What is MFR?

What is Myofascial Release (MFR)?

Myofascial release is a highly effective hands on therapy that focuses on relieving tension and restrictions in the fascia. Fascia is a continuous three dimensional web of connective tissue that surrounds, supports and links everything inside your body. Think of it as an internal support and communication network that helps your body hold its shape and move more efficiently. Fascia is major contributor to body awareness and is part of the sensory system that works directly with the nervous system. It’s sensory-rich tissue strongly influences how the brain perceives the internal state of the body. Fascia weaves thru muscle, bones, organs and tissues, all the way down to the cellular level. Fascia can become tight, restricted and knotted due to stress, injury, nervous system dysregulation, poor posture, inflammation or surgery. Overtime fascia can develop patterns of restriction and adhesion that can contribute to ongoing pain, limited movement and can even reinforce patterns of stress and tension. 

How Fascia is Connected to Water

Fascia is 70% water. Healthy Fascia is hydrated, fluid and elastic. Dehydrated or restricted Fascia becomes thick, sticky and stiff. When well hydrated it flows and adapts ~ when dry and compressed it hardens and restricts movement. 

Stagnant

Restricted

Flowing

How MFR releases pain in the body…

Fascia should slide smoothly. When it hardens or sticks ~ it pulls on muscles and joints, limits movement and compresses nerves and blood vessels. 

  • MFR uses slow sustained pressure to soften and lengthen fascia, allowing tissues to return to a more normal and pain free state. 

  • MFR resets pain signals in the nervous system. Chronic pain often involves a sensitized nervous system. During treatment an activation of the parasympathetic calming can occur. This helps the brain stop “ over reacting “ to loops of sensations and begin new neural pathways for healing. 

  • MFR restores tissue mobility, allowing muscles and joints to move efficiently, which prevents pain from returning. 

  • MFR addresses pain at it source. Unlike treatments that only address symptoms, MFR treats the root fascial restriction and works globally, meaning pain in one area may originate elsewhere. 

  • MFR helps the nervous system feel safe again. When the brain no longer perceives threat, it stops producing excessive pain, tension and inflammation. 

The Ideal Client…

An ideal client for Myofascial release is someone whose issues are rooted in fascial restriction, chronic tension and pain patterns. 

  • Clients who experience high stress, anxiety, depression or burnout, (fascial holding and nervous sx tension.)

  • History of physical or emotional trauma, where the body is guarded. 

  • Clients who feel “ tight everywhere”. 

  • Clients open to slow subtle work and body awareness. 

  • Clients willing to slow down and be present during sessions. 

  • Clients committed to multiple treatments 

  • Clients willing to explore the connection between pain, posture, stress and habits. 

  • Clients with chronic or unexplained pain, who have tried everything else, are frustrated and ready for a slower, deeper ( but gentle) approach. 

  • Chronic pain (back shoulders hips neck) 

  • Headaches and migraines 

  • Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction 

  • Postural imbalances 

  • Restrictive range of motion 

  • Sports and repetitive strain injuries 

  • Scar tissue and post surgical restrictions 

  • Nerve related symptoms such as tingling or numbness 

  • Pelvis pain and tension 

  • Stress related tension and nervous system dysregulation 

  • Irritable bowel syndrome 

  • Anxiety and depression 

  • Disconnection between body and mind 

  • Plantar Fasciitis 

  • Fibromyalgia 

  • Energenic imbalances 

Have questions?

I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, please email me and we can set up a phone call.

Email Sharon