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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself
Chronic Pain | Last Active: 21 hours ago | Replies (7049)Comment receiving replies
@bretrow100 Hello, Tonia, and thank you Chris for inviting me to this discussion. We all develop our own patterns of how our body moves... or doesn't... and when we stop moving normally, the fascia layers start to adhere together and bind us in a restricted position. It happens with overuse, as in repetitive stress of doing the same thing all the time, but also from injuries, and from scars within the fascia when it is cut during surgery or injuries that tear it. All of that makes everything too tight, and it can put pressure on nerves causing pain or blood vessels impairing circulation. It also interferes with removal of waste produts from the tissues and it accumulates in the fascia.
There is hope as Chris mentioned with myofascial release therapy which uses a gentle shearing to release layers which is kind of like kneading bread dough except that you push and hold it and wait for a release to begin. It takes a lot of this to release years or restrictions, so be patient and proud of the progress you make. This method was created by John Barnes, so find a therapist who has trained with his practice. There are other ways to release fascia, and some gadgets that are marketed for this purpose that are too aggressive and will create more problems by tearing the fascia and creating more scar tissue. I have been at this for a few years and making progress with thoracic outlet syndrome, and also the scar tissue from a cervical spine surgery. You may also want to look at information about thoracic outlet syndrome as it may have some overlap with your symptoms and it can be caused by overuse and injuries.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353988
Here is a link with a lot of information and you will find a provider search on the myofascialrelease.com website. Once you learn how to do this, you can self treat and make better progress after a therapist shows you how.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
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Hi.
I too have been on a long journey of finding pain relief after several failed back surgeries. MFR therapy that I went through at Therapy in the Rocks in Sedona Az has really made my life so much better. I’ve been doing once a week MFR therapy , which helped open the door as it was the only treatment that helped with my spine, neurological issues, physical activities etc. But I really needed intensive therapy as once a week was not cutting it.
It’s a 2-3 Week intensive therapy program where you have 2-3 treatments per day!! Which has made a dramatic improvement in my quality of life. It’s no cake walk but you can start to feel and see the changes within the first 3-4 days. It’s not cheap but I would recommend it to all who have tried everything under the sun. If not able to go to the John Barnes facilitates , then I’d look for a PT that specializes in MFR.
GOOD LUCK