The Web Within our Bodies

Over the last couple of years I have changed my approach to therapeutic massage.  No pain no gain right?!!  That's what I used to think too.  Deep pressure massage into the muscle was the way to release pain and restriction.  My clients wanted this type of massage and I believed in the approach.  What I found though was clients would walk away with soreness and short term gain in pain relief and functionality.  I was frustrated in the feeling that I was somehow hurting my clients and that they had to keep coming back as the symptoms returned. 

Rewind a couple of years to my very first John Barnes MFR1 course and the weekend that changed who I was as a massage therapist.   That weekend I learned about a spider web in the body called fascia.  I learned how fascia is a component that is present everywhere in the body AND it's all connected together from the very top of the head to the very tips of the toes.  Awesomeness I tell you.  I learned that over time and through trauma that this fascia gets stuck, and through its "stuckness" it impacts range of motion and causes pain.   Whoa!  Not only that...I learned that restricted fascia in one area of the body can actually cause pain and limited function in a completely different area of the body.  A tight area in the calf might actually be causing that neck pain you are experiencing!!!  I know...it's amazing...but true. 

Who would guess that putting gentle pressure in different areas would facilitate the body's own ability to heal itself??  Through myofascial release techniques releases occur deep in the fascia.  The body tells it's own story of restriction by presenting heat, tingling, pain and redness.  It's like a roadmap to restrictions in the body!

 I have had to put my ego in check and realize that it is not I, but rather the client doing the healing.  I am only the facilitator in helping the body along.  It's pretty incredible to witness a body "unwind" itself from it's restrictions.

I have seen the positive results in clients coming in after motor vehicle accidents, following surgical procedures, from repetitive use injuries and clients who present with scars, both physical and emotional.  

Throughout this journey I have learned  a great deal about tuning in to the human body and trusting the healing.  I have been touched by the stories of what brought people in and how they have changed from the work.  Most of all  I have learned about ME and how to help myself, thank you MFR.