Myofascial Release (MFR)
Long-Lasting Relief from Pain
If you’re struggling with chronic or acute pain, Myofascial Release (MFR) can help.
Much of the pain we experience comes from restrictions in the fascia–super-strong webs of tissue that connect and interlace with the muscles, bones, and organs throughout our body. When the fascia gets constricted or knotted up–for example, as the result of an injury–it can pull our whole body out of alignment. That can produce pain, sometimes in places far away from the original site of the injury, because we subconsciously compensate for areas of dysfunction.
With MFR, I’ll use gentle techniques to release these constrictions. For example, I might hold each leg to provide some gentle traction, or use my hands to create a stretch along the back or side body. Typically, positions are held for about 5 minutes–the time needed for the fascia to relax and release. Throughout the treatment, you are always in control, and I welcome your feedback about how it’s feeling and what parts of your body might need attention next.
At your first session, we’ll begin with a conversation about what’s brought you here, what your expectations are, and how I work. We’ll then do a full Postural Analysis to see what other issues may be affecting your current problem. After that, we’ll begin the bodywork session, using a massage table. You’ll remain clothed the whole time; clients typically wear garments that allow for movement, e.g., running shorts, sports bra, two-piece swimsuit. Underwear is also fine as long as you’re comfortable and are covered.
How Can MFR Help?
Clients often arrive with chronic pain conditions. In the case of plantar fasciitis, for example, clients may have tried many treatments focused on the foot without success. But with MFR, we look at the whole body, to discover restrictions throughout the body that may be putting constrictive pressure on the foot. One client found that fascial restriction in the hip area had pulled their hips out of alignment; the legs compensated with their own distortions, which put significant pressure on the feet, producing their plantar fasciitis. Just a couple of sessions focused on releasing restrictions in the hip area provided significant, long-lasting relief from severe pain that had troubled them for months.
Some clients arrive in pain from acute injuries. Many are hoping to avoid or postpone surgery; others are trying to recover from surgery. One client had a traumatic back injury and was not able to sit down without pain. After several sessions, the pain had receded so much that they were able to start dancing and rock-climbing again. Another client had shredded their shoulder playing college football; MFR treatment successfully reduced pain and restored their normal day-to-day functionality.
Other clients come seeking relief from chronic headaches, or chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. They report that after I work on them, they have more better days that last longer, markedly improving their quality of life.
If you’re struggling with pain and wanting to feel better, MFR may be able to help. Reach out today to set up an appointment.
How Long Will It Take Me to Feel Better?
My goal is to help you feel better as soon as possible. I’ll be happy to talk with you about your particular situation and what kind of timeline I’ve seen with previous clients. That said, every person is different, so I can’t make any promises.
Some clients feel complete relief after just a session or two. For others, healing is a more gradual process. I often tell clients, it took time for your body to get to this point, so it may take some time for it to heal. But I will always do my best, and I will never try to sell you treatments you don’t need or want.
Trauma-Informed Bodywork
Sometimes during a session, clients may be surprised by old memories or emotions arising, even sad or painful ones. This is a normal part of the healing process. As a trauma-informed healer, I am here to create a safe space for you, able to hold and process whatever comes up.
Our bodies hold so much. When we work on the body, we aren’t just addressing physical pain. Occasionally, memories of past injuries, accidents, or other difficult life experiences may come up during an MFR session as the body releases old restrictions. Maybe a client will find themselves crying, or their body may want to move around to re-enact the position it was in when it received an old injury. That is all OK and very normal. If that happens for a client, I’m there to stay with them and support them as the emotions and memories move through and are released.
Afterwards, many people report feeling lighter and better overall, not just physically but mentally too. Though MFR is not a substitute for mental health treatment, it can assist with the healing process by directly engaging the wisdom of the body.
What About Energy Work?
Many clients have experienced Reiki or other kinds of energy work. If you’re open to it and if I believe it might help you during a particular session, I may suggest we try some energy work. I’m trained in Subtle Energy (Therapeutic Touch) work and Reiki, which can help clients feel more grounded and “in their body.” I also practice shamanic healing methods, which can help clear any unhelpful or intrusive energy that clients have accidentally picked up from others.
My Fees
A typical MFR session lasts 90 minutes and costs $175.
All initial appointments are a minimum of 90 minutes. This allows time for intake paperwork and Postural Analysis while still giving you at least a full hour of bodywork.
For follow-up appointments, most people choose to continue with 90-minute sessions, but I can also offer 60-minute sessions for $125 if cost is a concern.
I offer gift certificates and discounts on multiple-session packages; just ask me for details.
For clients looking for more intensive work, I offer 2-hour sessions for $225 or 3-hour sessions for $325. And, for clients seeking the most immersive experience, I offer multi-day intensives–for example, 4-6 sessions over 2-3 days. Contact me for details.
Free Care for Veterans
If you’re a veteran suffering from injuries, PTSD, and/or a TBI, ask me about free MFR sessions. As a former Marine, I get it and I’m here to help.
Or visit the international directory of MFR therapists offering free care to vets through the Warrior Recovery Network.