Who we are
Rebecca Sherman, PT, DPT Owner and Founder of Strata Physical Therapy, is excited to provide personalized, one-on-one physical therapy services to Beacon, NY, and the surrounding areas.
A practicing physical therapist since 2016, Rebecca has experience in a variety of settings, including orthopedic physical therapy offices and in-home care for both adults and children. In previous years, she specialized in Aquatic Physical Therapy and Yoga, bringing a holistic approach to healing and movement.
After encountering limitations in traditional treatment settings, Rebecca discovered a therapeutic treatment that would change her life. While living in San Antonio, Texas, she met Dianne Weber a physical therapist and forever friend who became both a mentor and a guiding force in her journey to learn the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release technique and so much more. With over a decade of personal yoga practice, Rebecca was immediately drawn to the philosophy behind this approach as part of its focus was on body awareness which has not been traditionally included in the typical physical therapy treatment, but became integral into her own healing process. What began as curiosity soon became a transformative experience—one that not only deepened her understanding of healing but profoundly impacted her own life in ways she never imagined.
Rebecca is excited to become a part of this community, providing a safe place for people to get to know their bodies on a whole new level and experience a route of healing that will change their lives forever.
What is John F. Barnes Myofascial Release?
The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR) technique is a hands on therapy method designed to release tension and restrictions in the fascia. Fascia is a web like structure that is the immediate environment of the muscles, bones, and organs throughout the body. This technique focuses on the fact that fascia can become tight or restricted due to trauma, poor posture, repetitive stress, or even emotional factors, leading to pain, limited mobility, and dysfunction.
Key Principles of the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release:
1. Fascia Focus: MFR targets the fascia, which is a web-like structure that provides support and structure to the body. When fascia becomes restricted, it can create tightness, discomfort, and limit the body's range of motion.
2. Gentle, Sustained Pressure: The technique involves the application of gentle, sustained pressure to the fascia. Therapists use their hands, elbows, or other parts of the body to apply consistent pressure to areas of restriction, often holding it for an extended period ( at minimum 5 minutes). This slow, deliberate approach allows the fascia to release its tension, allowing for more space in the area, rehydration of the cells and organs surrounding the tissue, and improved communication between different parts of the body.
3. No Rushing: The technique emphasizes patience. There is a focus on allowing the fascia to soften and release over time. The therapist will feel for changes in the tissue's resistance and work at the pace needed for the fascia to loosen and stretch.
4. Engagement of the Tissue: As pressure is applied, the therapist "engages" the fascia by gently working into the restriction. When the body starts to release tension, the therapist may then move or adjust their pressure to help the fascia regain its natural, healthy state.
5. Body Awareness: The technique also encourages patients to be aware of their body during treatment. The therapist may guide the patient in certain movements to further aid in releasing fascial restrictions.
6. Holistic Approach: Barnes’ MFR does not simply treat localized pain but looks at the body as a whole. The therapist often works on areas distant from the pain site, believing that facial restrictions elsewhere in the body can affect the areas where symptoms are experienced.
How it Works:
Release of Restrictions: By applying sustained pressure on areas of fascial restriction, the technique helps to soften the dehydrated and hard tissue that has built up within the fascia. This helps restore normal function to the both the affected area and connected surrounding areas, alleviating pain and improving mobility.
Improved Blood Flow and Tissue Health: As the fascia releases, blood flow to the tissues improves, which can accelerate healing and promote better tissue function.
Reduction of Pain: Because the fascia is a significant component in the body’s pain mechanism, relieving tension in the fascia can lead to a reduction in both acute and chronic pain.
Restoration of Movement: With the fascia loosened, movement becomes more fluid, and the range of motion is often improved.
The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release technique helps a wide range of people, especially those dealing with:
Chronic Pain: Conditions like fibromyalgia, back pain, and headaches benefit from MFR's ability to release tension and reduce discomfort.
Pelvic Pain in Women and Men: MFR can address tightness or restrictions in the pelvic floor muscles. Chronic tension in these muscles may lead to pain, discomfort, and issues such as urinary incontinence, pain during intercourse, or pelvic organ prolapse. MFR techniques can gently stretch and release these muscles, reducing pain and improving function.
TMJ pain: By working not just on the jaw but also on the surrounding areas (such as the neck, face, and upper back), MFR can alleviate the interconnected tension that often contributes to TMJ discomfort.
Athletes: It aids in injury recovery, flexibility, and prevents muscle stiffness and joint issues.
Postural Problems: MFR can improve posture and correct alignment issues, especially in people with poor posture or sedentary lifestyles.
Post-Surgery/Trauma Recovery: It helps break down scar tissue and relieve restrictions caused by surgery or trauma.
Stress and Emotional Tension: MFR reduces stress, emotional tension, and promotes relaxation.
Older Adults: It helps reduce stiffness and improve mobility in aging individuals.
Mobility Issues: It’s useful for those with conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, or limited flexibility.
Pregnant Women: MFR can ease pregnancy-related discomfort, with guidance from a healthcare provider.
GI, Bowel, and Bladder Issues: MFR can help with gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., IBS, constipation), bladder problems (e.g., incontinence), and pelvic floor dysfunction by releasing restrictions in the fascia that affect the organs and muscles in the abdominal and pelvic areas.
Preventative Care: Even those without pain benefit from MFR to maintain flexibility, prevent injury, and enhance overall well-being.
Who does JBMFR help?
Benefits of John F. Barnes MFR:
Pain Relief: Reduces chronic pain from conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and TMJ by releasing muscle tension and fascial restrictions.
Improved Sense of Ease: Restores mobility and fluidity of motion.
Enhanced Circulation: Improves blood flow, aiding healing and reducing inflammation.
Postural Alignment: Helps encourage improvement of misalignments, reducing discomfort and improving ease into more efficient posture.
Faster Recovery: Accelerates healing from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions.
Stress Reduction: Calms the nervous system, helping with anxiety and stress.
Holistic Treatment: Addresses the whole body, not just isolated symptoms, for long-term wellness.
Non-invasive & Drug-Free: Provides an alternative to surgery and medications.
Empowerment Through Self-Care: Teaches individuals self-release techniques for maintaining progress and long-term health.
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