What is MFR?

MFR stands for Myofascial Release. MFR is a gentle, hands-on technique of releasing deep tension and restriction in the body. Fascia is the body’s shock absorption system. Posture, injury and surgery all cause the fascia to restrict and pull. When the restrictions are not released, they eventually cause pain and other symptoms. These symptoms can appear anywhere in the body and range from headaches, loss of movement, lack of flexibility, joint pain and more. MFR is the most effective means of relief in that case. I specifically practice the John F Barnes Myofascial Release Approach. John F Barnes is the father of modern Myofascial Release. His approach to Myofascial Release is treating the body as a whole three dimensional entity rather than just multiple parts of a whole as per normal for Western modern medicine. It is a non-injurious method of treating the root cause of the symptoms and problems you are feeling right now.

FAQs

  • The best place to learn about JFB MFR is the Myofascial Release website that he and his team run. You can get to the patient version of the site here. If you enjoy reading books and learning new things, John Barnes’s recommended reading list has some fascinating reads that support all he teaches.

  • Massage is specifically about kneading, stroking and working the muscles of the body. While it is a great complimentary therapy with MFR, it does not deal with the underlying structures in the body.

    MFR works with the fascia, which is a crystalline matrix interconnecting everything in the body, in a three dimensional way unique to each body.

  • First off, you should come in wearing or bring with you some comfortable, loose shorts and, for women, a sports bra or tank top. You will not be disrobing any further for your MFR session.

    For your first session, we will do a postural assessment to see if there are any visible areas of structural instability, especially as it pertains to the reason you have come to see me.

    Following the assessment is the hands on treatment. MFR is a direct skin to skin method. This is required for true change to happen. But always keep in mind that your comfort is paramount. If something is uncomfortable or makes you unsafe, please let me know.

    Falling asleep is fine, and normal with some of the neck work the first few times. However, it is normal for me to ask you questions about how you are feeling during treatment. Active client participation will bring about more effective results!

    With any subsequent treatments, we shall begin with any issues that came up or continued after the last session. Even if it feels like it isn’t connected to what was treated before or the root cause, the entire body is connected and you may be pleasantly surprised!

  • If you feel relief and better after one session, that’s great!

    However, the body has what are called holding patterns. The issue you came to see me with is very rarely something that has just happened. More likely, you’ve been adjusting to some trauma or injury you’ve had for a long time. The body can adjust for only so long before it starts to exhibit symptoms in other places.

    Regular, frequent treatment can help break up old holding patterns and result in lasting relief. I suggest at least a session a week for 6 weeks to see what your body is telling you and creating new habits and movement patterns.

  • There is a directory for JFB trained MFR practitioners here and I hope you find one closer!