West Michigan Myofascial Release LLC

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a one-to-one  approach of manual Physical Therapy. The therapist and client work together towards discovering the areas of restriction in the body that can lead to progressive pain patterns, unresolved stress, inflammation, motor dysfunction, poor posture, compromised athletic performance, and an overall decline in health and wellbeing.

What is fascia? 

"Fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web from head to foot without interruption.  Trauma, posture or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, osseous structure and/or organs.  Since many of the standard tests such as x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyographs, etc., do not show the fascial restrictions, it is thought than an extremely high percentage of people suffering with pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but most go undiagnosed."

(JFB seminar brochure)

The John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release (JFBMFR) Approach

The JFBMFR is effective, safe, and gentle.  It includes Structural Release, Unwinding, and Rebounding

• Structural Release:  MFR that is performed by a trained practitioner who does not use force, oils, or lotions.  A JFBMFR Therapist uses gentle sustained pressure at the collagenous barrier to achieve resonance.  The release occurs based on the principles of mechano-transduction (sustained pressure into a fluid system causing a piezoelectric effect), phase transition, chaos, and release.
• Unwinding:  The movement facilitation technique led by the person's own mind body to unique positions in space called "still points".  These still points are previous positions of trauma where fascial restrictions were formed.  MFR Unwinding can decrease pain, increase range of motion, eliminate subconscious holding/bracing patterns, increase proprioceptive awareness, and increase overall functional mobility.
• Rebounding:  A technique that uses the energetic properties and fluid dynamics of the body as a therapeutic adjunct to structural release and unwinding.  It is an oscillatory, wavelike technique that helps to calm, loosen, and "confuse" the neuro-motor system to free the body of bracing patterns.  It is an effective tool for increasing the effectiveness of Myofascial Release.

Conditions than can be helped by the JFB Myofascial Release Approach

• Back Pain
• Jaw Pain
• Headaches
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Pain
• Adhesions
• Neck pain
• Pelvic Floor Pain and Dysfunction
• Mastectomy Pain
• Painful Intercourse
• Urinary Problems
• Painful scars
• Coccydynia (Tail bone Pain)