What Is Fascia?

 Fascia  is a three dimensional matrix of connective tissue running continuously from head to toe throughout our bodies.  Fascia covers and interpenetrates every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, and all of our internal organs. 

Our fascia, in its normal healthy state,  is relaxed and fluid with the ability to stretch and move without restriction. 

  Fascia can lose its elasticity when one experiences trauma, chronic inflammation, surgery, and repetitive stress. When fascia stiffens, it can put up to 2000 pounds of pressure on pain-sensitive structures, decreasing and restricting mobility.

 When one experiences physical trauma, emotional trauma, scarring, or inflammation, the fascia loses its pliability. 

The fascial system becomes tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body effecting our flexibility and stability. 

Fascial restrictions can exert excessive pressure on muscle, bone, nerve, organs and blood vessels, causing all kinds of symptoms, producing pain, or decreasing  motion. 

A gentle sustained pressure into the fascial restrictions will, over time, allow the fascia to elongate and the restrictions to release. 

The sustained pressure applied during MFR produces a bioelectrical flow, called piezoelectricity, that leads to mechanotransduction. MFR elicits a cellular response in our bodies that produce Interleukin 8, a natural anti-inflammatory agent, leading to a transition where restricted fascia regains fluidity, allowing  tissue rehydration and fascial glide, and releasing pressure from pain-sensitive structures.

On your first visit , the  treatment will immediately follow  your initial evaluation. 

I will be your sole provider at each visit.

Your appointment is set aside just for you. No other clients share the time.

  Barnes Myofascial Release Approach is considered to be the ultimate mind/body therapy that is safe, gentle and consistently effective in producing results that last.  A gentle application of sustained pressure into the fascial restrictions will, over time, allow the fascia to elongate and the restrictions to release. Treatments are designed to decrease pain and increase mobility and range of motion.   

You will be sent intake forms to complete and return prior to your first appointment. The forms include a health questionnaire, consent form, a payment agreement and your communication preferences.

 Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy requiring direct contact and traction with skin surfaces.

Please do not apply any lotions or oils prior to your treatment.

Women should wear loose shorts and a sports bra, a two-piece swimsuit, or bra and undies. 

Men should wear loose-fitting gym shorts. If you are more comfortable, wear loose clothing to allow hands-on treatment.

Your visit will start and end at your scheduled time.  To optimize your time, please arrive a few minutes early.  

Appointment time is set asisde soley for you.  If you are late, your appointment will still end at its scheduled time.

Arizona is a direct access state, so you do not need a prescription.  However, if you have a prescription, please let me know ahead of time and bring your prescription that includes your diagnosis codes and frequency with you to your appointment.

 Most of my clients are self pay and do not use their insurance for treatments.

Ask your insurance provider prior to scheduling your appointment if they will cover your treatment. 

 I do not bill insurance companies on your behalf, but upon request will provide a receipt so you may submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

I will place my hands directly on skin surfaces in affected areas, and apply gentle pressure for 90 to 120 seconds until the tissue begins to soften. A stretch and gently increased pressure is continued to release  restrictions in the fascial system. Each hold is a minimum of 5 minutes. Additional physical therapy treatment techniques will be used as needed.

 You will also learn self-care techniques to aid in your healing process and enhance the work done in treatments.  

 We all have different bodies and experiences, so treatment responses do vary. Some individuals may feel relief while others may experience some discomfort prior to relief. Others may have pain, emotions, or sensations that arise and usually subside in one to three days. The so-called “healing crisis” is a normal response to treatment as our bodies release restrictions and toxins. So, be sure to drink plenty of water afterwards to rehydrate tissue and to flush toxins that have been released from your system.

 Everyone has different needs, and our bodies heal at different rates. Some people feel great after one session. More often, if the problem is acute, one to three times a week for a few weeks is necessary, tapering off as needed. Long-standing issues may benefit from intensive treatment, even daily. 

You may need more or fewer treatments than average as we work together to meet your personal healing and wellness goals. 

 Payment is due at the time of service.

Cash or check is preferred. 

I do accept visa and mastercard.

I am a medical healthcare provider and I do not accept tips. Consider using your planned tip toward your next treatment.

If are still wondering how I may be able to help, take advantage of my free total body diagnostic to find out.