I completely agree with John’s opinion. I am a former physical therapy assistant and currently a LMT. Having taken most of John’s courses over the years as well as specialty courses in TMJ, I can tell you that it is very important that you are comfortable with any practitioner that is caring for such a delicate joint as the TMJ. I you do not feel you are getting the care you need or are in any way uncomfortable, make sure you get at least 1 other independent opinion before making any further changes. With a joint as fragile as the TMJ, it is critical that the person caring for it is just as committed to the successful treatment of it as you are. I hope this helps.

As an aside, You will thoroughly enjoy John’s courses and be a much better therapist for taking them.

David B. Blum, LMT
Tucson, AZ

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John,
This is a very important part of your style of MFR. If the body is perceiving a threat it is less likely to allow change. I tell my clients if I do something to cause you to hold your breath tell me to lighten up. If the protective mechanism is activated one is not feeling to heal but rather holding on to survive. It is also easier on the therapists as well.
Hope to see you soon.
Bob Mollica PT

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John,

Just attended your 3 day level 1 class in MPLS. Thank you so for your knowllege. The course was not what I thought at all. However it was much better. Can’t wat to start using my new skills!

Thanx
Ramona
Massage Therapist NCTMB

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Mr. Barnes,
I received your name today. I am a TMJ patient of a well known DDS who has me on a splint. This splint has “corrected” the position of my jaw. The discs on both sides of my face cannot be recaptured. Arthritis has set in on one side. I had already tried a stabilization splint. It was fairly sucessful and I did not know that this new splint was going to be so different. I am at the end of Phase I. My doctor is more concerned with me signing papers that I have improved since I have been with him than in helping me feel better. I am very worried that I have done the wrong thing. I have always had migraines and I have increased my topamax since I have been with this treatment. I am too scared to try to reverse what has been started. What can I do? I need to make some quick decisions before Phase 2. Specialists are few and far between.

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Mr. Barnes, I live in the Seattle area,I graduated from Ashmead College in Everett WA.,Feb. 24,2007. I enjoy helping people with massage and my ability to do so with confidence.When I was in school,I picked up A Massage Magazine, where I saw your name and picture and read about MFR and some of the benifits. I was inspired to learn more, through experience and being self taught in much of the MFR way. And now your coming to Seattle, I saw that in Massage Magazine, and A big SMILE crossed my face, A chance to learn, from the “MAN” who inspired me. THANK YOU!! Your Student Tim R.Gipe,LMP. Spiritwolf Massage LLC.

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