What are fascia restrictions and what causes them?

Fascia is the body’s three-dimensional connective tissue web surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, vessels, and organs, providing structure, support, cushioning, and communication. Trauma, surgery, inflammation, environmental/positional factors, and emotional stress can restrict fascia, causing pain, reduced mobility, and impaired daily function and sports performance. Fascia issues often don’t appear on X‑rays, MRIs, or CTs and are frequently missed by standard medical care, physical/occupational therapy, massage, and chiropractic treatment. Repetitive or sustained positions (e.g., computer use, texting, cycling, skiing, climbing) and injuries can shorten fascia over time, creating chronic bracing patterns and ongoing dysfunction that localized outpatient therapy may not resolve.

How MFR Can Help?

The John Barnes Myofascial Release Approach® treatment therapy is the genuine Myofascial Release that combines three techniques in conjunction: Rebounding, Unwinding and Structural Releases. These will be briefly described to understand the terms.

Structural Releases: Fascia release uses gentle, sustained pressure on tight or painful areas until the tissue lets go. Brief pressure only stretches elastic fibers, so the change won’t hold. Holding pressure for 5 minutes or more allows the myofascial tissue to soften and lengthen and triggers Interleukin production, a natural anti-inflammatory that aids healing. Pressure must be continuous (no rubbing or poking). Structural myofascial release must be done on dry skin—creams or oils prevent proper sustained pressure.

Unwinding: When you wake and instinctively yawn, roll, and stretch, your body is self-correcting tension, tissue restrictions, and posture. With a therapist supporting your body and countering gravity, it can soften and release.

Rebounding: We are about 75% fluid. Gentle, sustained rocking creates internal waves that move through this fluid, reaching even dense tissues like bone. Myofascial rebounding uses these waves to assess and treat habitual bracing and holding patterns caused by stress and trauma.

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