← Return to Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain

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@jenniferhunter

@artscaping I took this list from the information on the MFR website. It may be that neuropathy wasn't on this list because there are different types of neuropathy and several causes. The physical causes where nerves are compressed can be helped by MFR if it relieves that compression and re-hydrates the tissues, and gets the body back to better alignment. There are cases where MFR probably doesn't help, and they probably didn't want to give false hope to people with those types of issues. It really does help a lot of conditions, and tissue restrictions can lead to other problems and even possible cancers according to my physical therapist because the waste products and toxins are trapped in dehydrated tissue. Cancer would be a reason to avoid MFR stretching because it can liberate cancer cells and allow them to migrate. John Barnes who invented this therapy about 40 years ago is older himself and stays in pretty good shape because of MFR, so he is an example of what is possible. I know mentor, John Bishop, mentions this discussion a lot and his experience might shed some light on it. Thanks for your kind words. It always helps especially when a person is recovering. As I write this, I am not in pain, but I have limits on how much I can do before my ankle will swell inside the cast. That kind of makes me crazy when that happens and I can't escape, so I stay patient and take it easy. FYI for anyone else just tuning in, I fractured my ankle several weeks ago.

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Replies to "@artscaping I took this list from the information on the MFR website. It may be that..."

Good to see you again Jennifer, sorry about your ankle though. I wish you a speedy and full recovery.

@jenniferhunter I have so enjoyed reading everything you have posted about MFR. An injury to my back in early March and ensuing pain was dismissed by the PT I was seeing following knee replacement surgery in February. I finally spoke to my surgeon, who sent me to a physiatrist, and an MRI showed endplate compression fractures at L4 and L5, a bulging disc at L4-L5, severe stenosis at L4-L5, and mild stenosis at L3-L4. Two lumbar injections are not providing the relief either my physiatrist or I had hoped for, and I keep thinking “If I could just get everything to relax and stretch out, maybe my poor spine, butt, hamstrings, and calves could figure out how to be normal again.” I definitely do not want a typical PT experience, so I located therapists in my area trained in the John Barnes’ MFR method, had a wonderful conversation with a therapist, and hopefully have a first appointment in a couple of weeks. Thank you for all your thoughtful, detailed, and informative posts.