To understand MFR we must first understand how muscle tightness or imbalance in one area can affect another area in the body. Looking at the fascia man- courtesy of John Barnes, we see that tightness in the front of the right hip, which causes the hip to pull forward. This, in turn, causes an imbalance above and below the hip, effecting the spine, shoulders, knees and feet. A person with this type of restriction could have headache, neck pain, and low back pain, all caused from tightness in the hip.
A therapist trained in MFR will begin with an evaluation to determine your alignment. The therapist will begin by observing right and left sides of your body at your head (ears) shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. The therapist might perform manual muscle tests to see if you are stronger/weaker on one side compared to the other. From there the therapist will determine which area of your body is best to begin the treatment session.
The MFR session is similar to a message with the client relaxed on a massage table. The therapist begins working and stretching areas that feel rigid with light manual pressure. The therapist then uses pressure to release the trigger points and adhesions. During the session, you might feel a burning or tingling or heating sensation either directly under the therapist’s hands or in a completely different area. Remember the fascia is all over the body, so the therapist might be working on your chest, and you could feel the burning sensation in your abdomen or similar areas. Once the therapist feels a release in one area they might move to another area of the body to continue the session.