Problems MFR Helps

What is it?

Back Pain is one of the most common disorders in the world. Over 33 million Americans suffer from back pain each year and are frustrated by the lack of improvement.

How can MFR help?

Myofascial Release is extremely helpful in reducing back pain, restoring the motion and flexibility of the entire spine by treating the front and back three-dimensionally and the associated pelvis which is considered to be the foundation of the spine.

What is it?

Partial or complete loss of bladder control when coughing or sneezing, feeling the need to frequently urinate, or inability to reach the toilet in time.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases the tightness and spasm in the pelvic floor muscles and tissues surrounding the bladder to regain normal function.

"The Myofascial Release therapy has been the final solution for my bladder leaking problem. I had this problem since I had my first child (almost 3 years ago) and thanks to the Myofascial Release therapy it has been resolved."

Edith, Illinois

What is it?

Birth Injuries is a wide category that includes any trauma that a baby may experience during the birthing process or immediately after being born. Use of forceps, posterior births, breach births, and anything that can add stress or physical trauma to the newborn is considered a birthing trauma.

How can MFR help?

By addressing these physical traumas immediately after the newborn has experienced them, decreases their ability to have a long term cumulative effect in the baby's body. These restrictions can multiply and cause a variety of other debilitating issues for the child further into his/her development.

"Due to forceps our baby girl had extensive bruising to both sides of her head, right eye, both cheeks, and right side of her mouth extending to her chin. The bruising faded but at six weeks old, our baby started showing signs of torticollis and over the next few months other restrictions started appearing. Most concerning to her pediatrician was the development of plagiocephaly (flat head.) Being a physical therapist and having taken several of John Barnes’ Myofascial Release® seminars, I knew that her flat head and lack of motion were due to restrictions in the Myofascial system. After my child's first Myofascial Release treatment my baby was able to get her arms over her head freely and I dressed her for the first time without hearing her cry! At the end of a week of treatments, she was able to sit in midline and turn her had from side to side while reaching for an object without pain. She was so happy! I had never seen her smile so much!"

Elizabeth, Arizona

What is it?

Distension of the fibrous material that makes up the disc, or the cushioning tissue found between each vertebrae in the spine, resulting from direct trauma, heavy lifting, repetitive activities, or compression from tight muscles surrounding the spine. Bulging discs can cause neck pain, back pain, and/or radiating pain into the arms and legs.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness in the tissues surrounding the spine to prevent further herniation and decrease pain and symptoms.

What is it?

Inflammation of the fluid filled sac found between bones and muscles resulting in pain and decreased motion.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness of the tissues surrounding the bursa to alleviate pressure, restore full motion, and eliminate inflammation of the bursa.

What is it?

Tightness in the neck, chest, and wrist resulting in compression and swelling of the nerves that feed the hand resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is usually caused by repetitive movement of the arms and hands.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases the tightness of the tissues in the chest, neck, and arms to allow the nerves to glide easily and freely to eliminate symptoms.

What is it?

Cerebral Palsy is a general term used to describe a dysfunction of a portion of the brain called the cerebrum which can affect muscle tone, active movement, cognition, and functional mobility like walking or sitting. It most often occurs at or before birth from a lack of oxygen to the developing fetus or from birth trauma. Cerebral Palsy can be associated with other problems such as balance and coordination issues, seizures, speech, learning disabilities and mental retardation. Muscle tone may be low or overly tight/stiff and movement hard to control or uncoordinated. Over time, abnormal tone and lack of functional mobility can cause joint contractures and pain from excessive stress on the joints associated with abnormal movement patterns.

How can MFR help?

Myofascial Release can help to improve soft tissue mobility, improve muscle tone, decrease abnormal movement patterns and increase overall functional mobility. Although Myofascial Release does not eliminate the dysfunction in the brain, it does help to minimize tightness in the fascial system to help improve overall mobility, flexibility and function. Myofascial Release can also help to eliminate seizures and the need for seizure medications, prevent or slow joint contractures, improve posture, and decrease pressure within the joints. Myofascial Release should be part of a comprehensive treatment program for individuals with cerebral palsy. It is especially indicated during growth spurts, a significant loss in functional mobility, or if seizure activity returns or increases.

What is it?

Cervical and Lumbar Injuries can occur from a variety of reasons. Since the spine bears a majority of the body's weight, fractures and misalignment can cause excessive pressure and pain in the cervical and lumber regions of the body.

How can MFR help?

MFR helps to alleviate tightness and restore motion and function by decreasing he pressure cause by tight connective tissues.

"Following an acute onset of muscle spasms associated with my multiple cervical and lumbar injuries, I went through a nightmarish ordeal of emergency room visits, painkillers, trigger point injections and a host of mainstream medical treatments, all to no avail. Literally, as a last I entered the Comprehensive Intensive Program. It changed my life. The highly skilled, compassionate therapists led me through my healing journey with their intuitive hands and expertise on the entire mind-body connection. Within days, I was significantly more mobile and had diminished pain. I learned about the MFR process, the crucial role of healthy fascia in maintaining our body's stability and how MFR helps to free our bodies from the clutches of stress and trauma. With this knowledge, I am able to self-treat daily and stay on a maintenance program. Had I only known about Myofascial Release sooner, I would have been spared years of painful and ineffective medical treatments."

Beth, Delaware

What is it?

Severe mental and physical exhaustion often associated with widespread muscle and joint pain.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness and eliminates fascial tissue restrictions to eliminate pain, restore mobility, and eliminate exhaustion.

What is it?

Pain that persists longer than the time-frame of typical healing after injury.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases fascial restrictions throughout the body, including areas of previous injury to eliminate pain.

What is it?

Dehydration of the cushioning tissue, or disc found between each vertebrae in the spine, resulting from trauma or aging. This loss of the disc's ability to provide shock absorption leads to either localized or radiating pain into the legs.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness and fascial restrictions surrounding the problematic discs and vertebrae to prevent further dehydration of the discs and alleviate pain.

"I have had juvenile diabetes for 26 years. And have a current diagnosis of Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome. For the past few years, I have suffered from a partially torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder, thoracic outlet syndrome and degenerative disc disease in my neck with foraminal narrowing, resulting in left hand/finger numbness. Traditional physical therapy for my neck and shoulder did not relieve me pain or numbness - EMG studies showed no nerve damage. Since traditional physical therapy had failed to resolve my pain and numbness, I was referred to a pain management clinic. Not ready to accept that I couldn't find help other than pain management via drugs I was referred to a sports medicine physician who prescribed Myofascial release. Since receiving MFR therapy my health has improved greatly. I have full range of motion again in my left shoulder, my left hand/finger numbness is gone and I can feel and move my back again. I continue to improve as I self treat regularly. The Myofascial Release Approach is helping not only my physical body heal, but also my mind and emotional self."

Dana, Wisconsin

What is it?

Inflammation in the lining of the uterine cavity, or endometrial cells, that leads to pelvic pain or infertility.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness and fascial restrictions surrounding the pelvis to eliminate inflammation and pain.

What is it?

Trauma resulting from past and/or present events in which emotional reactions have been suppressed.

How can MFR help?

MFR provides a safe, non-judgmental environment in which suppressed feelings can be expressed and released.

What is it?

Chronic, widespread pain often associated with fatigue, sensitivity to light touch, and sleep disturbances.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases fascial restrictions throughout the body to re-gain optimal flexibility, improve energy levels, restore normal sleeping patterns, and resolve pain.

What is it?

Pain and constant difficulty with moving the shoulder due to scarring of the connective tissues in and around the shoulder joint. A frozen shoulder can occur after a fall or repetitive movement of the arm that aggravates and stresses the shoulder.

How can MFR help?

MFR restores mobility to tissue that is scarred or adhered in and surrounding the shoulder joint to restore the ability to fully move the shoulder without pain.

What is it?

Rupture of the fibrous material that makes up our disc, or the cushioning tissue found between each vertebrae in the spine, resulting from direct trauma, heavy lifting, repetitive activities, or compression from tight muscles surrounding the spine. Herniated discs can cause neck pain, back pain, and/or radiating pain into the arms and legs.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness in the tissues surrounding the spine to prevent further herniation and decrease pain and symptoms.

"MFR has helped me a lot. I have struggled with constant headaches and back pain problems for years. It was wonderful to find a program that has finally given me such relief!"

Ronald, Alaska

What is it?

Pain in the head often associated with nausea, dizziness, and neck pain. Can be caused by poorly aligned bones of the head and neck areas, trauma, stress, poor posture, or tightness in the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness and restores mobility of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, restores optimal postural alignment, and alignment of the bones of the head to alleviate symptoms and prevent future occurrence of headaches and migraines.

"Myofascial Release treatment has helped me tremendously. Having struggled with constant headaches and back pain problems for years, it was wonderful; to find a program that has finally given me such relief!"

Jill, Wisconsin

What is it?

Inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy full term.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tissue restrictions in the abdominal area, pelvic floor, and surrounding reproductive organs to enable conception and ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible.

What is it?

Urinary frequency, urgency associated with pain in the pelvis and bladder that increases with filling of the bladder. Can also be associated with painful urination, painful intercourse, and pelvic floor dysfunction making it difficult to initiate urination.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness and fascial restrictions surrounding the pelvis and bladder to restore normal bladder and reproductive organ functions.

What is it?

Irregular or painful menstrual cycles.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness in tissues of the abdominal area and pelvic floor to achieve regular, pain-free menstrual cycles.

What is it?

Chronic pain associated with trigger points, or localized, concentrated areas of pain and tightness throughout the body.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness in the fascia and muscles to eliminate trigger points and alleviate associated symptoms.

"I was diagnosed with chronic Myofascial pain around 2003. I tried well intended treatments including medication and other forms of physical therapy. For some unknown reason I cannot tolerate medications, not even herbal remedies. By 2005, I had reached the end of the rope. The intense pain and fatigue were taking over my life and I was ready to go on disability. Then, a therapist that I knew told me about John Barnes treatment programs. In the summer of 2005, I did a 2-week intensive program. Since then the intensity and frequency of my pain and fatigue have been greatly reduced. I am functional again, working full time and enjoying it! MFR is not a miracle cure. I still need to do the home self-treatment exercises. Nevertheless, to be able to get myself out of trouble when my pain flares up for one reason or another gives me a nice feeling of independence."

Mercedes, Virginia

What is it?

Neck pain can be described as constant or intermittent discomfort originating with the cervical area of the spine. The pain can be located within the neck or can refer into the head, arms or other parts of the body causing pain, numbness, and loss of strength, muscle spasms and mobility.

How can MFR help?

Myofascial Release can help to remove the compression that restrictions can apply to pain sensitive structures in the cervical region and associated structures that cause pain and dysfunction.

"Myofascial release has been essential in my recovery from a series of injuries. MFR has relieved most of my pain. I feel better than I have in 10 years. The calming atmosphere and extremely capable staff are a pleasant bonus. Best therapy ever!"

Shel, Illinois

What is it?

Pressure and compression in joints resulting in inflammation and wearing away of the cartilage or “cushion” between joint surfaces creating pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can be found in many joints of the body, but is commonly found in weight bearing joints such as hips and knees creating weakness and pain.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness of tissues surrounding joints to alleviate pressure and compression in the joint. This can relieve pain, improve mobility of the joint, and prevent further wearing away of the cartilage.

What is it?

Chronic and persistent pain throughout the pelvic and abdominal areas.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness of tissues surrounding the pelvic and abdominal areas to eliminate symptoms.

"I had lower pelvic pain for two years. The bottom line diagnosis from various physicians was to “live with it”. One physician mentioned Myofascial Release. After two months of MFR treatment, the pain had significantly subsided and after six months, it was under control."

Bruce, Florida

What is it?

The band of tissue that spans the arch of the foot becomes tight, inflamed, and tender making it painful to walk. Plantar Fascitis can be caused by poor alignment of bones in the foot, a poorly aligned pelvis coupled with using unsupportive shoes or walking on hard surfaces.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness in the tissues of the leg and bottom of the foot to restore proper alignment of the hip bones and bones of the feet to enable pain-free walking.

"Myofascial Release has been helpful with my lower back pain and plantar fascitis. The staff at the Myofascial Release Treatment Centers understands things that no one else does and can reach places with the body that no other form of therapy reaches. I feel freer and lighter and more flexible."

Beth, Arizona

What is it?

Pudendal Nerve Entrapment is a type of chronic pelvic pain that is caused by compression of the pudendal nerve by tight fascia, muscles, or internal scar tissue/adhesions. Symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, burning, or stabbing sensations in the vulva, vagina, urethra, rectum, and perineum. This condition is also associated with painful intercourse, impotence, and bladder or bowel incontinence. There is generally much discomfort with sitting. Pudendal nerve entrapment can also be caused by pregnancy, surgical scarring and trauma/accidents.

How can MFR help?

By providing gentle, sustained hands-on stretching into the areas of fascial restriction, Myofascial Release can restore the necessary slack to the system to take the pressure off of the pudendal nerve. This helps to eliminate pain and improve the ability to sit, engage in intercourse, and maintain continence.

What is it?

Fibrous tissue that develops with healing of the skin after trauma, surgery or burns resulting in pain, sensitivity, numbness, tingling, or dense buildup of tissue in affected areas.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness of scar tissue to alleviate pain, restore normal sensation, and decrease thickness of scar tissue.

"As a result of a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, chemotherapy, radiation and the development in my right are, back, chest, trunk and abdomen, I experienced severe pain continuously. The Comprehensive Intensive Program at the Myofascial Release Treatment Center helped relieve my pain enough that I was able to come home and wean off pain medicine. The home self-treatment program specifically designed for me helps me to work toward my goals daily to continue to decrease my pain and hopefully open some new lymph channels."

Jan, Kentucky

What is it?

Pain in the low back with numbness and/or tingling that radiates down the back of the thigh, calf, or entire leg due to compressed nerves and disc problems. This problem can be caused over time by tightness and spasm that accumulates from overuse of the back through repetitive bending, lifting heavy objects, or as a result of direct trauma to the area.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness and spasm in the tissues surrounding the low back and bones of the spine to decrease compression of nerves and restore optimal postural alignment to eliminate symptoms.

"When I decided to try Myofascial Release for treatment of my hip adductor injury I had no prior knowledge of this therapy. I was receiving traditional physical therapy and my therapist thought that some MFR might be helpful. I injured my adductors slipping the ice. The injury kept me from working and also exacerbated my previous sciatica and scoliosis issues. Myofascial release provided the best relief and recovery for my acute injury and I have also been able to address many issues from self-treatment."

Judy, Wisconsin

What is it?

Curvature and rotation of the spine in the shape of a “C” or “S” resulting in uneven shoulder levels or a hump in the back. Often associated with back pain and/or neck pain, it can be caused by birth, physical trauma, or associated with other diagnoses such as cerebral palsy. Many individuals with scoliosis also have a poorly aligned pelvis and differing leg lengths.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness of tissues surrounding the spine and pelvis to restore proper alignment of the hip bones and bones of the spine. This decreases symptoms, improves posture, and restores even leg length.

What is it?

Painful shins resulting from overuse or excessive activities such as running or jumping.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness and fascial restrictions of the tissues in the shins and legs to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence with future physical activity.

What is it?

Pain and tenderness in the forearm, especially surrounding the elbow that intensifies with use of the arm and hand.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness of tissue and muscles in the forearm surrounding the elbow to alleviate symptoms.

What is it?

Intermittent or constant ringing or “whooshing” sounds heard in the ear. It occurs due to trauma to the head or face, fluid in the ears, or trauma from excessive heavy noises.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness of tissues of the head, face, and ear canal to restore proper alignment of the bones of the head and aid in draining fluid in the ear.

What is it?

Pain and/or clicking with opening and closing the jaw. Often, TMJ syndrome is associated with painful biting, chewing, grinding of the teeth, and headaches. It can be caused by postural imbalances or direct trauma to the face or jaw. Postural imbalances cause excessive tightness and tension in the jaw.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness in the tissues surrounding the jaw and mouth, eliminates pain and grinding, and restores optimal postural alignment to allow the jaw to work properly and smoothly

"For over ten years I was only able to chew food using primarily two teeth on my right side. I was unable to get any teeth on the left upper and lower jaw to touch. After just a couple MFR sessions focused on my mouth, the majority of my teeth can now touch making eating easy, painless and comfortable for the first time in a decade."

Kim, Illinois

What is it?

Pain, numbness, or tingling in the eyes, nose, lips, scalp, forehead, or jaw due to compression or trauma to the trigeminal nerve.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness in the tissues and fascia of the face and head to decrease compression of the nerve and resolve symptoms.

What is it?

Persistent vulvar burning, pain, and discomfort.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness and tissue restrictions surrounding the pelvic area and reproductive organs to eliminate problematic symptoms.

What is it?

Neck pain as a result of muscle spasm from the head being whipped forward and backward at high speeds such as in a car accident. Whiplash can also be associated with headaches and difficulty moving or turning the head.

How can MFR help?

MFR decreases tightness and spasm of the muscles in the neck to restore mobility of the neck and eliminate pain.