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John F. Barnes Approach

What is the John Barnes Approach to Myofascial Release Therapy?

The John F. Barnes Approach to Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) is a safe, gentle and effective hands-on technique that facilitates the elongation and release of restricted fascial tissues alleviating pressure on pain sensitive structures such as nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones and organs. This hands-on technique utilizes a whole-body approach, understanding that fascial restrictions in one area of the body may cause symptoms in a seemingly unrelated area of the body. Fascial restrictions are prone to dehydration, poor cellular health, toxic waste accumulation, and chronic pain, which over time influence the fascial health in other areas of the body. As time passes, the list of “symptoms” grows and the condition becomes more chronic and difficult to manage. One goal of the John Barnes Approach to MFR is to address this cause of chronic pain and restore function.

Myofascial Release Therapy is best performed directly on the skin without creams or oils and the client lying on a traditional massage table. A precise amount of pressure is applied by the therapist’s hands and then gentle traction is added to facilitate the fascial tissue release. Because fascial tissue requires a period of at least three to five minutes to begin releasing, the treatment is performed patiently to allow time for these tissue changes to occur. The fascial system resists being forced which explains why other manual therapies that require forceful techniques tend to produce or increase pain, may cause bruising, and have limited short term results.

John Barnes, Physical Therapist (PT) and founder of the John F. Barnes (JFB) Approach to Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy developed this technique in response to his own pain and traumatic spinal injury during competitive weight lifting. John has been teaching this technique since the 1960’s and has trained over 100,000 therapists to date. Amidst medical skepticism regarding his treatment technique of the body’s fascial system, John persevered and his work and dedication are now being acknowledged and accepted worldwide in scientific communities. John’s profound findings with regard to the enormous effects of the body’s fascial system are now viewed as the “missing link” to manual therapies and the future of healthcare. To find more information on John Barnes and his approach click here! It is with great regard and enthusiasm that I bring the John F. Barnes approach to Myofascial Release Therapy to the Greater Bangor area. I am honored and look forward to working with you.