these restrictions start releasing.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING MFR TREATMENT.

When going for MFR treatment, please bring a 2 piece swimsuit or stretchy gym shorts and a camisole or

open backed sports bra; and come with clean skin (no lotion) as this could lessen the effectiveness.

MFR is not massaging or rubbing, it does not glide over the skin like traditional massage, but engages

the collagenous aspect of your fascia to facilitate deeper whole body improvement. Expect your therapist

to perform an evaluation, including posture assessment. This will be followed by hands on techniques as

described above. A skilled MFR therapist applies science; (a good knowledge of anatomy)  and intuition

to focus throughout the session, allowing for the greatest release of restrictions. You, as the client,

are encouraged to be an active participant, which means focusing on the experience to allow for a

greater awareness of your body's natural optimal alignment.  Drinking a ot of water can help before

and after the session. So can stretching yourself and using therapy balls and foam rollers to stretch.

We carry the balls and rollers we love here at Quest For Wellness so you can have an effective home

care routine.