"Please release me"

Is your "sweater" too tight?

Are you caught in a "web"?

by Hoyt Johnson

In a sense, it still is a gallery. Just like artists, the people there use their hands to create both relaxing and energizing offerings. Indeed, these professionals are skilled in techniques ­ and certainly, they have a very special feeling for form. Also, visitors feel substantially enriched.

Years back, the small-looking building on Oak Creek at the north end of uptown, where Hwy 89A enters Oak Creek Canyon, was a real art gallery. The building didnıt attract much attention, and most people had no idea what the inside looked like, or that it had three stories that literally hung over Oak Creek. However, one astute out-of-towner knew ­ and when he heard that the building was for sale, he wasted little time making an offer, and then completing a purchase.

John F. Barnes, P.T., an internationally recognized teacher who has trained more than 30,000 health professionals, was in Sedona to conduct a seminar on his specialty, Myofascial Release, when the old gallery was listed for sale. Immediately, Barnes turned to his assistant, and told her to "get all the information ­ now!"

Of course, Barnes bought the building and after considerable refurbishing, opened Therapy on the Rocks, a complement to his long-established Myofascial Release Treatment Center in Paoli, Pennsylvania. That was in 1993, and today this exceptional facility attracts visitors, some for serious treatment and some simply for pleasure, from all over the world. All these people enjoy the excitement and amazement of the centerıs site, where the building appears to be balanced on massive red rocks. They are mesmerized by the beauty of Oak Creekıs refreshing, riparian area ­ and they are surprised by the outdoor spa on one of the buildingıs five creek-side decks, as well as the outdoor treatment area, which is spectacularly situated on a red-rock patio adjacent to a relaxing, 50-foot waterfall.

Hey, this setting is so comforting, aches and pains almost disappear before you get your Hanes off you, and therapists get their hands on you!

Obviously, Therapy on the Rocksı attractive "wrapping" is appreciated. Just like at Christmastime, however, it is whatıs inside the "package" that really is important. In that regard, score another plus for the treatment centerıs credibility.

Barnes, who has more than 35 years of experience, is the featured speaker at more than 80 MFR seminars this year. These seminars for experienced therapists, which will be conducted in most of this countryıs major cities, are approved by almost 50 respected health organizations in 28 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Indeed, some programs take health professionals to spectacular sites "where majestic scenery enhances inner awareness and personal development as an intuitive, therapeutic artist." For example, Barnes is making plans for a special 10-day seminar with sessions at Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon and Sedona.

The high quality of Myofascial Release Treatment Centers is exhibited in many other ways, too.  Recently, during a very informative conversation with the Director, she told me that Therapy on the Rocks essentially attracts two groups of clients ­ 1) people who enjoy the enhanced well-being that naturally complements physical conditioning, and who are both refreshed and relaxed by therapy, either indoors or outdoors, as well as the centerıs on-the-deck spa, and 2) patients who seek treatment for pain, headaches and fibromyalgia, and also for restricted mobility. As she explained the facilityıs activities and services, I clearly understood that Therapy on the Rocks is not just a health club ­ it is a headquarters for professional treatment within the domain of exceptionally qualified physical therapists. Nonetheless, it is important for residents and visitors to know that everyone is welcome, whether it is for occasional therapy, or an extensive therapeutic program ­ at times, with Barnes.

"There is no denying that our main focus is on the utilization of Myofascial Release to restore patientsı pain-free, active lifestyles," the director reported "This emphasis is the natural outgrowth of our specialized training; we are therapists who have been taught by John F. Barnes, P.T., to administer his particular form of physical relief as it is associated with the fascial system. And proudly, I can report that we have had great success with professionals such as attorneys, architects and accountants; policemen and other law enforcement officers, especially after accidents; golfers and other athletes; and housewives."

Because of what was shared with me and what I previously had read about Barnesı work, I could picture the giant "spider web" or long, narrow "sweater" that helped hold my body together. In fact, I almost could feel the entangled connective tissue that composed my fascial system when I bent over, raised my arms and stretched my legs. Though I have not suffered a specific trauma as it relates to bodily injury, I suppose Iıve experienced stress ­ and certainly, Iım getting old enough to know about reduced mobility. Especially with regard to golf, where rotating the shoulders a lot while turning the hips a little, and swinging around the body after extending through the ball, is so important, diminished flexibility has hurt my game.

As I shared my "problem," I thought of an old song. I started humming, "Please release me . . ." ­ and I actually muttered the first three words. "What are you doing?" she asked. Then, recognizing the song and words, she said, "OK, I get it ­ you want a treatment. Thatıs a good idea ­ letıs make an appointment."

The Director was confident that I would be "released," but also explained that I shouldnıt expect that one treatment would be sufficient. Hey, I love a good massage, so I was pleased that she suggested a little series of "releases." More seriously, however, I was extremely curious to experience the difference between massage and Myofascial Release, so I left Therapy on the Rocks singing my newest favorite song.

Having received treatment at Therapy on the Rocks, what is my response? How do I explain the difference between Myofascial Release and massage? Well, forget about lubricating oils, gels and lotions. This is not skin care; itıs a treatment of the connective tissue that links the muscles and inner organs of the body. It isnıt rub, rub, rub over almost the entire body, either; itıs about sustained pressure being applied to specific areas. The therapist works at a different speed, too, or at least it seems that way because what I call "shifting gears" is much more deliberate. That is, the application of pressure, and then backing off, seems like itıs being done in slow motion ­ and consequently, I noticed that soothing sensations lasted longer. I also had the perception that at times, when the therapist was applying considerable pressure, her hands "melted" through my skin and relaxed other areas of my body, which eased tension at spots she wasnıt touching.

In his books, Barnes states that "the viscoelastic quality of the fascial system causes it to resist a suddenly applied force." In contrast, his unique approach to Myofascial Release employs the application of "sustained pressure into fascial restrictions." The effect of the extended time element technically is related to a phenomenon described thusly: "Pressure applied slowly allows a viscoelastic medium ­ the fascia ­ to elongate."

Does it work? Yes, as far as I am concerned, it does. I felt greater flexibility, and I am confident that it wasnıt my imagination, though mentally I was influenced because I liked the people at the center; I thought the site was awesome; and I was impressed by The Therapist, who was well-informed and very professional. My treatment definitely was a pleasurable experience.

Will a couple of subsequent treatments substantially enhance my appraisal? I expect so, but Iıll have to let you know later. Meanwhile, Iıll just keep humming and muttering, "Please release me . . ."

Text and photography in "Please Release Me," originally published in Sedona Magazine, is protected by copyright. Reproduction of this material in whole or part without permission from Sedona Publishing Company is prohibited.

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