Myofascial Release

Hi Mike.  It is nice to hear from you.  Before I answer your question, let me go over some information that you are familiar with, but would be helpful to those just learning about Myofascial Release. 

As an MFR therapist, we never force, we never lead, we never analyze, we never tell the patient what to think or feel, we never try to elicit emotions; therefore we never injure!

Bottom line, we don’t try.  We center ourselves and follow the gentle, non-invasive Myofascial Release principles and allow the client to experience what is natural for them. As with many other forms of good massage, bodywork, energy work, acupuncture, etc, sometimes emotions and/or memories may arise.

Some therapists are concerned about the client expressing emotion.  My question to them is, “Have you ever heard of anyone being injured by crying?”  Of course not: don’t you feel better after a good cry?  It can be very healing. 

What I say to the therapists in my Myofascial Release seminars and my clients is that “we are all afraid.”  We were taught by our society not to feel or trust our emotions; to shove them down.  In doing so, we didn’t realize that our unexpressed emotions were creating subconscious bracing patterns that over time solidify the ground substance of our fascial system.  The ground substance ideally should be a fluid/gel state. 

This solidification of the ground substance or matrix eventually creates crushing pressure on pain sensitive structures ultimately producing the symptoms of pain, headaches, Fibromyalgia. restriction of motion, inner anxiety turmoil, and/or mental hyper-vigilance.  This unfortunately describes a large segment of our society. 

And now, Mike, to answer your question, “How do you work with the idea that a fear is protective and letting go is scarier than the initial fear itself?”  Explain that fear is protective, but it is protecting something that happened in the past.  This constant state of fear exhausts us and limits the full expression of life.  And if our internal alarms are ringing constantly, we no longer hear them; therefore we are no longer protected in the present moment when actual danger arises. 

It is important for us all to realize that we don’t have to feel the fear or past pain all at once. The client has total control.  They can chip away at it at their own pace.  Every second we feel our therapeutic fear or pain some of its energy and intensity is dissipated until there us nothing left.  We can then return to our natural state; calm, tranquil, pain-free and mentally clear.  You might suggest that your client go to my website (www.myofascialrelease.com) and go to the article section and read about “Therapeutic pain”.

Our experience has shown that as we feel our fear with a trusted therapist in a safe therapeutic environment, it transforms into a power that enhances our life and begins the healing process.  Fear, then, becomes our true friend.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

                John

Beyond the benefits of reduction of pain, spasm, and increased range of motion and function achieved by Myofascial Release, the elimination of fearful behaviors, compulsions, and anxiety attacks is possible.

Other therapeutic approaches are based on the “neuronal doctrine” which has shown to be obsolete as the old, outdated scientific paradigm.  The physiological aspects of Myofascial Release eradicating fear is now being supported by the “new” science.

The following is an excerpt from the March/April issue of Discover Magazine by Oril Van Mourik in an article titled, “A Future Reminder: Reshaping the Past”.

“Remember your first encounter with a stove?  “Don’t touch that!  It’s hot”, you were warned, and the message was clear.  “Stove=Danger”.  Eventually, of course, you came to understand that stoves are pretty harmless, provided you avoid the burners.  And just like that, you unlearned your fear of stoves.

Unlearning a fear may sound simple, but for years neurologists believed such emotion was entrenched , set in stone by fixed neuronal networks in the brain, and thus unaffected by new information.  Now a study led by Bong-Kiun Kaang at Seoul National University has altered that view.  Every time a long-term memory or an associated emotion, like fear, is retrieved, proteins found in the synapses between neurons are degraded, allowing that memory to be updated by incoming information”.  You can go to http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/1150541v1 for more in-depth information.

This physiological response corresponds with our Myofascial Release experience.    As the mind/body gets in touch with unresolved emotions and/or memories the structure releases and authentic healing begins.

The following excerpts from my book,  Myofascial Release: The Search for Excellence, Chapter 8 (www.myofascialrelease.com) may help to explain the scientific aspects of Myofascial Release.

New neurobiologic research and Selye’s classic work are concerned with the phenomenon of state-dependent memory, learning, and behavior.  State-dependent memory, learning, and behavior is the general class of learning that takes place in all complex organisms that have a cerebral cortex and a limbic-hypothalamic system, and pavlovian and skinnerian conditioning are specific varieties of it.

Memory and learning of all higher organisms fall into two classes of internal responses:

1. There is a memory trace on the molecular-cellular-synaptic level.

2. An involvement of the amygdala and hippocampus of the limbic-hypothalamic system in processing and encoding, and recall of the specific memory trace may be located elsewhere in the brain.

The limbic-hypothalamic system is the central core to Selye’s general adaption syndrome, the three stages of which, the alarm reaction, the stage of resistance, and the stage of exhaustion, take on a profound significance.

To ask how the mind communicates with the body, or how the body communicates with the mind assumes that the two are separate entities.  My experience has shown me that they are a single unit.  The body is not just a reflection of the personality, it is the personality.

Therefore mind-body awareness are two sides of the same coin, different aspects of the same spectrum, immutably joined, inseparable, connected, influencing, and communicating constantly.  Myofascial release techniques and myofascial unwinding allow for the complete communication necessary for healing and true growth.  I believe that the body remembers everything that ever happened to it.

The link between mind-body awareness and healing is the concept  of state-dependent memory, learning, and behavior (also called deja vu).  We have all experienced  this, for example, when a certain smell, or the sound of a particular piece of music creates a flashback phenomenon, producing a visual, sensorimotor replay of a past event or important episode in our lives with a vividness as if it were happening at that moment.  I would like to expand this theory to include “position-dependent memory, learning, and behavior“, with the structural position being the missing component in the state-dependent theory.

Studies have shown that during periods of trauma people make indelible imprints of experiences that have high levels of emotional content.  The body can hold information below the conscious level, as a protective mechanism, so that memories tend to become dissociated or amnesic.  This is called memory dissociation, or reversible amnesia.  The memories are state or position dependent and can therefore be retrieved when the person is in a particular state or position.

Myofascial Release is the wave of the future.  Enjoy the ride!

John

In Bob’s last post, he stated he was looking for articles on the cell’s function in response to abnormal tensions applied to its membranes….Bob, it’s nice to hear from you.  Thanks for your interest in mechanotransduction. 

It appears that utilizing the gentle sustained pressure of Myofascial Release at a restriction can transmit forces down to the cellular level.  This can create an important cellular response affecting the bio-chemistry and ultimate cellular function and health.

Bob and I have been good friends for over 20 years.  Bob is one of the most experienced Myofascial Release therapists in our country and has a deep understanding of the “new” science that supports the effectiveness of Myofascial Release.

Bob is familiar with much of this, so let me summarize some fascinating information and then suggest some articles on the research that Bob asked for.

The following are excerpts from an article in the Scientific American, January 1998 , “The Architecture of Life” by Donald E. Ingber, who holds a B.A., M.A., M.Phil, M.D., and Ph.D degrees from Yale University and is an associate professor of pathology at Harvard Medical School.

Tensegrity is a phrase coined by the architectural genius Bucksminster Fuller who developed the Geodesic Dome.

• “a form of architecture known as tensegrity.  The term refers to a system that stabilizes itself mechanically because of the way in which tensional and compressive forces are distributed and balanced within the structure”.
• “Tensegrity structures of both categories share one critical feature, which is that tension is continuously transmitted across all structural members.  In other words, an increase in tension in one of the members results in increased tension in members throughout the structure-even ones on the opposite side.  This global increase in tension is balanced by an increase in compression within certain members spaced throughout the structure.”
• “most cells derive their structure not only from the cytoskeleton’s three major types of filaments but also from the extra-cellular matrix-the anchoring scaffolding to which cells are naturally secured in the body.”
• “the existence of a tensegrity force balance provides a means to integrate mechanics and biochemistry at the molecular level.”
• “The tensegrity model suggests that the structure of the cell’s cytoskeleton can be changed by altering the balance of physical forces transmitted across the cell surface.  This finding is important because of the many of the enzymes and other substances that control protein synthesis, energy conversion and growth in the cell are physically immobilized on the cytoskeleton.  For this reason, changing cytoskeletal geometry and mechanics could affect biochemical reactions and even alter the genes that are activated and thus the proteins that are made.”
• “Thus, mechanical restructuring of the cell and cytoskeleton apparently tell the cell what to do.”
• “We found that when we increased the stress applied to integrins (molecules that go through the cell’s membrane and link the extracellular matrix to the internal cytoskeleton), the cells responded by becoming stiffer and stiffer-just as whole tissues do.  Furthermore, living cells could be made stiff or flexible by varying the prestress in the cytoskeleton by changing, for example, the tension in contractile microfilaments.”
• “A Universal Pattern, The geodesic structure found within the cytoskeleton is a classic example of a pattern that is found everywhere in nature, at many different size scales.”
• “Because a local force can change the shape of an entire tensegrity structure, the binding of a molecule to a protein can cause the different, stiffened helical regions to rearrange their relative positions throughout the length of the protein.”

Further Reading

ON GROWTH and FORM. Revised edition. D’Arcy W. Thompson. Cambridge University Press, 1942 (reprinted 1992).

MOVEMENT AND SELF-CONTROL IN PROTEIN ASSEMBLIES. Donald L.D.Casper in Biophysical Journal,Vol. 32, No. 1, pages 103-138; October 1980.

CELLULAR TENSEGRITY:DEFINING NEW RULES OF BIOLOGICAL DESIGN THAT GOVERN THE CYTOSKELETON. Donald E. Ingber in Journal of Cell Science, Vol. 104, No. 3, pages 613-627; March 1993.

MECHANOTRANSDUCTION ACROSS THE CELL SURFACE AND THROUGH THE CYTOSKELETON. Ning Wang, James P. Butler and Donald E. Ingber in Science, Vol. 260, pages 1124-1127; May 21, 1993.

GEOMETRIC CONTROL OF CELL LIFE AND DEATH. Christopher S. Chen, Milan Mrksich, Sui Huang, George M. Whitesides and Donald E. Ingber in Science, Vol. 276, pages 1425-1428; May 30, 1997.

TENSEGRITY: THE ARCHITECTURAL BASIS OF CELLULAR MECHANOTRANSDUCTION. Donald E. Ingber in Annual Review of Physiology, Vol. 59, pages 575-599; 1997.

There is much more.  I hope this helps.

John

John F. Barnes, P.T., LMT, NCTMB

Dear Jenna, I understand your concern.  You may want to consider a second opinion from another TMJ specialist.  An organization called the Academy of Head, Neck, and TMJ Orthopedics is a group of the leading physicians and dentists that I have lectured to nationally a number of times might be a good resource for you.

I have taught many TMJ specialists Myofascial Release.  Myofascial Release techniques are also utilized on the masseters, pterygoids, temporalis and intra-oral areas very successfully.

To find a Myofascial Release therapist I have trained near you or information on my Myofascial Release Treatment Centers, go to our website www.myofascialrelease.comor call  1-800-FASCIAL.

I hope this helps,

John

Dear  Shannon,Fascia can become restricted from trauma, surgery, and /or thwarted inflammatory responses.  When we are traumatized, the subconscious braces against the threat  to our survival and pain.  This inner tension begins to slow the vibrational energy within the ground substance of the fascial system.  The ground substance (matrix) is ideally a fluid/gel state.

This blockage of the energetic flow can dehydrate the fluid component of the fascial system that ultimately solidifies into powerful fascial restrictions that can exert crushing pressure of up to approximately 2,000 lbs/square inch.  This enormous pressure of Myofascial restrictions do not show up on any of the standard tests and over time produce a wide array of symptoms.

Myofascial Release can reverse the painful and limiting effects of trauma, surgery, and thwarted inflammatory responses.

 John

Myofascial Release is known for its gentle effectiveness in reducing pain and enhancing motion.  The “old form” of Myofascial Release is an attempt to force a system that can’t be forced.

 The “old” form was a painful process that only produced temporary results while injuring the therapist over time.

 Massage Magazine reported in 2007 that over 47,000 massage therapists and bodyworkers a year leave their profession.  This is a shockingly high number.   I believe the reasons for this is the damage to the therapists body trying to force a system that can’t be forced and the frustration of only producing temporary results after all that work.

My approach to Myofascial Release teaches new principles that produce the lasting results you and your clients have been seeking while strengthening your body.   This positive and healthy combination will take your career into a new elevated dimension.

 John

Laramee had asked what resource could she and others use to educate clients and referring physicians.  This is the purpose of the new DVD I have produced called the “Fireside Chat”  (www.myofascialrelease.com).

It provides an in depth look into the Myofascial Release theory, success stories and behind the scenes questions about the history and development of my Myofascial Release approach.

Some therapists do not have business experience as to how to start and develop a successful Myofascial Release practice.  Scott van Niekerk, PT,  has developed an instructional program to help you.  You can contact Scott at www.wholisticphysicaltherapy.com  for more information.

Scott, when you get the time, could you provide us with what you plan to accomplish?

 Thank You,

John

Sheila, thanks for your question on cellular consciousness from a fascial perspective.

As you know much of what we learned as therapists to be proven as fact has been turned upside down by the “new science”.

 I would like to share my view gleaned from years of experience and intuitive guidance that is now being verified by new scientific discoveries.

 The fluid component of fascia (the ground substance) is the environment of every cell of our body.  New research has now clearly demonstrated that there is a micro-fascial system within every cell of our body.  The fascial system is a fiber-optic system with fluid surrounding and within the hollow core of the micro-tubules transmitting vibrating messages of light, sound pressure and motion instantaneously to the trillions of cells that comprise our mind/body.

As an experienced therapist, Sheila, would you share what you were taught in school about the fascial system versus what you have come to know with your Myofascial Release experience?

Then I will share the new information on cellular shape and it’s important effect upon the bio-chemistry and hormonal flow of our body.

Thanks,

John

John F. Barnes, P.T., LMT

Acupuncture and Myofascial Release is a powerful combination.  The acupuncture meridians lie within the fascial system.  Recent research has shown that each acupuncture point is a fascial structure.  I believe that when the needle is pulled out it creates the piezoelectric phenomenon , where energy travels through the acupuncture meridians.

 It is a well known fact that when copper wire is twisted or crushed, it loses its ability to conduct energy properly.  The fascial system has copious amounts of melanin within it.  Melanin is our body’s super conductor.

 Myofascial restrictions act like twisted or crushed copper wire inhibiting the acupuncture meridian’s ability to allow the bio-energy to flow.

 What most acupuncturists have not recognized is the interference of the fascial tightness upon the meridians.  I view the meridians as major rivers of bio-energy.

 However, what about the enormously powerful influence of the billions upon billions of micro-tubules of the fascial system that carry fluid,  information and energy that act as tributaries into the major rivers?

 Myofascial restrictions block the flow of the meridians and the tributaries causing major problems such as pain, physiological dysfunction and disharmony.

 Myofascial Release is important in that it can ease the crushing pressure caused by Myofascial restrictions,  opening up the meridians and the tributaries (micro-tubules) for maximum flow of the bio-energy of the mind/body, which allows for a return of function and healing.

 John

John F. Barnes, P.T., LMT. NCTMB

Cellular consciousness, what could be more important.  Controversial yes, but only because we were taught the fallacy that we are mindless machines.  Do you really believe that?

 Carol Davis brings up some interesting and important observations .  Since this is a blog,  Massage Magazine prefers  that we limit our questions and / or responses to 150-250 words.  So, Carol , I will break up my responses to your intriguing thoughts into separate posts.

We have found that trauma and thwarted inflammatory responses can trap memories, unexpressed emotions, pain, fear, visuals within the ground substance of fascial restrictions as potential energy.  These trapped incomplete experiences have the potential to alter our physiology of our body which can lead to serious health problems.

 Science is now backing up what I have been teaching in my Myofascial Release seminars for over 30 years.

 Allow me to quote from the December 24, 2007 edition of U.S. News and World Report.   “The mind-body link appears to work both ways.   Far from being just a psychiatric disorder, depression wreaks havoc on the entire body by throwing the stress response out of whack.  The amount of damage it causes takes a greater toll on health than chronic angina, arthritis, asthma, or diabetes, according to a September report from the World Health Organization. And a growing body of research indicates that it triggers certain diseases:  

Heart disease.  Under stress, blood produces more clotting factors to prepare for a wound, which can cause clots to form in the arteries-setting the stage for a heart attack or stroke.  Increased stress hormones can also lead to inflammation in the heart.

Osteoporosis.  Depression’s link to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol may speed bone loss, raising the risk of fractures even in premenopausal women, according to one new study.

Diabetes.   Increased cortisol also raises blood sugar levels, which new research suggests may cause diabetes in those over age 65.  Inflammation may also play a role.

Cancer.  Studies show that depressed folks have high levels of immune system chemicals called cytokines, which may hamper the body’s ability to destroy malignant cells.” -D.K.

This trapped potential energy can be freed by Myofascial Release converted into kinetic energy freeing the mind/body’s vibrational level to return to normal.   Myofascial Release is an important  aspect of every therapists regime since it enhances cellular functioning and health.  These vibrations are very capable to re-organize and allow the mind/body to return to homeostasis, which is another word for health, tranquility, and optimum function.

 John

John F. Barnes, P.T., NCTMB