Myofascial Release

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on technique that uses gentle but sustained pressure to help release tightness and restrictions within body tissues. Applying gentle pressure with my hands to several of these areas for 5-15 minutes at a time can help to release the restrictions that have developed over months or years. Releasing these restrictions is like removing a ring that was too tight — with the tightness gone, blood can flow easier and nerves can function better, and the result is that you feel less pain!

I have trained to perform myofascial release therapy through several John F. Barnes Myofascial Release training seminars. I am continually taking more seminars to improve my expertise and skills.

I am pleased to offer MFR for both children and adults. Adult clients will be considered on a case-by-case basis for MFR only, not medical services.

MFR Applications in Pediatrics

 
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Does your child or teen suffer from severe headaches or migraines? Are they tired of taking medications that provide little relief?

MFR can help heal tension and restrictions in the head, neck, and back that contribute to headaches & migraines.

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Many sports injuries never properly heal and can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and increased risk for recurrent injury. Myofascial therapy gets to the source of the problem to help release tissue restrictions.

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Babies and young children can also benefit. Conditions like birth trauma, torticollis, plagiocephaly, colic, or hypertonia can be treated partially or fully.

Many other conditions in childhood may also benefit from MFR, including scoliosis, anxiety, epilepsy, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and more.

What does myofascial therapy feel like?

  • It involves gentle pressure and slow movements or stretches.

  • Deep pressure is used only rarely, with permission.

  • For young children who have trouble staying still, I work with the child and follow their movements as needed to sustain a therapeutic touch for the amount of time needed.

  • Calming music or a movie may be used to help focus attention and achieve relaxation.

  • There may be mild temporary pain as tissues adjust for 1-2 days after.

Testimonials

“I strained my hamstring while dancing and could barely walk. I started physical therapy and also myofascial release with Dr. Capella. Using both types of therapy fast-tracked my recovery. I was amazed at how quickly I felt better! The gentle stretching was relaxing and I could feel the tightness releasing, allowing me to get back to dance in only a few weeks.”

-Tia (age 16)

“I’ve done a lot of jobs that require physical labor for the past 10 years. Last year, I started waking up with numbness in both of my arms. Dr. Capella did two myofascial sessions on me and the numbness is now gone. It helped me realize the toll that so many years of hard jobs had on my body. I started noticing tightness in areas I hadn’t noticed it in before, and now I know how to do myofascial stretches at home to help myself feel better.”

- Jared (age 42)

“My family was in a car accident and my two daughters were in the car when it happened. Josbrit started complaining of back pain and headaches after. An MRI was done which showed that one of her vertebrae was slightly out of place, but it was not severe enough to require surgery. We worried that she would be in pain forever. We went to Dr. Capella and she did three sessions of myofascial release. Josbrit is not complaining of pain or headaches anymore and is able to do all of the activities she enjoys.”

- regarding Josbrit (age 8)

“Recently I developed debilitating migraines. I was afraid I would lose my job because I was missing work due to the pain. I had a CT scan which didn’t show anything. I tried everything — all kinds of medications including pain relievers and muscle relaxants, but the pain was still unbearable. I was desperate for relief, so I agreed to try myofascial release. After only 3 sessions my severe migraines were gone! I still get some headaches, but I learned some myofascial stretches that I can do on my own to help myself.”

- Erika (age 42)

I’ve had chronic tightness and pain in my neck and hips for years. I began seeing Dr. Capella for MFR and have been very happy with the results. She is thorough and gentle in her practice and each session not only provides relief, but is incredibly relaxing. One recent session even relieved a bad case of sciatica I was experiencing. I’m grateful that I was introduced to MFR.”

- Kristen (age 40)

“I had been having pain in my side and back for about 2 years, which made it hard for me to sit up, bend over, and pick up my little dog. I had gone to my regular doctor and all he could offer was an MRI which he didn’t think would really help, so I figured I’d just deal with it. After just 2 sessions of myofascial release, my pain was completely gone and has stayed away for 6 months!”

- Maruja (age 75)

Additional Reading

An description of MFR and what conditions it can help in children from The Children’s Hospital of Orange County: https://www.choc.org/programs-services/rehabilitation/frequently-asked-questions-myofascial-release/

A basic explanation by a fellow MFR practitioner in the UK: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw3j1OANkjQ

A chiropractor explains the difference between traditional massage and myofascial massage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMf41x4Xe4o

The knit sweater analogy: Article by John F. Barnes, PT

The “freeze” response: Article by John F. Barnes, PT

Lumbosacral decompression (for anterior pelvic tilt) video demonstration by John F. Barnes, PT.