MFR Resources

JFB Myofascial Release is fundamental and powerful.

What is fascia?

As our understanding of fascia has evolved over the years, a more complete definition of fascia is required. This article from the NIH is full of useful information about fascia and the role of this important and foundational structure in our body. (Hint: Fascia is the immediate environment of every cell in our bodies, and is one continuous tissue throughout.)

The Fascia Nomenclature Committee, formed by the Fascia Research Society in 2014, gives the following definition:
“The fascial system consists of the three-dimensional continuum of soft, collagen-containing, loose and dense fibrous connective tissues that permeate the body. It incorporates elements such as adipose tissue, adventitia, and neurovascular sheaths, aponeuroses, deep and superficial fasciae, epineurium, joint capsules, ligaments, membranes, meninges, myofascial expansions, periosteum, retinacula, septa, tendons, visceral fasciae, and all the intramuscular and intermuscular connective tissues including endo-/peri-/epimysium. The fascial system interpenetrates and surrounds all organs, muscles, bones and nerve fibers, endowing the body with a functional structure, and providing an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner.” “

The Foundation of Osteopathic Research and Clinical Endorsement (FORCE) group, founded in 2013, defines it thus:
“The fascia is any tissue that contains features capable of responding to mechanical stimuli. The fascial continuum is the result of the evolution of the perfect synergy among different tissues, liquids, and solids, capable of supporting, dividing, penetrating, feeding, and connecting all the districts of the body: epidermis, dermis, fat, blood, lymph, blood and lymphatic vessels, tissue covering the nervous filaments (endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium), voluntary striated muscle fibers and the tissue covering and permeating it (epimysium, perimysium, endomysium), ligaments, tendons, aponeurosis, cartilage, bones, meninges, involuntary striated musculature and involuntary smooth muscle (all viscera derived from the mesoderm), visceral ligaments, epiploon (small and large), peritoneum, and tongue. The continuum constantly transmits and receives mechano-metabolic information that can influence the shape and function of the entire body.”

Recommended Resources

YouTube playlist of excellent Barnes MFR self-treatment videos from the physical therapy practice of expert MFR therapist Joni Edmunds
The BiotensegriTea Party channel on YouTube
Dr Carol M. Davis’s channel on YouTube

Architecture of Human Living Fascia: The Extracellular Matrix and Cells Revealed Through Endoscopy, by Jean-Claude Guimberteau, Colin Armstrong
Comprehensive Myofascial Self Treatment, by Joyce Karnis Patterson, PT
Myofascial Release Healing Ancient Wounds: the Renegade’s Wisdom, by John F. Barnes, PT
Notes on Complexity: A Scientific Theory of Connection, Consciousness, and Being, by Neil Thiese
Radical Wholeness, by Philip Shepherd
The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk, MD
The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, by Gabor Mate, MD
The Music of Consciousness and the Art of Myofascial Release, by Richard Harty, PT
Touching Light: How to Free Your Fiber-Optic Fascia, by Ronelle Wood
Waking the Tiger - Healing Trauma: The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences, by Peter A. Levine
What’s in Your Web? Stories of Fascial Freedom, by Phil Tavolacci, MSPT, PT

Fascia under the endoscope

Strolling Under the Skin is a documentary video by French surgeon, Dr Jean-Claude Guimberteau and team. This video shows in vivo footage of human fascia in action. In real time, you can watch live human fascia respond to its environment and mechanical forces placed upon it. Watch it here: Strolling Under the Skin

For a shortened, visually annotated version of Dr Guimberteau’s Strolling Under the Skin, please see this video of excerpts: Fascia magnified 25x

The Art and Science of Myofascial Release

Dr Carol M. Davis presented an excellent half-hour talk explaining the art and science behind Barnes Myofascial Release at the Fascia and Chronic Pain Summit in 2022. Succinct, clear, and very instructive. You can watch the video here: New Barnes MFR

Information Stored in Quantum Holograms of Twisted Photons

The world of physics and technology is catching up to what we suspect our bodies have been doing forever.

MFR in the news

MFR & COVID recovery - A review of the available research, reports, and professional opinions related to post-COVID syndrome was published on 6 January 2021 in the Integrative Journal of Medical Sciences. In that review, the author states the following: “Fascia focused therapeutic interventions are shown to reduce pain and support a re-establishment of function while providing safe, effective and appropriate non-invasive therapy.”

MFR & GERD - Can MFR help resolve gastroesophageal reflux? Signs point to yes.
”These preliminary findings indicate that the application of the MFR protocol we used in this study decreased the symptoms and PPIs usage and increased the quality of life of patients with non-erosive GERD up to four weeks after the end of the treatment.” Quoted from Effects of diaphragmatic myofascial release on gastroesophageal reflux disease: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. See article for more details.