Myofascial Release
A whole body approach to help women return to movement without fear
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial Release is a gentle, manual therapy technique that has a profound effect on the deep connective tissues (fascia) of the body. The release is initiated by sustained pressure on the fascial system through very specific hands-on techniques. Through this pressure the fascia releases, blood flow increases, and the restrictions in the body are freed. The treatment is highly effective because it treats the body as a whole. Through careful postural analysis as well as feeling for restrictions, the therapist is able to identify the problem areas and then treat them. The treatment involves re-balancing the body to allow it to return to optimal position, thereby allowing the body to heal itself.
All About Fascia
What is fascia?
Fascia is a three-dimensional fibrous tissue that extends from head to toe without interruption. The fascia surrounds every nerve, muscle, bone, blood vessel, organ and cell in the body. The fascia is one continuous membrane and affects every system in your body. It is, in essence, a web of fibers, much like a spider web, where a restriction in one part can cause a profound effect on any other part. Each part of the body is connected to the next like yarn in a sweater. In a normal and healthy state, fascia is mobile and flexible, free to move. When you experience pain and trauma, the fascia loses its ability to move, creating tension in the body. The tension in turn creates more pain and restrictions.
What affects the fascia?
Trauma affects the fascia by creating restrictions in the system and can come in many forms. Physical injury such as surgery, muscle injuries, repetitive stress, postural effects, scars, inflammation, inflammatory processes are among the many things that can cause restrictions in the fascia.
Emotional trauma that has occurred throughout our lives also are a cause for restrictions. Our body literally keeps the score of our experiences and our cells have memories of all that has happened in our story. These traumas live in our bodies and are a contributing factor to ongoing pain and dysfunction. Releasing the restrictions releases the trauma and frees the body to move and function in an optimal balanced way.
Our Approach
Every person is unique. Treatment and care should be, too.
We help you by listening to concerns, evaluating your situation, and developing a personalized program that offers real solutions and real healing.
With a hands-on myofascial release approach, Barbara will release your body’s natural potential to heal through in-person or virtual care.
Want to know more about how we apply a myofascial release approach to women’s health throughout the lifespan?
Conditions We Treat
women’s health issues
pelvic pain
constipation
urinary incontinence
post traumatic stress disorders
migraines
pain related to orthopedic conditions
muscle strains and sprains
TMJ
lymphedema
tinnitus
post mastectomy pain and decreased mobility
total joint replacements
arthritis
sports injuries
concussions
Our Team
Barbara Franzino, MAPT
Barbara is a CT licensed physical therapist, who graduated NYU in 1988 with a B.S. in physical therapy and is the recipient of the Founders Day award for academic excellence. In 1994 she received her Master’s in orthopedic biomechanics from NYU. In 2009 she completed a 250 hour Yoga Training in Anusara Yoga, a yoga with a strong foundation in biomechanics and alignment. Additionally, she has studied restorative yoga, yin yoga and advanced teacher training. She is certified in SFMA, a detailed testing process to identify movement based restrictions. She is involved in educating professionals on the use of myofascial self care for guiding the healing process. She also is a teaching assistant for John Barnes Method of Myofascial Release.
Barbara has many years of manual therapy training in craniosacral therapy, muscle energy and soft tissue mobilization as well as biomechanical evaluation and analysis of movement. In 2010 she began to train exclusively in the John Barnes myofascial release method. Barbara has a unique approach to treatment, deeply rooted in the belief that unlocking the fascial system results in a powerful release of physical and emotional pain and restrictions. Yoga therapeutics, breathing and positioning combined with myofascial release is a highly effective treatment with powerful results. Treating the patient’s entire system, carefully analyzing movement patterns and utilizing hands-on techniques, creates a treatment that is individualized for your unique issues. The integration of all of these manual treatments is a safe, nurturing and highly effective method to treat problems where other therapies have failed.
At Soulcare Physical Therapy, I believe in treating the whole person and inspire my patients to participate in their recovery and the pursuit of optimal physical health and well being.