Myofascial Release – John F. Barnes’ Approach
Fascia is a tough connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web from head to foot without interruption. Trauma, posture or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, osseous structures and/or organs. Since many of the standard tests such as x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc., do not show the fascial restrictions, it is thought that an extremely high percentage of people suffering with pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but most go undiagnosed.
The viscoelastic quality of the fascial system causes it to resist a suddenly applied force. This explains why the “old form” of myofascial release, which was an attempt to force a system that cannot be forced, produced pain and limited results.
The John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach® consists of the gentle application of sustained pressure into the fascial restrictions. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: gentle pressure applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.
Click here if you would like more information about John F. Barnes’ approach to Myofascial Release.