Why suffer needlessly when there is help?
Over 45 years ago John Barnes developed a technique called Myofascial Release. Since then he has helped many people who suffer from various types of problems return to pain free lifestyles. I was given the privilege of studying under him, so I too could help others.
Understanding myofascial release first requires an understanding of the fascia system. It is a system in our bodies like any other system such as the respiratory, or digestive systems. The reason it is such a mystery is because the medical community, even they know about it, haven’t come up with ways to diagnose problems within this system. There is no diagnostic equipment other than palpation and visual assessment available.
Fascia is a three-dimensional web we have from our head to our toes. From our cellular level out to our organ level the skin being our largest organ. It is the glue that holds our bodies together. Fascia is made up of three parts. An elastic component that stretches, collagen fibers that are pliable and extremely tough and a ground substance, called the matrix. Under normal conditions this is a gelatinous like consistency, however when there is a restriction it can produce up to 2000 lbs. of pressure per square inch and become solidified and shortened. Imagine that kind of pressure on your bladder. No wonder you have incontinency. How about on a nerve?
Ouch!
Unlocking these restrictions can be done through myofascial release. Deep releases are performed all over the body by stretching of the cross links, changing the thickness of the matrix. Once a release has occurred it is important to maintain pressure to that area because restrictions usually come in layers and maintaining pressure will lead you into the next release, one after another. Releases can feel different to different people. Some people feel an Indian burn as fibers let go.
While still others may feel heat buildup, throbbing or a fluttering sensation. Some others feel cool water flushing over the area being released. Myofascial release takes time; no superhuman strength can plow through 2000 lbs. of pressure quickly. The remolding of fascia is possible but over time.
I have had great success with this modality in relieving the pain for several of my clients. One success story is a woman who had chronic pain for many years, with an inability to sleep. She was facing a hysterectomy because of fibroid tumors. She wanted so badly to avoid this surgery. We decided that even though regular massage was helping with the pain we needed a more permanent solution. Myofascial release was implemented. After her first session she was sleeping again, the pain had been greatly reduced. She stated that it felt like things were working as they should again and her surgeon said that the tumors were shrinking. Another woman was having such leg pain, she was unable to sleep at night. After her third treatment she was pain free.