Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR)

Experience Relief with MFR Therapy

At Feel Better Bristol, Zoe and Becki have formed one of the first clinics in the South West specialising in MFR Therapy. This gentle technique was originally developed by John F. Barnes, a leading physiotherapist. Myofascial Release (MFR) is a safe, gentle and highly effective, hands-on treatment that targets our “fascial restrictions” in the body that have been shown to contribute to pain, tension and inflammation. “Fascia” is the strong connective tissue surrounding your muscles, bones and organs. Research has shown that your fascia is a part of every cell in the body and provides a mechanism for all cells to communicate (5).

Using healing, compassionate touch, we aim to help you find relief from pain and tightness, recover from injuries, and improve mobility, function and ease in your body. It is a highly effective, whole body approach to managing pain and dysfunction. Whether you’re dealing with tight muscles, discomfort from a health condition, or looking to unwind and destress, Zoe and Becki will tailor treatment to best support your needs.

What happens during my treatment?

During your first appointment, we’ll start with a comprehensive assessment to understand your goals. Each session typically lasts 60 or 90 minutes, allowing ample time for the slower techniques to be effective.

MFR is performed without oil and with minimal clothing. The technique involves skilled, “listening” hands of your practitioner to follow lines of restriction within the fascial layers of the body. The body responds by releasing tension, allowing for significant lasting changes in the tissues. Your practitioner will also check in to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Your well-being is our priority, and we encourage open communication and feedback in each session to maximise the effects of therapy.

MFR therapy is often deeply relaxing and satisfying. The benefits of myofascial release therapy go beyond the physical to enhance your overall wellness. The slow, sustained movements are not painful, although some mild ‘therapeutic’ discomfort may be experienced. Some techniques are subtle and gentle, while others target deeper layers of the fascia more directly.

Alongside physical treatment, we encourage self treatment, and provide advice to help you strengthen weak areas and maintain flexibility, and enhance movement awareness.

How may MFR Therapy help me?

• Reduce Chronic Pain: Alleviate discomfort and restore balance in your body
• Enhance Flexibility and Mobility: Improve your range of motion and physical function
• Support Injury Recovery: Facilitate healing after sports injuries or surgeries
• Scar Tissue Management: Help soften and reduce the impact of scar tissue
• Promote Relaxation and Stress Relief: Experience a deep sense of calm and tranquility
• Improved Health and Well-being
• Increased Proprioception (body awareness) and Interoception (internal sense)
• Reduced Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
• Enhanced Athletic Performance and Recovery

Who may benefit from MFR?

Myofascial release therapy is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including:

• Those experiencing chronic pain or discomfort
• Post-operative patients looking for effective support in their healing journey
• Individuals affected by cancer who seek gentle and compassionate care
• Individuals experiencing stress and anxiety in their daily lives causing tension
• Athletes seeking to enhance performance or recover from injuries
• Women with pelvic health conditions causing pain and discomfort, who may benefit from pelvic floor MFR

At Feel Better Bristol, we use MFR to address the underlying symptoms of various conditions. This has led to great success treating chronic issues such as fibromyalgia, complex traumas, and chronic pain conditions. MFR helps the body to remodel postural patterns and access self healing potential. MFR may provide long lasting healthy change, where other therapies or medications have only given short-term relief.

Our practitioner Zoe also provides treatments to children who may be experiencing musculoskeletal problems, such as Sever’s or Osgood Schlatters, or anxiety driven conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions will depend on individual needs, but many clients experience significant relief within a few sessions. Chronic conditions will most likely require a longer treatment period to help the body remodel and let go of habitual patterns.

Is myofascial release therapy safe?
Absolutely! Our techniques are gentle and safe for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

What should I wear to my appointment?
We recommend comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement and skin to skin contact, such as shorts and loose-fitting vest tops and bras for ladies. We also suggest no moisturiser on the day, as this allows for better skin contact for your practitioner.

What evidence is there supporting MFR Therapy?

MFR is emerging as a treatment approach that has a building solid evidence base and great potential. Some relevant studies are referenced below:

• A systematic review of 12 randomised controlled trials found that MFR was effective for reducing pain in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain (1)
• Another randomized controlled trial of 40 individuals with knee osteoarthritis found that MFR was effective in reducing pain and improving knee function (3)
• A randomised controlled trial of 64 patients with chronic neck pain found that MFR was effective in reducing pain and improving range of motion (2)
• A meta-analysis of massage therapy on cancer pain supported the benefits of massage for palliative care (4)
• A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of MFR on Chronic Low Back Pain showed a significant improvement in pain and function for patients (7)
• A systematic review of myofascial release therapy effects with patients with fibromyalgia found a moderate effect on improving sleep, levels of pain and quality of life (6)

References

1. Chaitow, L. (2003) Clinical application of myofascial trigger point therapy. Churchill Livingstone.
2. Brattberg, G., Selem, S., & Sjölund, B. (2009) Effects of myofascial trigger point manual therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of rehabilitation medicine, 41(6), 419-428.
3. Langevin, H. M., Sherman, K. J., Wu, G., Taatjes, D. J., & Butler, D. S. (2011) Connective tissue: a body-wide signalling network? Medical hypotheses, 76(5), 662-669.
4. Lee SH, Kim JY, Kim SH et al. (2015) Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy on Cancer Pain. Integr Cancer Ther. Jul;14(4):297-304.  
5. Pischinger, A. (2007) The Extracellular Matrix and Ground Regulation: Basis for a Holistic Biological Medicine.
6. Ughreja RA, Venkatesan P, Balebail Gopalakrishna D, Singh YP. Effectiveness of myofascial release on pain, sleep, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021 Nov;45:101477.
7. Wu, Z et al. (2021) Myofascial Release for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Med. Jul 28:8.697986

Ready to Feel Better?

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of myofascial release therapy, we invite you to schedule your appointment with Zoe or Becki today.