08/01/2025
A message from John Barnes.
Authentic Myofascial Release
For those of you that are going to the International Fascia Research Congress on August 10-14 in New Orleans, the question of “What is the difference between what some people call myofascial release and the John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach®?” may arise. So, I would like to provide some clarity for this discussion for those that may be interested in listening.
A lot of copycat courses have popped up utilizing the term myofascial release. Unfortunately, they're not following the principles that I developed and what they're calling myofascial release is actually soft tissue mobilization, which is mechanical, aggressive and can be very painful. So, they are the creating pain instead of discovering the pain buried beneath the fascial system. Because most forms of traditional therapy are too fast, which I will explain more about, the results tend to be superficial and temporary.
A long time ago, I went to an osteopathic course called myofascial release. I didn't know any better back then, but it was soft tissue mobilization. That's the osteopathic form of myofascial release; however, it did create a deep curiosity in me about our fascinating fascial system.
Through my own experience with my trauma and pain, I developed the principles of the John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach® over 50 years ago.
Like any successful venture, there will be copycat courses. Some mean well, some out of ignorance and some with questionable motivations. The problem is soft tissue mobilization only addresses 20 percent of the fascial system. They do not achieve the profound and long-lasting results of the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach®.
Other courses calling themselves myofascial release only look at the fascial restriction as a structural problem. ☹ We all know from our experience now that the problem is far more than structural. The structural aspect is a very important component. It is also emotional, mental, biochemical, hormonal and energetic.
We are treating the being of the human being !!! What could be more important? So, I hope this will helpful in explaining it to others.
I hope you will make sure you attend Dr. Carol Davis’s lecture and enjoy her intelligence and vast knowledge of the fascial system. She is brilliant and is going to give a wonderful lecture on myofascial release at the international Fascia Research Congress.
Love,
John
