This is a gentle treatment that creates profound changes. Unlike massage, there is no oil or lotion used and there is no active movement across the muscle tissue by the therapist. You will feel movement as the fascia in your body releases, unwinds and lets go. My job as your therapist is to facilitate this process by putting my hands on in a way that makes your body feel safe enough to let go of stress and tension that has been holding you back.
The name reflects the fascia (or band), surrounding the myo- (muscle fibres), which forms connective tissue throughout the body. By applying gentle pressure and heat from the hands, changes are created which allow the fascia slide and glide better, releasing tension in the soft tissues of the body to restore balance and wellbeing. It takes pressure off sensitive structures such as nerves and blood vessels that may have been restricted for a long time, and helps regulate the other systems of the body.
The image below illustrates the way MFR will help your body to change. It’s a great feeling!
How myofascial release works
Myofascial release is a hands-on therapy. The fascia responds to gentle, sustained pressure by softening and releasing; each release can take several minutes. There’s no sudden manipulation, no stripping out of the muscles, and the physics of how fascia works mean that the effect is surprisingly deep and long lasting. It is also very safe. I have trained under Ruth Duncan of MFR UK, and others who have completed their postgraduate training with the late John F Barnes, the world’s leading authority on myofascial release.
Click here for a great article from What Doctors Don’t Tell You magazine which talks particularly about the effect MFR can have on fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and scarring. You might also be interested in my blog post on the relationship between fascia and chronic pain.