The MFR Approach

What is fascia?

Fascia is a three dimensional, weblike connective tissue enveloping the entire body. It covers your muscles, bones, nerves, and organs, down to the cellular level, influencing everything underneath and within it. Fascia is very thin yet incredibly strong and when restricted can exert pressure on not only the rest of the fascial web but other systems. Think of a thread in a sweater getting snagged and pulled on, if you keep pulling that one thread eventually the rest of the sweater pulls with it. This is one way to understand how a restriction that originated in one part of the fascia, can push/pull the rest of the fascial web with it. What people commonly refer to as a “knot” is really an area of significantly restricted fascia. Fascial restrictions can present as symptoms and conditions such as postural deviations, pelvic imbalances, pain, head forward posture, limited ROM, puffy undereyes, inflammation and headaches just to name a few. Physical injuries, repetitive stress injuries and poor postural patterns can also create fascial restrictions.

Additionally, this three dimensional web is linked to our nervous system and is the container of our consciousness. In other words, memories, emotions, trauma and patterns get stored in the fascia. When we experience fear, trauma and stressors, we might brace our body to protect ourselves (knowingly or unknowingly), and our fascia gets stuck there in that bracing pattern and in the state of “fight or flight” or survival mode. Trauma and stressors can be big (car accident) or small (career stressors), significant or gone unnoticed, physical or emotional. When this doesn’t get resolved or is repeated over time, fascial restrictions occur, and symptoms arise. Our fascial expression can be a direct reflection of our nervous system expression.

Click this link to learn more about fascia from John F. Barnes.

What is myo-fascial release therapy?

Myo-fascial release therapy, more commonly known as MFR, is a gentle yet powerful form of massage and bodywork that involves engagement of the fascia, while holding sustained pressure for minutes at a time to release fascial restrictions. MFR doesn’t involve mediums such as lotion or oil, and because fascia doesn’t respond to excessive force, it doesn’t require a lot of force or pressure from the therapist. Throughout the session I’ll observe your posture and the holding patterns of your body to assess where the fascial restrictions are. Understanding any stressors in your life will also give insight into any fascial restrictions. It’s very common that the area of the body you are experiencing symptoms at is not the origin of the dis-function and due to the weblike nature and structure of fascia, you will likely feel releases and sensations in areas that I’m not directly working on. As mentioned above, the fascial system influences other systems in the body and by using the tool of MFR we can take pressure off those other systems. When fascia gets released inflammation reduces, the lymphatic system can move and eliminate toxins and waste and the body can exhale. By using this technique, we remind the nervous system that you are safe, which creates change in the entire body. My role as a therapist is to support the whole person as you return to equilibrium and harmony.

Click this link to learn more about MFR from John F. Barnes.

FAQ’s

Do you accept insurance?

I don’t accept insurance but I do provide the insurance CPT code for massage and bodywork on your receipt so you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if necessary.

Do you accept FSA/HSA cards?

Yes, I accept FSA/HSA, credit/debit, Venmo, and Zelle as forms of payment.

What do I wear to an appointment?

Due to the nature of this therapy, it’s not necessary to completely disrobe. For men, please bring a pair of loose fitting shorts (running shorts or sweat shorts). For women, please wear a loose fitting tank top/cami/bralette and loose fitting shorts. Please refrain from wearing any body lotions/oils or perfumes.