The Myofascial Release approach is an intensive, hands-on technique for the whole body, performed by licensed physical therapists that have been trained by John F. Barnes, PT, the developer of the Myofascial Release Approach. Fascia is a three-dimensional connective tissue web that surrounds every structure of the body, including bone, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and organs, all the way down to the cellular level.

When an individual experiences physical trauma, inflammatory processes or scarring, the fascia can become restricted and begins to pull throughout the body, causing pain, altered posture, excessive joint compression, decreased range of motion, decreased muscle efficiency and many symptoms we all struggle with daily.

When myofascial restriction is left untreated, these symptoms often form a chronic pain syndrome, including entrapment syndromes and ischemic-like (lack of oxygen) conditions. Additionally, when the fascial system becomes tight or hard in one area, it can create “drag” in other areas of the body which does not show up on standard diagnostic tests such as MRIs allowing myofascial restrictions to remain undiagnosed.

Conventional treatment methods do not affect the myofascial system, and produce temporary symptomatic changes at best. Myofascial release is designed to treat the cause of pain and mobility problems, eliminate symptoms and make permanent structural changes that enable a journey of healing and returning to a pain-free life.

 

Christine Roper, MSPY, PYT, is the founder of Roper Physical Therapy, located at 301 E. Tremont Ave., Ste. B, in Charlotte. For more information, call 980-298-6706 or visit RoperPT.com.