Hands-On Therapies
At the MFR Center, the main technique our independent therapists use is the John F. Barnes’ style of Myofascial Release. However, as every body is different, and your therapist may incorporate any techniques on this page into your session so you can get the most comprehensive treatment for your needs.
Myofascial Release (MFR) – A highly interactive stretching technique that works with the patient’s body to determine the direction, force, and duration of the stretch to facilitate maximum relaxation of the tight or restricted tissues. The MFR therapist acts as a facilitator, working with the patient, not on the patient with no lotions or creams. Rather than planning a step-by-step treatment session, the therapist using MFR waits for guidance from the patient’s body. MFR helps the patient to achieve the most efficient movement patterns that the patient’s body can maintain with the least amount of effort. Frances teaches Myofascial Release at Hands on Healing Institute and all the therapists have been trained extensively in this technique.
Visceral Manipulation - Visceral Manipulation is a manual therapy consisting of gentle, specific placed manual forces that encourage normal mobility, tone and inherent tissue motion of the viscera, their connective tissue and other areas of the body where physiologic motion has been impaired. We focus on the digestive viscera. Frances, Olga, Michelle, Tana, Trevor, Eric and Tabitha have been trained in this technique.
Trigger Point Therapy – Similar to MFR, but using applied pressure to trigger points of referred pain. These points are defined as localized areas in which the muscle and connective tissue are highly sensitive to pain when compressed. Pressure on these points can send referred pain to other specific parts of the body; and sustained pressure on the trigger point, will not only release the trigger point, but also relieve the referred pain. This is often used in conjunction with MFR. Frances teaches this modality, and Eric & Tom have been trained in this technique.
Skin Rolling - A form of Myofascial Release that uses gently rolling, pulling and manipulation of the skin over taut muscles, scar tissue and trigger points so that the physical skin can flow efficiently over the body. Restrictions in the skin form from trauma and compensation patterns, so when these are released, the body moves more easily and without as much pain. Skin rolling is a process of releasing these knots so that the physical skin can flow efficiently over the body. The technique uses the thumb and fingers to pull the skin away from the body. Then, keeping a continuous forward motion with the thumb, the skin is gently rolled in a uniform direction to separate it from any muscles that may be stuck. Frances developed and teaches this at Hands on Healing Institute, and Eric and Tom have been trained in this technique.
Deep Mobilization - A form of MFR similar to structural integration, in that the therapist will slowly and deeply move through the restricted muscles, scar tissue and adhesions to free up layers of fascia near the surface of the muscles. The deep mobilization method works on releasing the superficial layers of restricted fascia. Practitioners use knuckles, elbows, or other tools to slowly stretch the restricted fascia by applying the appropriate pressure. Deep mobilization allows for changes in the myofascial structures by stretching, elongation of fascia, or mobilizing adhesive tissues. Frances teaches Deep Mobilization at Hands on Healing Institute, and all our Senior MFR therapists have been trained in this technique.
Sports/Fitness Fusion - An integrated style of bodywork using a blend of MFR, Shiatsu, Thai, Muscle Energy and Trigger Point therapy. This form of bodywork will release chronic areas of tension and injury developed from repetitive movements such computer/device use, nonprofessional sports or fitness training. This form of therapy is done in workout clothes or shorts & tank top, but can have deep emotional and physical releases. Frances developed and teaches this popular modality and Michelle, Tabitha, Tana, Trevor and Eric have been trained in this technique.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) - A gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. Frances and Olga have been trained in this technique.
Aromatherapy - The static application of essential oils on points on the body to help relieve pain and dysfunction. The oils are applied with the therapists hands, resting on your skin, using the therapist’s heat and energy from their hands to activate the oils’ healing potential. Our oils are of the highest medicinal quality, imported from Europe. Frances has been trained in this modality.
Vibrational & Sound Therapy - A sonic environment is created through the specific use of various instruments based on what is needed in the moment. The instruments may include singing bowls, bells, flutes, gongs, drums, didgeridoos, rainsticks, tuning forks, kalimbas and others. Each sound created has a specific healing ability. You can request sound therapy as part of any session at the MFR Center. Frances has been trained in this modality.
Lymphatic Treatments - Lymphatic treatment is a gentle therapy that uses either a cool jade stone or direct hands-on techniques to promote health and aid in recovery. This powerful, yet subtle technique can reduce and prevent fluid retention, enhance the removal of toxins from body tissues, and support the immune system. Kelley has been trained in this modality.
Reiki - We are alive because life force is flowing through us. Life force flows within the physical body though pathways called chakras, meridians and nadis. It also flows around us in a field of energy called the aura. Life force nourishes the organs and cells of the body, supporting them in their vital functions. When this flow of life force is disrupted, it causes diminished function in one or more of the organs and tissues of the physical body. Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy. It raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break apart and fall away. In so doing, Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way. Olga and Tana are our Reiki Therapists.