Healing with Myofascial Release: What to Expect
Your journey with JFB Myofascial Release (John F. Barnes Method) may stir up sensations that may surprise you. Waves of intensity. Old aches reappearing. Even moments that feel like setbacks. But they’re not setbacks—they’re signs that your body is finally beginning to let go. 💡 Truth to remember: JFB-MFR is never harmful. Any discomfort or symptom flare-up is a reflection of deep, stored tension beginning to release. Your system is unwinding. That’s powerful.
What Might I Experience After My Session?
However your body responds to Myofascial Release is completely valid. After your treatment, you may:
• Notice immediate improvement
• Experience a temporary increase in pain or symptoms—or even discomfort in new areas (sometimes one or more days later)
• Feel energized
• Feel light-headed
• Feel deeply fatigued
• Experience emotional shifts—tears, laughter, stillness, or unexpected clarity
• Feel parts of your body move spontaneously (known as unwinding)
✨ Let it happen. These are natural and positive reactions to the release of fascial restrictions—often followed by remarkable improvement.
Feel. Don’t Fix.
These sensations may feel intense... chaotic...deep...
But here's the reassuring truth:
• You don’t need to solve them
• You don’t need to explain them
• You simply need to feel them
Dissecting every sensation can disconnect you from its deeper wisdom. Instead, soften into the moment. Let your body lead. Let healing unfold.
🌀 Your system is speaking—your only job is to listen.
Why Is My Body Reacting This Way?
We’re not just treating symptoms—we're addressing the root cause.
- Hidden pain is rising into awareness.
- Long-held emotions are ready to be felt and released.
- Your body is shedding compensation patterns and returning to alignment.
✨ This is sacred work. And you’re on the journey.
Healing Isn’t Linear
Healing comes in waves. One day you may feel light and free—another, heavy and tired.
This isn’t failure—it’s flow.
Your body heals in layers, paced by its own wisdom—not your timeline, not your expectations.
✨ Keep showing up. Let your body lead.
What Is a Healing Crisis and How Long Does It Last?
You may go through a healing crisis—a temporary stage of discomfort or emotional intensity following treatment.
This typically lasts 24 to 48 hours, but each person is different. It’s not regression—it’s integration.
Think of it like post-workout soreness. You’re healing, integrating, and finding balance.
💫 Trust your body's healing rhythm.
Self-Treatment Between Sessions
Supporting your body between sessions with simple practices can create lasting change. Even five minutes a day makes a meaningful difference. Benefits include: - More effective healing - Longer-lasting results - Relief from daily stress and discomfort - Increased body awareness - Empowerment in your own healing journey
Body Scan
➮ Find a comfortable position
➮ Breathe deeply
➮ Move awareness through your body
➮ Observe sensations—don’t change them
➮ Gently name what you feel and where
Therapy Ball
➮ Place ball between body and wall/floor/chair
➮ Apply gentle pressure
➮ (Optional) Add a small twist without sliding on the skin
➮ Hold for 3–5 minutes and stay present
➮ Let your body melt around the ball
Fascial Stretching
➮ Slowly stretch into the first layer of resistance, the first barrier
➮ Gently elongate away from the body
➮ (Optional) Add subtle movement
➮ Breathe slowly and let your whole body soften
➮ Never force—your fascia responds to gentle invitation
Jiggling
➮ Start by standing relaxed, knees soft, feet hip-width apart
➮ Begin by bouncing gently and rhythmically
➮ Let stuck areas join the movement
➮ Let your body move in any direction that feels good
➮ Invite your body to unwind naturally
Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Healing Journey
Relief is attainable—but healing asks for patience and perspective.
🕰 Consider:
The number of months you’ve lived with an issue is often the minimum number of sessions your body will need to start to heal. Realistically, the length of time you’ve lived with this issue is generally the amount of time your body will need to fully heal.
This can feel daunting—and that’s okay.
Reflect honestly on your goals and timelines. Choose expectations that support your healing, rather than sabotage it.
💭 Most of the time, the only obstacle to deep healing...is us.
Your Treatment Plan: What You May Need Early On
When starting JFB-MFR, your therapist may recommend a series of sessions close together.
Why?
- Frequent treatments provide momentum
- Your therapist can observe and respond to your shifting needs
- Postural imbalances (like pelvic alignment) can be corrected more effectively
- Your therapist can help you move through a healing crisis safely
Open communication is key. Share how you're feeling. Bring up new discomforts or changes. Your therapist’s decisions will come from a full-picture understanding based on what you feel and observe.
✨ Frequent sessions help you get to your goals fastest.
