Understanding Myofascial Release Therapy

OVERVIEW OF FASCIA

It has been discovered that the internal architecture of the body is continuous from the outermost surface of the skin to the centre of the bones. 

There are no layers in the body, no separation. 

The only layers that exist are those created by dissection. 

Every cell is embedded in connective tissue or “Fascia.”  Bone is a highly calcified form, muscle is highly contractile, nerves are connective tissue with the capacity to conduct electrical signal. 

It is through the disruption of this system from physical and emotional trauma, repetitive strain, and gravitational forces that we begin to feel the physiological effects.  Consciously and even subconsciously we avoid positions in space and develop habitual movement patterns, creating fascial restrictions that can exert nearly 2000lbs/square inch of force on pain sensitive nerves, blood vessels and muscle. 

John Barnes Myofascial Release® is a gentle hands-on manual therapy that addresses this integrated mind-body connection.  Through thorough postural evaluation and assessment, the skilled application of sustained pressures, mindful movement practices, and supplemental therapies our team is ready to provide you with a different kind of healthcare experience. 

THIS IS MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

APPLY FOR INTENSIVE TREATMENT
“And I said to my body, softly. ‘I want to be your friend’.  It took a long breath and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this’.”
— Nayyirah Waheed

What is Myofascial Release treatment like?

There are 3 pillars of sustained-pressure Myofascial Release:

1. Structural Release

Gentle, prolong pressure or stretch through an area of restriction. This often looks like a cross-hand release

MFR Structural Release with 2 Practitioners

Myofascial Unwinding

2. Unwinding

A gentle, intuitive technique that allows spontaneous body movements as the therapist provides gentle guidance while the body releases restrictions in the fascia

3. Rebounding

A rhythmic, oscillating technique that uses gentle, wave-like movements to release fascial restrictions and enhance fluid flow

Rebounding Techniques

YOUR EXPERIENCE

WE HOPE THE BELOW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WILL BE HELPFUL

  • There are a number of hallmarks that suggest your pain may be rooted in Fascial dysfunction including:

    • Pain that moves, spreads, or doesn't follow a clear nerve or muscle pattern

    • Imaging (MRI, X-ray) comes back "normal" but the pain is significant

    • Little to no lasting relief from conventional treatments

    • Tissue feels stuck, dense, or restricted; like pulling against a wetsuit

    • Symptoms worsen with sustained postures and improve (briefly) with movement

    • Morning stiffness that takes time to ease

    • Pain accompanied by unexplained symptoms like bladder urgency, tingling, or digestive issues

    • History of trauma, surgery, falls, or chronic stress; even from years ago

    • You just know something is wrong, but no one has been able to explain it

    When clients come to us with any or all of these signs, they tend to respond very well to sustained-pressure Myofascial Release treatment.

  • Myofascial Release is one of many techniques that our practitioners utilize to address the connective tissue network of the body called the Fascia. At Myofascial Release Mississauga, all of our practitioners use the John Barnes Myofascial Release®️ approach during your treatments to resolve fascial restrictions that create pain and dysfunction throughout the body.

    This approach is hands-on and doesn’t involve the use of any machines. It focuses on the mind-body connection and less on stretching or strengthening protocols. There is no forceful trigger point work, nor is there oil used to create glide across the skin. See what a treatment looks like here.

    Fascial restrictions are identified by our highly trained practitioners, and gentle pressure is applied to meet the tissue where it’s at. The pressure is held for a minimum of 5-10 minutes to allow for physiological change at the cellular level. This approach has allowed our clients to see long-lasting results that they report as sustainable.

  • Many of our patients report a change in their symptoms in the form of pain relief or changes in mobility within hours of their first session due to changes in connective tissue tension, relieving bracing patterns and the release of the body’s own anti-inflammatories that occurs during Myofascial Release treatment. Full resolution of symptoms typically takes 4-6 weeks of regular treatment and self care as prescribed; and up to 6 months depending on the severity of the injury. Client’s suffering from chronic conditions sometimes choose to schedule regular ongoing appointments to continue seeing improvements with time.

  • The treatment itself may elicit some deep stretching therapeutic discomfort. Pain after treatment is not typical, however, you may feel a little sore as if you had done exercise. On rare occasions, this post treatment soreness is more intense but doesn’t last beyond 48 hours.

  • No. While the intended goal for using these techniques may be the same, Myofascial Release utilizes a gentle sustained pressure approach to allow fascial restrictions to release and therefore glide freely again. Under the Myofascial Release school of thought, Fascia does not “stretch” or “lengthen”, rather it moves free from restriction.

  • Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy & Osteopathy are widely covered through many private and extended health benefits. Other services we provide such as movement therapy classes and workshops may be eligible for reimbursement through Health Spending Accounts. We will provide you with an invoice to submit to your insurance provider, however payments for services are due at the time of rendering. We do not bill directly to insurance providers.

  • Parking is on-site and free at Myofascial Release Mississauga. Overflow parking can be found on the adjacent Victoria Street.

  • Yes! Myofascial Release Mississauga’s building has an outdoor ramp, automatic doors, an elevator, and we have an accessible washroom in our clinic with a baby change-table.

  • Clients will be charged 100% of the appointment fee for cancelled or missed appointments without 24 hours notice of their scheduled appointment and 50% of the fee for cancelled appointments without 48 hours notice. If clients arrive late they will receive the remainder of the time scheduled but will still be responsible for payment in full.

  • A refund will be issued to clients who are deemed not appropriate by the instructor for the skill level of the class the client has paid for. Classes sold as a series are non-refundable, however in the case of unforeseen circumstances, clients may receive one (1) make-up class in the next available series of the same class. Classes sold as passes must be used within 60 days of purchase after which point remaining value will be forfeited. Workshops are non-refundable.

  • We accept Debit, Credit and E-transfers currently.

  • Yes; However Myofascial Release Mississauga is not registered with HCAI or WSIB so we will not complete any requested forms or direct bill these organizations and will only be able to provide progress reports or basic workplace specific Functional Abilities Forms upon your request during scheduled treatment time. All fees are due at the time of service and are the responsibility of the client.

  • No. You do not require a referral to see any of our practitioners, however your insurance company may require one to submit claims. Please check with your provider.

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