Q. What is Myofascial Release (MFR)?
A. MFR is a manual therapy approach ( the practitioner uses his/her hands to treat your body). The fascial system is a continuous, uninterrupted 3-dimensional web that runs from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. It directly impacts and influences every system and motion of the body. Fascial restrictions do not appear on standard medical tests (Xrays, MRIs, CT scans, etc). It is a root cause of chronic pain, immobility, &/or decreased function in millions of frustrated clients.
MFR utilizes techniques that are very different from other forms of manual therapy, such as Chiropractic, traditional physical therapy, or generalized Massage. The therapist takes a "whole body" approach in each session. . The therapist finds restrictions in your myofascial system and gently stretches, or "releases", those restrictions to improve function, minimize pain, and restore mobility. For example, if your main issue is neck pain, the therapist might release restrictions in your pelvis, arms, and legs because the entire body is connected through the fascial web.
A. MFR is a manual therapy approach ( the practitioner uses his/her hands to treat your body). The fascial system is a continuous, uninterrupted 3-dimensional web that runs from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. It directly impacts and influences every system and motion of the body. Fascial restrictions do not appear on standard medical tests (Xrays, MRIs, CT scans, etc). It is a root cause of chronic pain, immobility, &/or decreased function in millions of frustrated clients.
MFR utilizes techniques that are very different from other forms of manual therapy, such as Chiropractic, traditional physical therapy, or generalized Massage. The therapist takes a "whole body" approach in each session. . The therapist finds restrictions in your myofascial system and gently stretches, or "releases", those restrictions to improve function, minimize pain, and restore mobility. For example, if your main issue is neck pain, the therapist might release restrictions in your pelvis, arms, and legs because the entire body is connected through the fascial web.
Q. How do I dress for an MFR session?
A. MFR requires use of the skin as a lever into the fascial system. Male patients should wear athletic shorts and women should wear shorts plus a sports-bra or loose tank top. Please DO NOT PUT LOTION ON YOUR SKIN prior to your session. The therapist must gently "anchor" into your skin (like sinking into soft clay) without sliding through lotion.
Q. What can I expect with MFR?
A.The therapist will address fascial restrictions throughout the body.
Often in traditional therapy, the therapist treats the individual body part or the diagnosis and is limited by time and insurance constraints. At Gordon PT, the focus is on treating the whole person through a gentle hands on approach called myofascial release therapy. The therapist at Gordon PT has been trained under John F. Barnes, PT, the pioneer of the myofascial release technique.
Gordon PT provides a safe healing environment where clients can be open to mind and body healing. The therapist will listen and get clues through postural assessments and manual evaluations. Each treatment plan is customized.
Q. I have heard that MFR is painful. Is that true?
A. The John F. Barnes’ approach of MFR is very gentle, relaxing, and comfortable. However, there are times where your therapist may be drawn deeper into the layers of fascial restriction that is pain-producing.
Q. Is it true that sometimes symptoms can get worse after treatment sessions?
A. Some patients, especially those with complex or chronic pain, experience what can be labeled as a Healing Response, especially after the first few treatment sessions. It is not uncommon, to feel "stirred up" after some sessions. This occurs as layers of built up tissue restrictions begin to soften, lengthen, and release. Longstanding restrictions actually store toxins so when they open or release, these toxins are finally able to escape the body. We recommend that clients drink water after each MFR session. The increased water consumption ensures that the released toxins can be eliminated from the body quickly via urination. It is important to know and remember that MFR never injures and never harms. Symptoms may increase or move to different areas of the body as the body shifts into better alignment and chronic restrictions leave the body. These changes reflect positive healing occurring in the body.
Q. Do you participate with any insurance companies?
A. Gordon Physical Therapy is a fee-for-service structured clinic. Payment is due at the time of service. See rates for more details.
Q. If I do wish to submit bills to my private insurance provider for cost-reimbursement, how does that process work?
A. It is the clients’ responsibility to communicate with their insurance provider their out of network PT benefits if they choose to seek reimbursement. There is no guarantee that your MFR care will be reimbursed or the amount that might be reimbursed.
Q. Do I need a doctors prescription?
A: In the state of Delaware, the physical therapist has direct access for 30 days. After the 30 days, a prescription is required.
It is suggested that if you are submitting to insurance you obtain a prescription before your initial visit.
Q. Do you do any type of traditional physical therapy?
A. Yes, Gordon PT will incorporate traditional therapy techniques such as strength, balance, flexibility, mobilizations, kinesis taping, cupping and home programs once fascial restrictions have been treated throughout the body. Addressing the nervous system through breath work and movement is part of every session.
For those that qualify for home health physical therapy, traditional therapy is done.
A. MFR requires use of the skin as a lever into the fascial system. Male patients should wear athletic shorts and women should wear shorts plus a sports-bra or loose tank top. Please DO NOT PUT LOTION ON YOUR SKIN prior to your session. The therapist must gently "anchor" into your skin (like sinking into soft clay) without sliding through lotion.
Q. What can I expect with MFR?
A.The therapist will address fascial restrictions throughout the body.
Often in traditional therapy, the therapist treats the individual body part or the diagnosis and is limited by time and insurance constraints. At Gordon PT, the focus is on treating the whole person through a gentle hands on approach called myofascial release therapy. The therapist at Gordon PT has been trained under John F. Barnes, PT, the pioneer of the myofascial release technique.
Gordon PT provides a safe healing environment where clients can be open to mind and body healing. The therapist will listen and get clues through postural assessments and manual evaluations. Each treatment plan is customized.
Q. I have heard that MFR is painful. Is that true?
A. The John F. Barnes’ approach of MFR is very gentle, relaxing, and comfortable. However, there are times where your therapist may be drawn deeper into the layers of fascial restriction that is pain-producing.
Q. Is it true that sometimes symptoms can get worse after treatment sessions?
A. Some patients, especially those with complex or chronic pain, experience what can be labeled as a Healing Response, especially after the first few treatment sessions. It is not uncommon, to feel "stirred up" after some sessions. This occurs as layers of built up tissue restrictions begin to soften, lengthen, and release. Longstanding restrictions actually store toxins so when they open or release, these toxins are finally able to escape the body. We recommend that clients drink water after each MFR session. The increased water consumption ensures that the released toxins can be eliminated from the body quickly via urination. It is important to know and remember that MFR never injures and never harms. Symptoms may increase or move to different areas of the body as the body shifts into better alignment and chronic restrictions leave the body. These changes reflect positive healing occurring in the body.
Q. Do you participate with any insurance companies?
A. Gordon Physical Therapy is a fee-for-service structured clinic. Payment is due at the time of service. See rates for more details.
Q. If I do wish to submit bills to my private insurance provider for cost-reimbursement, how does that process work?
A. It is the clients’ responsibility to communicate with their insurance provider their out of network PT benefits if they choose to seek reimbursement. There is no guarantee that your MFR care will be reimbursed or the amount that might be reimbursed.
Q. Do I need a doctors prescription?
A: In the state of Delaware, the physical therapist has direct access for 30 days. After the 30 days, a prescription is required.
It is suggested that if you are submitting to insurance you obtain a prescription before your initial visit.
Q. Do you do any type of traditional physical therapy?
A. Yes, Gordon PT will incorporate traditional therapy techniques such as strength, balance, flexibility, mobilizations, kinesis taping, cupping and home programs once fascial restrictions have been treated throughout the body. Addressing the nervous system through breath work and movement is part of every session.
For those that qualify for home health physical therapy, traditional therapy is done.
