iMFT Logo integrated Myofascial Release Therapy (iMFT)

Traditional therapy has viewed pain from two different perspectives. 


However, there is a third possibility, the option of relieving pain and restoring  motion: therapeutic pain.

One of the aspects of Myofascial Release  Approach is the therapist applying gentle, sustained pressure into the fascial system,  creating what patients call “good” or “nice” pain or a good stretch. Releasing pressure within the fascial   system around the muscles, nerves, blood vessels etc. creates a few mobile environment of these pain-sensitive structures, producing consistent results in relieving pain and restoring functional mobility.

iMFT is a unique, whole body, hands-on approach to healthcare. It is a mild and gentle form of stretching. A slowly applied gentle pressure allows the body's tissue to re-organise without force, release physical restrictions and the body's unconscious holding and bracing patterns.

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Myo means muscle fascia means band. Fascia, or connective tissue, is a 3D continuous web that weaves throughout the body and is composed of mainly collagen and elastin that promote strength and flexibility. It is dynamic in nature and changes and conforms to pressure applied to it. It meets resistance in order to protect and support the human frame. Fascia is prominently vertical in orientation and surrounds, infuses and protects every other tissue and organ of the body. When healthy, the fascial system is relaxed, providing a supportive cushioning mechanism allowing us to move safely without restriction or pain.

Following all physical and emotional injury, and through poor posture, fascia scars and hardens in the affected site and along the tension lines imposed on it. As the fascial system is completely continuous, then any injury will compromise the whole structure.

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Once injured, fascia twists and pulls, like the pull in a jumper, creating a spider web effect of tension throughout the system. This tension can exert a pressure of up to 2000lb. per square inch crushing and impinging important structures like organs, the circulatory, nerve and lymphatic systems. The fascial tension can also affect the alignment of the skeletal and muscular system all of which create on-going physical and emotional tension and pain.

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Over time, these twists and pulls create a devastating effect on the body. It is not uncommon for patients to complain of a symptom in one area of the body that may have originated elsewhere. As the body tries to compensate for the restrictions, further imbalance and tension occurs. This is one of the main reasons we experience on-going physical and emotional discomfort when the whole body remains untreated.

Fascial restrictions don't show up on XRays, MRI or CAT scans and patients may complain of bizarre pain and discomfort that can remain undiagnosed and subsequently, and unfortunately, may remain untreated within traditional healthcare systems.

Every patient's fascial restrictions are unique, therefore we treat each patient in a unique way. iMFT is gentle, it allows the body to reorganise itself and unwind its own tractions or twists. Some patients feel their body becoming lighter, twitch or feel their body move during treatment. This is a natural process and patients are encouraged to allow this to happen and to become more aware of what they are feeling during treatment and to assist the process and ultimately take control of their health. MFR treats the whole-body, restoring balance and creating structural change that is both measurable and functional.

The MFT Stand at the newly launched
Training Show held at Excel in May 2006
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Myofascial Release therapy can help:

Useful Links

Myofascial Release UK
John F. Barnes Leading Authority on MFR