Photo of Fascia
by Dr. J.C. Guiberlteau

Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork that utilizes gentle sustained pressure to release tension in the body's FASCIAL NETWORK.

So what is FASCIA?

• Fascia is a three-dimensional web that surrounds and infuses all the physical structures of our bodies.

• Fascia connects every part of the body to another. The fascial system gives support and stability, yet allows for flexibility and motion. This tough connective tissue acts as a shock absorber in the body.

• Connective tissue becomes shortened following a fall, whiplash, surgery, or emotional trauma -– and progressively tightens over time if left untreated. 

• This causes pain and decreased mobility, eventually resulting in faulty mechanics and altered structural alignment in the body.

• Myofascial restriction does not show up on any of the standard tests done today (MRI, CAT scan, x-rays, etc.).

• Myofascial Release technique has helped many people overcome long term (5-20 years) chronic pain problems, even after they were told “you have to live with it” or “it’s all in your head.”

• Pain is a symptom, not the problem. MFR is effective because it treats the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. 

• Many of the symptoms that you experience that become labeled and diagnosed by the medical community could possibly be a result of this network of tissue (fascial system) clamping down on and compressing the structures giving us what we call a diagnosis or symptom.

Check out this amazing link on youtube: "Strolling Under the Skin" -- it is a video of facia under an electron microscope.

It's all connected…

Because of the continuous, uninterrupted nature of fascia, a fascial pull or restriction in one area of the body can likely influence other areas distant to the site of injury. This often explains why some people may experience bizarre and seemingly unrelated symptoms following an injury.

See illustration below:


Illustration used with permission from RSI/John F. Barnes, PT
You can learn more about the amazing therapeutic art of Myofascial Release in this 6-minute video, where recent scientific discoveries show how fascia (which surrounds every organ and cell in the body) can cause crushing pain or disease symptoms in areas far from the original area of trauma. (Courtesy of John F. Barnes, PT)