RMT Myofascial Release (MFR) 

John F. Barnes, PT, has been teaching his approach to Myofascial Release since the 1970s. JFB Myofascial Release® is a gentle, whole-person approach that uses sustained pressure, movement and awareness to address restrictions within the fascial system.

Treatment is individualized. Rather than simply treating the area that hurts, we look at posture, movement, past injuries, surgeries, scars and patterns of tension throughout the body. Because fascia is continuous from head to toe, the place you feel your symptoms is not always where the restriction began.

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The work is slow and sustained. Pressure is applied gently into the fascial barrier and held long enough for the tissue to begin to respond. Nothing is forced. The therapist listens with their hands and follows the body as restrictions soften and movement becomes available.

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What is fascia?

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Fascia is a three-dimensional connective-tissue network that surrounds, supports and interweaves muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and organs throughout the body.

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Healthy fascia is fluid and adaptable, allowing the tissues of the body to glide and move freely. Following injury, surgery, inflammation, repetitive strain or prolonged stress, areas of the fascial system can become less mobile and create tension through surrounding tissues.

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Because fascia is interconnected, these restrictions can sometimes create symptoms at a distance from the original area of strain. This is one reason MFR treatment does not always begin exactly where you feel the pain.

What can MFR help with?

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People seek JFB Myofascial Release® for many different reasons. Treatment may help with:

    •    persistent pain and tension

    •    stiffness or restricted movement

    •    headaches and jaw/TMJ tension

    •    scar tissue and restrictions following surgery

    •    old injuries that never seemed to fully resolve

    •    postural strain

    •    reduced mobility or flexibility

    •    feelings of compression or pulling within the body

    •    difficulty relaxing or feeling at ease in the body

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As restrictions begin to change, people often describe feeling lighter, more spacious, more balanced and able to move with greater ease.

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More than physical restriction

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Our bodies also develop protective patterns.

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After pain, injury or periods of significant stress, we may unconsciously brace, guard or avoid certain movements. Over time, those patterns can become so familiar that we no longer recognize them.

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MFR encourages awareness of what is happening in the body in the present moment. During treatment, memories, emotions or spontaneous movement may sometimes arise. These experiences are not forced or interpreted; they are simply given space when they occur.

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This awareness can create an opportunity for the body to let go of patterns that are no longer needed.

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A different approach

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Many people arrive at MFR after living with symptoms for months or years, sometimes after trying many other forms of treatment.

JFB Myofascial Release® does not force the body or chase symptoms. We slow down, feel what the tissue is doing, engage the restriction and allow time for change.

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Sometimes the painful area needs attention. Sometimes the body leads us somewhere completely different.

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The goal is not simply to make something hurt less for a short time, but to help restore ease, movement and balance throughout the whole person.

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“Without awareness, there is no choice.” — John F. Barnes, PT