Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during a Myofascial Release session?
Your first session includes both evaluation and hands-on treatment. I’ll assess areas of tightness and also look at other regions that may be contributing to your pain. This gives us a clear starting point and allows me to create a treatment plan that’s specific to your body.
After about six sessions, we reassess to make sure the work is helping and adjust as needed.
“The sessions were tailored to my needs, and the work addressed more than just the area that hurt.”
Will it hurt?
The work is gentle and should never feel forceful. Some techniques may create mild discomfort, but it should always feel tolerable and productive.
After a session, it’s normal to feel a bit sore — similar to post-exercise soreness — for a day or two. This is sometimes called a healing crisis, and it’s a sign that your body is integrating change.
“The treatments were very relaxing, and I never left feeling worse.”
How long before I notice improvement?
That depends on how long you’ve been in pain and what your body has been compensating for. Chronic pain usually builds over time, so it often takes time to unwind. I will typically work with you for 6-18 sessions depending on severity. Most people find they enjoy receiving the work and will continue with periodic maintenance sessions to keep their pain at bay.
Most people begin noticing subtle but meaningful changes after 4–6 sessions received close together — things like easier movement, less intensity of pain, or better sleep.
“It took multiple sessions, but once things shifted, the change actually lasted.”
How is this different from massage or physical therapy?
The John Barnes Myofascial Release Approach works with fascia — the web of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, nerve, and organ that can restrict movement and hold tension long after an injury has healed.
Instead of gliding over the skin or or jumping into corrective exercises too quickly, I use gentle, sustained pressure and stretching to allow restrictions to soften and release. Once fascia is no longer restricted, other treatments (including physical therapy exercises) tend to work better and feel less irritating.
“I had tried massage, PT, and chiropractic care — this felt completely different.”
What kinds of conditions do you work with?
Myofascial Release can help many pain patterns, but I especially enjoy working with people dealing with:
TMJ and jaw pain
Back and neck pain
Frozen shoulder
Chronic pain that hasn’t fully resolved with massage, PT, or chiropractic care
“I was told surgery was my next step. Now I can sleep through the night and lift things without pain.”
Do you take insurance?
I don’t bill insurance, but I do accept HSA/FSA.
Insurance models limit session length and number of visits. Myofascial Release doesn’t work on a rigid schedule — it requires flexibility so sessions can be tailored to what your body needs in the moment and give you however long it takes for you to start feeling better.
Why do you recommend sessions close together?
Myofascial Release is process-based — each session builds on the last. While some relief can happen after one visit, the most meaningful and lasting change usually comes from consistent work over time. My clients start noticing lasting changes at around 6 sessions.
How long do I have to use my package?
To get the best results early on, most people start with two sessions per week for about two to three weeks.
Depending on how long you’ve had pain, it typically takes 6–18 sessions received close together. Once you reach a maintenance phase, sessions can be spaced out.
A Thought That Often Tips People Over the Edge
“I want to feel better for more than just a day or two — and I haven’t tried this yet.”
That’s the thought that led me to specialize in this work, and it’s the same realization many clients share before starting.
Why Work With Me?
Myofascial Release is a specialized approach that I have chosen to focus on. I regularly pursue continuing education to refine my skills so I can get the best possible results for my clients — while working in a way that’s effective, sustainable, and comfortable to receive. I believe you have the ability to improve your outcomes even when other’s have given up or told you that your pain is all in your head. I will believe ahead of time for you even when you doubt it yourself.
What Clients Commonly Notice
You don’t have to keep living with constant pain
Many people come in after trying physical therapy, injections, massage, or even being told surgery was the next step. With consistent MFR, they begin regaining movement, sleeping better, and doing daily activities without pain.
“I regained about 90% of my movement and can finally lift things and sleep through the night again.”
TMJ relief without injections or surgery
Regular Myofascial Release sessions can significantly reduce jaw tension and pain, to the point where symptoms disappear.
“My jaw pain used to affect my daily life — now it’s non-existent some days.”
Gentle work that still creates real change
Even in complex cases involving long-standing compensation patterns, the work is often deeply relaxing while helping the body move more freely.
“The sessions were calming, and I was able to walk and exercise without pain again.”