top of page
Myofascial Release and Dry Needling 

  • Headaches

  • Trigger points

  • TMJ/Jaw

  • Neck and Back issues

  •  Fibromyalgia

  •  Chronic & Myofascial pain

  •  Knee pain, Hip pain

  •  Shoulder and arm pain

  • SIJ/sacroliliac issues

  • Nerve issues

  • Muscle spasm

  • Relaxation

​

Myofascial Release aka MFR (John F. Barnes Method) is the basis for every treatment at SerendipPT. MFR, is a hands-on, full body treatment which releases restrictions in the body, minimizing pain, releasing restrictions, and restoring optimal function.  

​

At the start of each session, Jane will assess the whole body to determine the source of the issues. She will be looking at posture, finding lines of force pulling the skeletal frame off balance, assessing for tension in the muscle and fascial system, restrictions in the joints and noting the alignment of the pelvis.  

 

Combining the assessment skills of a highly experienced physical therapist with the mastery of myofascial release, Jane applies a treatment plan individualized for your issues.  Lasting relief is achieved by balancing the skeletal frame, releasing fascial restrictions and giving permission for expression of emotions. 

​

Occasionally, Dry Needling is added to a treatment plan to address stubborn areas of pain and tension called trigger points. (Taut bands of tight tissue). Dry needling involves inserting solid filament needles into muscles with trigger points. The needle allows the therapist to reach areas difficult to access. Dry needling relieves pain, restores normal muscle function and reduces spasm.  Therapy goals can be reached more quickly by using dry needling.

 

At SerendipPT, the client spends the entire session with the therapist, Jane, on a comfortable massage table, receiving treatment. Exercises and self help tools may be introduced to empower the client with self treatments. See our YouTube channel Serendip PT Myofascial & Bodywork for details.

​

Archives from Jane’s Tahoe years

  • What is fascia?
    Fascia is tough, thick connective tissue that spreads through the body head to toe in one continuous 3D web. It envelopes muscles, bones, nerves, organs, and blood vessels and infuses the cells. It can be viewed in the shiny tough layers in a steak or chicken. When fascia is injured, it can tighten, and pull with tremendous pressure, altering the alignment of the body and wreaking havoc on the system. Fascial tension cannot be seen on traditional tests such as X-rays or MRI. A skilled therapist can place a hand on the body and feel the tension in the fascial system. Fascial tension is often overlooked by traditional medicine and therapy. It can be the missing link to treatment.
  • How does fascia become tight?
    Poor posture, surgery, stress and trauma can cause fascia to become tight. When tight, it can pull with up to 2000lbs/square inch, crushing pain sensitive structures, altering the skeletal frame and causing pain.
  • How is Myofascial Release performed?
    John Barnes' MFR is a full-body, hands-on technique. The therapist will assess the tissue texture and posture of the client. The technique is performed on dry skin, without lotions or oils. The therapist uses her hands to elongate the tissues throughout the body. Due to fascia being one continuous structure, distant areas from the symptoms are often included in treatment. We have it within ourselves to heal. MFR assists the body in that self-healing. The Therapist facilitates it by unlocking restrictions and trapped emotions releasing the straight jacket of pressure. Clients who play an active role in their healing through daily self stretches tend to make the greatest strides towards their goals
  • Will I be sore?
    Clients usually feel great relief from the treatments. Occasionally, they may feel soreness. This is not injurious pain. It is the fascial voice. It is important to relay the information to your therapist for successive treatments. A hot pack or bath is helpful to alleviate any discomfort.
  • What is Dry Needling?
    Dry Needling, aka trigger point dry needling, is a therapy technique to ease muscle pain. It involves inserting very fine needles into a painful muscle knot to create a local twitch reflex which breaks the pain cycle.
  • What is a trigger point?
    Trigger points are taut bands of tight muscles. There is excessive spasm in these points causing pain in the muscle and often, in distant areas.
  • What will I feel?
    The client will feel a twitch of the muscles as the motor point depolarizes. The autonomic nervous system may kick in causing sweating, nervousness, and drowsiness. If there is any residual discomfort, ice greatly helps.
  • How does it work?
    The dry needling depolarizes the nerve, causing a twitch in the muscle to releases the spasm. This allows for increased blood flow and oxygen into the tissues. The pH increases from acidic to basic. These changes cause a decrease in pain.
  • Can treatment help me even if I'm not injured?
    Your therapist will discuss your goals, assess your body and determine what is needed to achieve your desired outcome. A combination of Myofascial Release, manual therapies, dry needling, if needed, and energy work will help you feel relaxed and grounded. By restoring the fascia’s integrity and mobility, treatments can improve blood flow, nerve conduction and muscle power. Energy is restored to your system. You leave feeling a change in your system, and generally, refreshed and released.
  • How long is a session?
    Sessions last 55 min. Longer sessions (90-120 min) are available if requested.
  • How often should I have treatments?
    Your therapist will give you suggestions on how to maintain and enhance your treatment. It is recommend that you spend 15 min/day to tune into your body, find restrictions, practice the stretches and improve your inner awareness. Having regularly scheduled MFR sessions helps to keep the body functioning at optimal levels. Once a month sessions are an amazing gift to oneself to stay healthy and feel fabulous.
  • How do I get started?
    Contact SerendipPT via email or by phone to discuss treatment options and set up your appointment.
bottom of page