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Fascial Voice

Welcome to our website! We are glad that you found us.

We hope that this site will aid patients in their journey in achieving pain relief, optimum health and healing. For the physician and therapist, our goal is to support you in your efforts to provide quality, effective and long-lasting results for your patients.

The Fascial Voice will keep you informed and up to date on all newsworthy topics, special events, research findings, special discount offerings, new products and articles, venue updates, all the most recent information that continually swirls around Myofascial Release.


Why Your Chronic Pain Won't Go Away: The Critical Role of Fascia (That Doctors Often Miss)

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The Vicious Cycle: When Traditional Treatments Fail

If you are reading this, you are likely in the challenging position of having sought help—perhaps through medication, surgery, or traditional physical therapy—only to find that your chronic pain stubbornly remains. You've been told the pain should be gone, yet it’s a daily reality. This cycle of hope, temporary relief, and inevitable relapse is intensely frustrating and can lead to emotional exhaustion.

But what if the underlying problem isn’t the structure doctors have focused on? What if the true source of your chronic, unresolved stiffness and aching is a sophisticated, three-dimensional system that has been largely overlooked by conventional medicine?

The key reason your pain persists often lies within the body’s most widespread connective tissue: the fascia. Traditional approaches treat the symptoms (muscle spasm, joint stiffness, inflammation) without addressing the root cause: the powerful fascial restrictions that are tightening your body from the inside out.

What is Fascia, and Why is it the "Blind Spot" of Pain Relief?

Imagine a three-dimensional spiderweb or a complex netting that weaves itself throughout your entire body. This is your fascia. It is not just padding; it is a specialized, tough, continuous system of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, artery, and vein. It literally holds you together, providing structure, support, and protection.

In a healthy state, fascia is relaxed and wavy. However, physical trauma, inflammation, repetitive strain, and even poor posture cause the fascia to lose its pliability. It dries out, tightens, and solidifies, resulting in what we call a fascial restriction.

The Hidden Power of Fascial Restrictions

This is where the difference between temporary and lasting relief becomes clear. When fascia restricts, it can exert tremendous pressure on pain-sensitive structures, including nerves and muscles. Research shows that these restrictions can exert crushing tension of up to 2,000 pounds per square inch on the body.

If a muscle is tight, traditional massage or stretching may offer temporary relief. But if that muscle is encased and restricted by a 2,000-pound force of hardened fascia, the muscle will immediately tighten back up. This explains:

  • Why the pain often moves around.
  • Why stretching feels impossible or ineffective.
  • Why the relief from conventional treatments doesn't last.

Conventional approaches, while valuable for acute injuries, are often ineffective against chronic pain because they do not have the specialized methodology to address this deep, hardened fascial system. This is the critical blind spot your pain treatment has likely missed.

Breaking the Pain Cycle: The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach®

If fascia is the missing piece, how do you successfully treat it? You need an approach that recognizes fascia as a living, integral system, not just a passive wrapping.

This is the foundation of the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach® (JFB MFR®). For over 50 years, John F. Barnes, P.T., has pioneered and developed this innovative, whole-body method for evaluation and treatment. His expertise has trained over 100,000 physicians and therapists globally, making him the leading authority on Myofascial Release.

Sustained Pressure vs. Quick Fixes

Unlike traditional massage or deep tissue work, which often focuses on muscle tissue and may be too brief to create lasting change, JFB MFR® involves gentle, sustained pressure.

  • The Key to Release: Fascial restrictions require a sustained, minimum pressure (typically 3-5 minutes or longer) to engage the fascial system’s viscous component and activate the body's natural healing mechanisms. This time is critical for the tissue to elongate and reorganize safely, allowing the restricted tissue to genuinely release its grip.
  • Whole-Body Focus: The therapist follows the restrictions wherever they lead, recognizing that the source of your lower back pain may actually be a chronic restriction in your hip or neck.

By using JFB MFR®, you are not just treating a sore spot; you are accessing the core system of restriction that is causing the chronic, unrelenting tension. This approach has been proven effective for patients worldwide who were told they had to "learn to live with" their pain.

Don't Live With Unresolved Pain: Finding the Right Path

Chronic pain is not a life sentence, and failure to find relief is not your fault. It simply means your treatment has not yet targeted the root cause—the powerful, overlooked fascial restrictions.

If you are ready to stop cycling through temporary fixes and address the genuine source of why your chronic pain won't go away, the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach® offers a path toward a pain-free, active lifestyle.

Find a John F. Barnes MFR® Specialist Today

Don't settle for living with pain. Use our official Find A Therapist tool to locate a JFB Myofascial Release trained professional near you.

Ready for Intensive Healing?

Patients travel from around the world to receive expert, intensive care at the official Myofascial Release Treatment Centers. Click here to learn more about the specialized programs available.

 


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John F. Barnes, PT

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We honor the life and legacy of John F. Barnes, PT, an “icon” and a teacher/therapist of the highest caliber. His profound impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.

John, an internationally recognized Physical Therapist, lecturer, author and leading authority on Myofascial Release, transformed the way therapists and physicians view and treat the human body. As the founder of The John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach®, he dedicated his life to this highly effective whole-body approach for the evaluation and treatment of pain and dysfunction.

John has trained over 100,000 therapists. Through decades of teaching and treating patients/clients and therapists, John inspired a countless number of therapists and physicians around the world to look beyond symptoms, and treat using this whole-body approach with compassion, wisdom, intuition and skill. His approach empowered practitioners to create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of their patients/clients.

John will be remembered for his unwavering belief in the body’s innate ability to heal itself, and for encouraging others to trust that process. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his life’s passion will continue through “Myofascial Release Treatment Centers and Seminars”, and the dedicated individuals he’s mentored and entrusted to carry his vision forward. Through their commitment and dedication, his teachings, philosophy, and spirit will endure. His mind-body approach will continue to shape the future of healthcare and touch the lives of patients/clients and practitioners alike.


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Need Continuing Education Credits? 

Look no further. For over 50 years Myofascial Release Seminars has been providing the highest quality “hands-on” seminars attracting therapists of the highest caliber who are dedicated to learning and practicing the techniques that will lead their patients on the road to a pain-free lifestyle. All of the seminars offered focus on releasing the fascia, which is the fibrous connective tissue that spreads throughout the entire body in a three-dimensional web from head to toe without interruption.

The John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach® has led the way to expanding the awareness and effectiveness of Myofascial Release and has made it one of the most sought after treatments.

- Expand and Energize Your Career
- Fulfill Your Obligatory Licensure Requirements
- Help Your Patients/Clients on Their Journey to Optimum Health

Continuing Education Units (CEU's) Click here for a list of pre-approved courses and state boards.


How does the John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach® Differ from Other MFR Classes?

Any successful venture will generate imitators. Be cautious since many of these courses only teach what is called the “old form” of Myofascial that is forceful, mechanical, very painful, producing only temporary results. Many of the theories of physical, occupational, massage therapy, and other courses that incorporate Myofascial Release training are based on information that has been obsolete for over 70 years. John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release® principles were developed from his personal experience with pain.

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The John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach® is safe, gentle, and produces consistent results in reducing pain, headaches, fibromyalgia symptoms, and increases range of motion and function. We hope that you find the following comments from some of our trained therapists to be helpful in clarifying the uniqueness and importance of our Myofascial Release Approach for your professional development.

What Your Colleagues Are Saying…

I often verbalized frustration over not knowing what to do for pain, especially after being put in charge of a chronic pain program at the hospital I worked in back in 1992! John Barnes’ MFR I was the first MFR class I took, although not the first manual therapy course, as I studied many other approaches in attempt to learn techniques and “tools” to help my patients. I soon learned that John's classes were vastly different than others because I was producing amazing results.

John's way of teaching, while presenting the science behind the work, is unique in practically every aspect, even I recognized this from the beginning. The seminars are orchestrated to facilitate learning regardless of where you are in your hands-on training and palpatory skills. The pressures used with guidance, the postural assessments, feedback on technique received, time frame held, physics lesson reminders, listening skills presented, sensory information encouraged are so important to the end result. I have learned as much about what I need to learn to help facilitate change in my patients as I have about specifics, and this is long term knowledge.

No other approach I have encountered provides the results, and I have a successful, word of mouth, PT practice built on the principles I continue to learn from John's seminars (with gratitude.) Dianne, PT, RMT, Texas


I have studied with John since 1994, as others have said “thumbs of steel” is old school. John teaches a full spectrum approach that encompasses structural work to purely energetic. John teaches us we can only take our patients/clients as far as we are willing to go ourselves. John's students are able to apply the techniques immediately upon returning to their clinic. Peter, MSPT, New York.


John Barnes style MFR has completely changed the way I treat in my clinic. The seminars are like nothing you ever got in PT school. I have always had a strong interest in manual therapy, and took electives in school, but I rarely use any of that “knowledge” in treatments anymore. I am busier than ever, and in the middle of the most severe economic down turn this country has seen in a generation.

Are the seminars worth it? You bet! Every penny, and then some. The best part is that repeats are half price. Why would I need to repeat any seminar? Because there is so much in every seminar and I was so busy trying to absorb and process as much as I could, that I missed things, or misremembered, or just needed a brush up. And, you get three days (or more) of treatment! I do realize that I am extremely biased on this topic, as I have taken almost every seminar JFB offers, some several times. As John likes to say in MFR 1, don't believe a thing I have said until you experience it for yourself. Get treated, take a seminar, jump in with both feet and find out what we are all talking about; you won't regret it! J. Christopher, PT, DPT, Pennsylvania


I'm an Occupational Therapist and would like to encourage any OT's out there reading this to take John's courses. I practiced for over 30 years before beginning my MFR journey, and have since completed nearly all courses and repeated some. I have left all my old OT techniques behind and now do only John's version of MFR with incredible results. The best part is that their healing has been at a much faster pace and with little or no pain. I've seen their lives become richer as they heal emotionally and spiritually, as well as physically because of John's holistic approach. An example of how truly remarkable this work is, is that a traditional PT sent me, an OT, her knee patient because I could get more range and function from that leg than she could! I have paid for all courses out of my own pocket, and think it would have been a bargain at twice the price. There are no words to describe how MFR performed using John's methods changes your patients' and your life, and ripples out to all those in your life's circle. MFR saved my knee which would have been replaced, removed many physical pains and restrictions, and has allowed me, at 67, to live a non-stop, active life filled with energy, joy and love. I don't know of another manual therapy approach that can make such claims. Marilyn, OT, Illinois


I was the “queen of deep tissue massage”. Steel thumbs, knuckles, elbows. It was so hard on me, and on my clients. Yet, this old form of Myofascial work, which is really soft tissue mobilization, cannot compare with JFB MFR. This is true, long lasting “release” of the tissue, body, self. And as mentioned, often so gentle, patient sustained holding, following the tissue as it begins to soften and stretch. Not forcing. Whole body perspective, as everything is connected. As you've seen, MFR is a generic term, and often is just another way to say soft tissue mobilization. JFB MFR engages with the core of fascia, and catalyzes change in the collagenous layer and ground substance. Real change. Experience the difference yourself - get treated by an experienced Barnes’ Myofascial Release® therapist! That's the best way to begin feeling the difference. Eileen RN, MRT, CMT, Indiana


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List of Current Research

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  1. Catherine Justice, Marlysa B Sullivan, Cheryl B Van Demark, Carol M Davis, Matt Erb, Guiding Principles for the Practice of Integrative Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy, Volume 103, Issue 12, December 2023, pzad138, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzad138
  2. Colin Armstrong. Unity, Continuity, Structure, and Function. The Ongoing Search for a Deeper Understanding of the Many Roles Attributed to Fascia in the Living Human Body - An Osteopathic Perspective. August 31, 2021. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2021, Volume 6, Issue 3, doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2103026
  3. Fábio F. Stieven, Giovanni E. Ferreira, Francisco X. de Araújo, Rodrigo F. Angellos, Marcelo F. Silva, Luis Henrique T. da Rosa. Immediate Effects of Dry Needling and Myofascial Release on Local and Widespread Pressure Pain Threshold in Individuals With Active Upper Trapezius Trigger Points: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 44, Issue 2. 2021.Pages 95-102.ISSN 0161-4754. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.07.003.
  4. Marcos Roberto Queiroga, Luana Santos Lima, Lucas Eduardo Campos de Oliveira, Daniel Zanardini Fernandes, Vinícius Müller Reis Weber, Sandra Aires Ferreira, Natã Gomes de Lima Stavinski, Edgar Ramos Vieira. Effect of myofascial release on lower limb range of motion, sit and reach and horizontal jump distance in male university students. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. Volume 25. 2021. Pages 140-145. ISSN 1360-8592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.10.013.
  5. Mohsen Mohamed Elsayyad, Nabil Mahmoud Abdel-Aal, Mohamed Elsayed Helal. Effect of Adding Neural Mobilization Versus Myofascial Release to Stabilization Exercises after Lumbar Spine Fusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Volume 102, Issue 2. 2021. Pages 251-260. ISSN 0003-9993. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2020.07.009.
  6. Jantos M. (2021) A Myofascial Perspective on Chronic Urogenital Pain in Women. In: Santoro G.A., Wieczorek A.P., Sultan A.H. (eds) Pelvic Floor Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40862-6_75.
  7. University of Bern. "Controlling adhesions in the abdomen." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 5 March 2021. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210305113515.htm>.
  8. Crowle, Anna PT1; Harley, Clare PhD2 Biotensegrity Focused Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Nonrandomized Prospective Clinical Case Series, Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy: July/September 2021 - Volume 45 - Issue 3 - p 135-142 doi: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000210
  9. Dr. Uzair Tamboli and Dr. Chandrakant Patil. Effect of myofascial release with lower limb strengthening on plantar fasciitis. International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health 2021; 8(1): 27-31.
  10. Mina Mavajian, Zahra Fakhari, Soofia Naghdi, Hossein Bagheri, Shohreh Jalaie. A pilot study on the short-term effects of myofascial release and core stability exercises on balance in chronic low back pain. Volume 29 issue (2). https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v29i2.2792.  2020-05-05
  11. Ayla Fil Balkan, Hilal Keklicek, Yeliz Salci, Umut Altinkaynak and Kadriye Armutlu. Comparing the acute effect of myofascial release techniques and passive stretching on hind foot dynamic loading in patients with multiple sclerosis: A cohort-blinded study. https://doi.org/10.2478/bhk-2020-0007. Feb 2020.
  12. Maetzler, Rueschera, Punzenberger, Wang, Abboud. Progressive rehabilitation of the sprained ankle: A novel treatment method. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foot.2019.09.007. Volume 43. 2020.
  13. Aggarwal Amita, Gadekar Jayshri, Kakodkar Pradnya. Role of myofascial release technique on mobility and function in temporomandibular joint disorder patients with neck pain. Volume:  7 | Issue Number:  5 | Page: 84-87. 2020.
  14. Ilona Gracie De Souza1, Pavan Kumar G. Effect of Releasing Myofascial Chain in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome - A Randomized Clinical Trial. http://dx.doi.org/10.31782/IJCRR.2020.12082. Vol 12 • Issue 08 • April 2020.
  15. Sakabe, F., Mazer, D., Cia, J., Sakabe, D., & Bortolazzo, G. (2020). Effects of myofascial techniques on pain, mobility and function in patients with low back pain: a double-blind, controlled and randomized trial. Manual Therapy, Posturology & Rehabilitation Journal, 18, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2020.18.769 . 2020.
  16. Gayatri Sunil Landge, Dr. Amrutkuvar Rayjade. Effect of Myofascial Release as an Adjunct with Conventional Therapy on Range Of Motion and Pain in Post Traumatic Knee Stiffness. ijlpr 2020; doi 10.22376/ijpbs/lpr.2021.11.1.L23-28
  17. Suharto Suharto, Suriani Suriani. APPLICATION OF ISCHEMIC COMPRESSION TECHNIQUE AND MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE IN LUMBAL SPONDYLOSIS PATIENTS IN RATULANGI MAKASSAR MEDICAL CENTER. Vol 15, No 2 (2020)
  18. Badillo, S.A. Evidence-Based Women’s Health Physical Therapy Across the Lifespan. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 8, 260–267 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-020-00273-5
  19. Julio Zago, Fellipe Amatuzzi, Tatiana Rondinel, João Paulo Matheus. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Versus Exercise Program in Runners With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. In Print: Volume 30: Issue 4. Page Range: 609–618. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2020-0108. Dec 2020
  20. Hyung chun Nam, Jae yong Choi, Nam jeong Cho. The Effect That the Application of Myofascial Release Has on Neck Pain of Adults and Joint Range of Motion. Vol.15 No.2 (2019.12. pp.117-126. https://www.earticle.net/Article/A368656
  21. Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research. p.1897 ~ 1902. Effects of Myofascial Release and Posture Correction Exercise on the Neck Movement and the Quality of Sleep in Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headaches. DOI : 10.20540/JIAPTR.2019.10.4.1897. (2019)
  22. Prasad Kharwandikar, Dr. Mahendra Shende. Effectiveness of sub-occipital myofascial release and cervical manipulation in patients with cervicogenic headache. International J. of Healthcare and Biomedical Research, Volume: 07, Issue: 04, July 2019, 25 – 32.
  23. Dong-woo Lee, Hwa-kyung Shin. Dynamic Myofascial Release on Postural balance in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain. pp.28-29. 2019
  24. Martínez-Hurtado, I., Arguisuelas, M.D., Almela-Notari, P. et al. Effects of diaphragmatic myofascial release on gastroesophageal reflux disease: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 9, 7273 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43799-y
  25. Fabiana Pinheiro da Silva, Géssica Maria Moreira, Kamilla Zomkowski, Marcos Amaral de Noronha, Fabiana Flores Sperandio, Manual Therapy as Treatment for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Female Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 42, Issue 7, 2019, Pages 503-513, ISSN 0161-4754, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2018.12.007.
  26. Birte J. Wolff, Cara J. Joyce, Lindsey A. McAlarnen, Cynthia A. Brincat, Elizabeth R. Mueller, Colleen M. Fitzgerald. Consideration of pelvic floor myofascial release for overactive bladder. MYOFASCIAL PAIN AND TREATMENT| VOLUME 24, ISSUE 2, P144-150, DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.10.018
  27. Ghaderi, F., Bastani, P., Hajebrahimi, S. et al. Pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of women with dyspareunia: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Int Urogynecol J 30, 1849–1855 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-04019-3
  28. Renata Schvartzman, Luiza Schvartzman, Charles Francisco Ferreira, Janete Vettorazzi, Adriane Bertotto & Maria Celeste Osório Wender (2019) Physical Therapy Intervention for Women With Dyspareunia: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 45:5, 378-394, DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2018.1549631
  29. Hong MK, Ding DC. Current Treatments for Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther. 2019;8(4):143-148. Published 2019 Oct 24. doi:10.4103/GMIT.GMIT_7_19
  30. Wolff, B.J., Joyce, C.J., Brincat, C.A., Mueller, E.R. and Fitzgerald, C.M. (2019), Pelvic floor myofascial pain in patients with symptoms of urinary tract infection. Int J Gynecol Obstet, 145: 205-211. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.12784
  31. Saori Morino ,Mika Ishihara,Fumiko Umezaki,Hiroko Hatanaka,Mamoru, Yamashita,Tomoki Aoyama. Pelvic alignment changes during the perinatal period. Published: October 10, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223776.
  32. Melanie R. Meister, Siobhan Sutcliffe, Asante Badu, Chiara Ghetti, Jerry L. Lowder, Pelvic floor myofascial pain severity and pelvic floor disorder symptom bother: is there a correlation? American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Volume 221, Issue 3, 2019, Pages 235.e1-235.e15, ISSN 0002-9378, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2019.07.020.
  33. Jessica Sieff. Cancer cells thrive in stiff tissue, according to new study. May 04, 2018.
  34. Farzaneh Haghighat, Razieh Moradi, Mohammadreza Rezaie, Nastaran Yarahmadi, Farahnaz Ghaffarnejad. Added Value of Diaphragm Myofascial Release on Forward Head Posture and Chest Expansion in Patients With Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-53279/v1.
  35. Bordoni B, Simonelli M. The Awareness of the Fascial System. Cureus. 2018;10(10):e3397. Published 2018 Oct 1. doi:10.7759/cureus.3397
  36. L. Berrueta, J. Bergholz, D. Munoz, I. Muskaj, G. J. Badger, A. Shukla, H. J. Kim, J. J. Zhao & H. M. Langevin. Stretching Reduces Tumor Growth in a Mouse Breast Cancer Model. Scientific Reposts (2018) 8:7864. DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-26198-7. May 2018.
  37. Fels D., Electromics, The Double-Aspect of Life. Biology. 2018; 7(2):28. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology7020028
  38. Swiatek et al. Medical Journal of Cell Biology 2023. Components of the fascia – cells and extracellular matrix. DOI: 10.2478/acb-2023-0002.
  39. Pravash Bista, Aaron D. Ratschow, Hans-Jürgen Butt, and Stefan A. L. Weber. The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 2023 14 (49), 11110-11116. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02864
  40. “Tendon Strength”: Fascia, the Sinew Channels & Internal Martial Arts – Part 3. Aug 31, 2018

 


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Myofascial Release YouTube Channel

The place to find and share our videos on the John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach!

Enjoy these videos including recorded conversations with John, as well as “Tip of the Day” and various self-treatment and instructional films for technique refinement.

We will be adding new content frequently, so check back often and feel free to share this link with others.

Click on the link below to visit our new Myofascial Release YouTube Channel.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (YouTube channel):

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQzQ2H45q9mFHjyBAoWfoxQ

This is a wonderful resource for all and we hope you like it!


MFR Blog

Myofascial Release vs. Traditional Physical Therapy: Why You’re Still Hurting Even When Your MRI is Normal

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Why You're Still Hurting: The Villain of Conventional Therapy

It is incredibly frustrating to invest time and energy into traditional physical, occupational, or massage therapy, only to achieve temporary results. Many patients find themselves trapped in a cycle where they never seem to truly get better. The conventional medical approach often relies on prescribing medications to temporarily mask the pain. Unfortunately, this does nothing to address the root cause of the structural dysfunction.

This cycle frequently leads to confusion and despair when standard diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, myelograms, and electromyography, come back completely normal while you keep hurting.

The real culprit traditional practitioners miss is myofascial restrictions. Triggered by trauma, surgery, or inflammatory responses, these unseen restrictions produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain-sensitive structures. This force acts as a biological straightjacket, crushing your muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and osseous structures, effectively perpetuating your pain and restricting your motion.

Connecting the Dots to the Whole-Body Fascial Web

The body is completely interconnected by the fascial web. Fascia is a continuous, whole-body system, so a restriction in one area can exert a powerful pulling force that radiates throughout the body. This explains why complex conditions like migraines, pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic fatigue syndrome, or fibromyalgia can trigger pain and symptoms in seemingly unrelated areas.

Authentic healing requires looking beyond isolated symptoms. The John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach sets itself apart from traditional physical therapy by treating the entire myofascial mind/body complex. Instead of just treating where it hurts, a team evaluates and treats you as a unique individual to eliminate the straightjacket pressure. 

By locating and treating the root cause of the problem, the body can finally make permanent structural changes.

Scientific Validation for the Skeptic: Why MFR Works Where Other Therapies Fail

If you have grown skeptical after years of failed treatments, understanding the unique science of fascia provides permission to believe in a new approach. Unlike fast-paced manual therapies, the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach relies on the gentle application of sustained pressure directly into the fascial restrictions.

This method succeeds because it respects the essential element of time that governs human tissue. Fascia is a viscoelastic medium. To cause a permanent elongation, a low load (gentle pressure) must be applied slowly over time. This activates the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon within the tissue. Quick stretches, deep tissue forcing, or standard physical therapy manipulations fail to engage this mechanism, meaning the tissue simply snaps back into its restricted state.

What to Expect on the Journey: Healing the Mind/Body Complex

A Holistic Experience

Stepping into a Myofascial Release session transcends the clinical atmosphere of a standard physical therapy appointment. Considered the ultimate mind/body therapy, this safe and gentle environment addresses the physiological and neurological aspects of your pain simultaneously.

Tuning In and Emotional Release

As the approach addresses the whole person, you will develop a deeper ability to tune in and connect with your own body. By safely releasing deep-seated physical restrictions, you clear out the bracing patterns that keep causing chronic pain. Patients navigating this healing path can experience quantum leaps in overall health, discovering a renewed sense of inner calmness, sharper concentration, and enhanced well-being.

Reclaim Your Life

You do not have to settle for temporary relief or a lifestyle limited by chronic pain. It is time to embrace a multifaceted treatment approach designed for lasting results.

If you are ready to seek specialized care, patients from all over the world are routinely referred to the premier, dedicated Myofascial Release Treatment Centers:

  • The Eastern Center: The Sanctuary, located in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
  • The Western Center: Therapy on the Rocks, located in Sedona, Arizona.

If traveling to a primary treatment center is not an option, you can find a qualified practitioner closer to home. John F. Barnes, PT, the leading authority in the field, has personally trained over 100,000 physicians and therapists in this highly successful treatment method.

Take the next step, eliminate the pressure of the straightjacket, and Return to a Pain-Free, Active Lifestyle!

 

 


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A Message from John F. Barnes, PT

Welcome to my website. So many positive things have occurred over the last year and I am so grateful that you are all a part of this encouraging and important time of growth in healthcare.

Therapists that have been trained in the John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach® consistently and effectively achieve impressive, long lasting results. Patients who are searching for relief for themselves or their loved ones can return to a pain free, active lifestyle!

“Therapy on the Rocks” in Sedona, AZ and my new facility The “Sanctuary” in Malvern, PA (Suburban Philadelphia) are easily accessible and are located in scenic, tranquil settings promoting optimum healing and outstanding results.

Discover

  • Articles and text can be found on this site explaining to you the fundamental theory behind Myofascial Release.
  • Read success stories from patients who have achieved relief from their traumas.
  • Join MFR-Insight, our free discussion group. Gain insights and knowledge from therapists across the country utilizing Myofascial Release in their practices every day.
  • Find a Therapist – Numerous result-oriented Myofascial Release therapists throughout the US and Canada can also be found on this site. “Never Give Up!” Experience Myofascial Release first-hand from a highly skilled John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release® therapist and get the results that you deserve.
  • Seminar Directory – Listing of all classes for both the healthcare provider and patient. Our Myofascial Release Seminars continue to be the most sought after courses in the healthcare field. Why?…first-rate, quality seminars for the past 50 years, taught by outstanding teachers. Ultimately, the common sense theory behind Myofascial Release, the highly effective hands-on techniques, and most importantly the results achieved have enabled us to train over 100,000 therapists worldwide.

I wish you much success and health.

Sincerely,

John F. Barnes, PT