John F Barnes Myofascial Release (JFB MFR)

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Myofascial Release is a manual bodywork approach focussing on the continuous  web of connective tissue, or fascia  which surrounds and infuses all the other structures and organs in the body.  Until recently the medical profession largely dismissed the significance of this tissue network.  Recent leaps in technology have offered glimpses at the true nature of fascia and its very direct influence on our mental and physical health .

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Our fascia is a whole body web of fluid-filled tubules with a collagen-based ground substance occupying the spaces in between.  Healthy fascia is mobile, the tubules being free to glide past each other and the ground substance is soft and pliable.  It supports optimal function of nearby structures and organs, thus promoting good health.  Fascial restrictions arise from injury, trauma, poor hydration or postural dysfunctions, exerting huge pressures on our organs, nerves, arteries, muscles and bones.  In turn this can lead to disease symptoms and pain patterns which are such common diagnoses in modern society.  The nature of fascia and the JFB MFR approach is neatly explained in this 5 minute video made by Richard Harty PT.

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50 years ago the US Physical Therapist John F Barnes began to pioneer his Indirect MFR approach,  applying gentle pressure at barriers of restriction in the fascia.  Now in his 80's, he has trained over 100,000 therapists worldwide and his approach is regarded as the "Gold Standard" in MFR.   JFB MFR never forces painfully through tissue restrictions, but allows sufficient time for the ground substance to soften when it's ready.   As therapist and patient both quieten themselves inwardly,  the body's own innate healing functions come to the fore.  

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JFB Myofascial Release can help with conditions such as:

• chronic pain syndromes e.g fibromyalgia, sciatica

• musculoskeletal pain from postural imbalances

• mobility restrictions

• trauma-informed anxiety

• Scar tissue rehabilitation e.g. C-Sections, joint replacements, ACL reconstructions

• respiratory conditions

• sports injury rehabilitation

• Headaches, migraines and TMJ pain

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Soft Tissue Therapy

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Soft Tissue Therapy bridges the gap between remedial & sports massage and disciplines such as osteopathy and physiotherapy.  A treatment is likely to include some postural and movement assessment followed by a blend of techniques such as Trigger Point Therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques, Neuro-Vascular Release, Soft Tissue Release, Acupressure, Joint Mobilisations, Remedial Massage and creation of Rehabilitation Exercise Plans.

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My first love these days is undoubtedly MFR, but I will continue to offer soft tissue therapy treatments to those who want it, I appreciate that some people will feel more in their comfort zone with this.  I do firmly believe that MFR has to be a component of any treatment plan which will deliver sustainable improvement in the body, so expect me to bend your ear about that!

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