What is MFR?
MFR therapy is a gentle hands on physical therapy that involves a combination of sustained pressure and slow movements or stretches. This specialised therapy releases tightness and patterns of restriction in injured myofascia. Fascia is the dense connective tissue that surrounds all of the body’s cells and organs, muscles and bones
Typically, fascia is flexible, relaxed, and able to stretch without limitation. However, after a physical trauma or tension generating condition, it can become rigid, leading to a sensation of tension throughout the body. Unlike massage, which primarily targets muscles, myofascial release addresses the root causes of pain rather than just alleviating the symptoms.
How may MFR help children?
MFR therapy has been reported by clients to help with managing symptoms related to:
Head injuries
Cerebral palsy
Birth trauma
Scoliosis
Neurological or movement dysfunction
Headaches
Constipation
Sleep difficulties
Joint pain or limited joint movement
Back pain Thoracic outlet syndrome
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Trigger and tender points
Whiplash
Complex pain complaints e.g. complex regional pain syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Myofascial pain syndromes
Plantar fasciitis / Sever’s Disease
Osgood Schlatters
What happens during a session?
During each session, Zoe will look for areas of tightness and apply gentle pressure or stretching. This pressure is held until the tissue begins to release, then gradually increase the stretch. This process is repeated until the area is fully relaxed. Feedback from the child’s body is always used to determine the amount of force, direction, and duration of the stretch. Sometimes just two fingers may be necessary to stretch an area. Progress is assessed by a reduction in the child’s discomfort in specific areas and improvements in mobility and emotions.
My child will not stay still!
For young children who may only be able to stay still for short periods or who have difficulty with touch, Zoe will work with the child and follow their movements to sustain a therapeutic touch in a position of their comfort. Calm music, or books and videos together with their parents help may be helpful for children to achieve relaxation and maintain stillness.
As a parent of a neurodivergent child, Zoe understands the need for movement and that sessions will not always be the same and require considerable adjustment! She will work with parents and the child to make it the best experience for the child. Please note, it is most helpful that your child is open to trying bodywork and a conversation if they are old enough should be had before clinic.
Does myofascial therapy hurt?
Myofascial release is a gentle technique. Many patients find it makes them feel sleepy, or feel calm and relaxed after treatment. There should never be any significant pain for your child, although some different feelings or discomfort may occur in the day or two after treatment where tissues adjust to new positions.
Our practitioner Zoe offers myofascial release therapy for children, applying her background in care for children for many years in the NHS.
“We reached out to Zoe when my son had a diagnosis of Sever’s Desease and she has truly transformed his childhood as well as his future life trajectory. We were advised by other professionals to stop our son doing sports and playing at school but since he has met Zoe, who’s truly understanding him as an individual and patiently working with him, he’s just like any other 6 year old, able to take part in any activity he feels like doing. Zoe has allowed our son to be pain free, which is a stark difference to the child we had before who would wake in pain every single night for years. We would highly recommend Zoe for the MFR that she practices, but also for her kind, warm and welcoming way, with an ability to tap into then important aspects of a child’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Thank you Zoe!” C.P. 2024