Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Describe key fascial mechanisms involved in chronic pain and pain sensitization
Recognize common myofascial, physiological, and reactionary responses observed in clients with persistent pain
Understand how stress and trauma exposure may influence pain perception and tissue reactivity, without diagnosing psychological conditions
Apply a fascia-informed assessment approach appropriate to clinical practice for clients with chronic pain presentations
Modify pressure, timing, positioning, and session structure to reduce the risk of symptom exacerbation
Integrate course concepts into clinical practice immediately through safe, scope-appropriate treatment planning
Course Content
Topics covered include:
Overview of chronic pain from a myofascial perspective
Pain sensitization and its relevance to manual therapy tolerance
Tissue reactivity, guarding patterns, and client presentation in persistent pain conditions
Considerations related to trauma exposure and stress as they affect the nervous system and myofascial system
Assessment strategies for therapists working with complex pain presentations
Clinical decision-making: adapting treatment approach, pressure, and session progression
Communicating with chronic pain clients to support safety, trust, and informed consent
Fascia-Informed Focus
This course draws on current research in fascia science, neurophysiology, and manual therapy, including concepts widely recognized in rehabilitation literature. Emphasis is placed on applying fascia-informed principles to hands-on practice, rather than introducing proprietary techniques.
Presenter Qualifications
This course is taught by Justin Krull, MScPT, BPHE (Hons), a Registered Physiotherapist & Expert Myofascial Release Therapist with extensive clinical experience working with individuals experiencing chronic pain.
Justin has:
Expert-level training in the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release® approach.
Over 15 years of clinical experience supporting clients with persistent pain and complex presentations using trauma-informed care considerations
Assisted teaching of courses offered through the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release® Seminar Group in Canada & the USA
Mentored and taught students from many different college/university programs with in-clinic instruction and practical skills training for the advancemen of their education.
Disclaimer: This course provides educational content only. It does not certify competency, replace formal postgraduate training, or authorize practice beyond a participant’s regulated scope. This course teaches general fascial principles and clinician skills. It is not the official John F. Barnes Myofascial Release® curriculum and does not confer certification or seminar credit.