Julie performs a sustained cross-hand release ~
a manual lumbosacral decompression release
What is Fascia? (The fabric of our being)
Fascia (aka connective tissue), surrounds, supports, and infuses every muscle, organ, blood vessel, nerve, and bone in the body, down to a cellular level. In response to direct trauma, repetitive stress, and disease processes, fascia tightens and hardens over time. This restricted tissue then begins to pull & compress adjacent structures, causing additional pain and adverse symptoms.
It has been estimated that fascial restrictions can have a tensile strength of up to 2000 pounds per square inch; this amount of pressure can literally crush vital structures enveloped in a restriction. Since the fascial system runs throughout the body from head to toe with tensegrity, it can cause a significant amount of pain in any system (e.g. muscular, skeletal, neurological, vascular, circulatory, digestive, etc.), which oftentimes manifests itself as unexplained pain in other areas of the body.
Restrictions anywhere in the fascial system can cause:
Pain
Weakness
Lost Function
Abnormal Sensation
Compromised Blood Flow
Decreased Range of Motion, Strength, & Power Output
and can mimic almost any diagnosis!
Many problems go undiagnosed because fascial restrictions do not show up on standardized tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or Myelograms.
See for yourself how dynamic live fascia really is! |Live fascia, magnified 25 times using an endoscopy HD camera.|
The following video is an excerpt from educational DVD, "Interior Architectures", by Plastic Surgeon,
Dr. Jean- Claude Guimberteau, MD.
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial Release (pronounced, myō-fash'-ăl), was originally developed, taught, and- trademarked- by John F. Barnes, PT.
Myofascial Release (or MFR), consists of firm, gentle, and sustained pressure into restricted tissue (taking the slack out), without gliding on the surface of the skin. This sustained pressure engages the elastic, muscular, and collagenous components of the soft tissue, and is highly effective for eliminating pain and restoring restricted movement. MFR is not massagerather, a unique form of manual therapy that is applied directly to the skin without the use of oils, machinery, or other physical modalities.
Applying sustained pressure over time facilitates the piezoelectric phenomenon, which means electricity resulting from pressure.
Piezoelectricy: A slow gentle pressure applied over time allows the viscoelastic mediums within fascia to elongate.
To achieve permanent elongation, or “release”, the engagement must be held for a minimum of 5-7 minutes. Following a series of releases, the tissue becomes softer and more pliable, taking pressure off pain-sensitive structures, and eliminating painful symptoms. John Barnes’ Sustained Myofascial Release removes the three-dimensional 'straight-jacket' of pressure and allows the body's soft tissues to rehydrate and achieve optimum functioning again.
While John Barnes’ Approach to Myofascial Release provides essential structural and soft tissue release, it is much more than just massage, bodywork, or physical manipulation. MFR treats the driving and bracing patterns of the subconscious mind; and facilitates movement where dissociation & trauma have occurred and manifested-
addressing the root cause of restrictions within the entire being.
Myofascial Release is safe and gentle - yet- produces powerful and drastic changes to the body’s functions compromised by trauma, injury, disease processes, aging, repetitive stress, and prolonged postural habits. All of these factors contribute to fascial restrictions that are often an overlooked and undiagnosed contributing source of pain and dysfunction.
If you have tried other modalities to address your symptoms to no avail. This is an open invitation to try something new.
