Frequently Asked Questions
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a powerful tool utilized by a select number of skilled therapists. MFR therapy primarily addresses fascia- a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three dimensional web from head to foot without interruption. The fascia surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ of the body, all the way down to the cellular level.
Why is MFR so effective?
MFR gains its efficacy by addressing the fascia, not as just a tissue, but as a system. Restrictions in the fascial system go unnoticed by allopathic medical testing such as x-ray, CAT scans and MRIs and can most effectively be detected by the trained Myofascial Release Therapist.
Once these restrictions are noted, specialized techniques are used to slowly release these fascial restrictions until it changes from a hardened glue-like consistency to that of a gel. If these restrictions are not addressed then pain, decreased range of motion and distorting postural imbalances result. The majority of clients that finally discover MFR have been through multiple tests, procedures and physical therapy programs with little or short-lasting results while drug after drug has been used to address the symptoms. Myofascial Release addresses the cause. Therefore, healing may ensue instead of chasing symptoms from session to session.
What do I wear to my sessions?
Your MFR Therapist will be looking for postural imbalances and other clues to determine the best course of treatment. To best do that, wearing minimal clothing while still protecting your modesty is necessary. In addition, the client needs to be free to move and stretch during sessions without being bound by tight clothing.
We recommend women bring a sports bra and loose-fitting shorts or a two-piece bathing suit. Men need to bring a pair of loose-fitting shorts. Most treatments are done with these treatment clothes on but if you don’t have them your therapist will either treat in your street clothes or step out of the treatment area, allow you to undress to your comfort level and have you covered with a sheet throughout the duration of the session.
How often should I get treatment?
A client can never be guaranteed that an issue will be resolved in a specific number of sessions because every person is different. Factors that can govern recovery and healing include: the length of time the condition has been present, how often the client attends therapy (especially in the acute phase), how well the client follows his/her home flexibility program and how committed the client is to letting go of patterns that are not serving him/her. Please see more info about your MFR treatment program here.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on how long restrictions have been present, the degree to which symptoms are affecting your daily living and what kind of results you want to see. Your therapist will be better able to answer this question during your first session. However, it can be said that no matter who you are, if you are experiencing pain (especially in chronic pain or recurring pain situations) it has been a process for you to get to a place of pain and it will be a process, not an event, to allow your body to release the holding patterns that are causing your pain.
My goal is to empower you in your process and not keep you dependent on coming to me every week. Throughout your time with me I will continue to reassess your treatment goals and needs. In all cases, client follow-through with their home self treatment routine greatly increases their progress.
How do I get started?
Call the main number 484-368-2706 between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday-Friday to make an appointment .
Therapy FAQ’s
Why am I in pain?
Malfunction of the fascial system due to trauma, posture, or inflammation can create restrictions in the fascia resulting in abnormal pressure on nerves, muscles, bones and/or organs. This can create pain or malfunction throughout the body, sometimes with bizarre side effects and seemingly unrelated symptoms throughout the body.
Myofascial Release can release the pressures created by the fascial system and create the possibility of returning each individual to her or his full, pain-free capacity.
Is MFR helpful for chronic pain?
My typical client has had problems for five, ten, fifteen and sometimes twenty-plus years, has seen numerous health care professionals and has often exhausted medical benefits and financial resources by the time they make it to my treatment facility. Once the fascial system is addressed these same clients begin to make progress and, in a matter of weeks with intensive Myofascial Release treatment, are on their way to a pain-free, active lifestyle again. In addition to this the client often gains a new relationship and understanding of what their body needs in order to feel well as they move forward in life and have more tools so they can feel empowered and be pro-active in their care.
What is fascia?
Fascia, as a tissue, is composed of elastin, collagen and a polysaccharide complex called ground substance. A tough yet flexible connective tissue matrix that resembles a spider web is formed with these components, providing a contiguous connection from muscle to bone, bone to bone and organs to their supporting structures. Fascia is present even at the cellular level and should be thought of as a complex living system. See more in-depth information here.
What causes fascial restrictions?
Restrictions in this system can be created through physical injury, emotional trauma, inflammation, and postural imbalances. As restrictions are formed in the fascial system, pain, reduced ROM, local dysfunction, systemic dysfunction, postural imbalances and fatigue may begin to occur. These symptoms can occur locally or in areas remote from the original restriction because of the 3-dimensional structure and ubiquity of the fascial system. See more in-depth information here.
How does MFR address fascial restrictions?
During a Myofascial Release technique, the minimum length of time the release should be held is between 1-3 minutes and may last as long as 5-10 minutes for a complete softening of the restriction. This allows the fascial restriction to gently change its viscosity so that function and length can be returned to its normal state. All MFR techniques are manual and machinery is not used. See more information here.
Is MFR the same thing as Rolfing?
Rolfing is quite different from Myofascial Release. They may both be thought of as “structural” works that intend to realign the body but that’s where the similarities end. MFR Therapists have MFR Maxims (read more…) that govern our hands-on approach. We also hold our techniques for 90-120 seconds minimum. But most importantly, we approach each person as an individual and do not address our clients with a protocol or prescribe a certain number of sessions to accomplish results. Please see the mission statement for more clarification of the intent of this work.