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When the Pain Keeps Coming Back

John Barnes Myofascial Release in Commack

John Barnes Myofascial Release may be worth considering when discomfort, tightness or limited movement improves temporarily but keeps returning, particularly when more than one area seems involved.

People often explore the approach for recurring pain, persistent tension, limited mobility or patterns that developed after injury, surgery or prolonged guarding.

Not all treatment called “myofascial release” is the John Barnes approach.

The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach is a specific hands-on method designed to locate and release fascial restrictions through gentle, sustained pressure and whole-body evaluation. Care is individualized according to each client’s history, comfort and feedback.

Gentle, sustained pressure • Whole-body attention • Serving Commack since 2000

Understanding the Fascial System

What Is John Barnes Myofascial Release?

John Barnes Myofascial Release—often shortened to JB MFR—is a hands-on approach designed to locate and release restrictions in fascia, the connective-tissue network that surrounds and supports structures throughout the body.

The therapist applies gentle, sustained pressure directly into areas of fascial restriction and allows time for the tissue to elongate. By reducing restriction and pressure on pain-sensitive structures, JB MFR is intended to decrease pain, restore motion and help the body move more freely.

Fascia surrounds and helps support muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, organs and other structures throughout the body. Because it forms a continuous network, restriction in one area may occur alongside tension, discomfort or altered movement elsewhere.

When the Same Pattern Keeps Returning

Reasons People Seek Myofascial Release

People may consider the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach when pain, tension or movement restrictions keep returning, affect daily movement or seem to involve more than one area.

Pain That Improves, Then Returns

Massage, stretching or other care helps temporarily, but the same discomfort returns.

Symptoms That Seem Connected

Tightness, pulling or discomfort appears in more than one area or affects how another region moves.

Stiffness or Limited Mobility

Movement feels guarded, restricted or less comfortable than it once did.

Restriction Following Injury or Surgery

Scarring, guarding or altered movement remains after an injury, procedure or period of healing.

Tension Difficult to Release

Persistent holding has not responded well to quicker or more forceful work.

A Preference for Slow, Responsive Care

You prefer unhurried care that adapts to comfort and feedback.

Does this sound familiar?

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A Responsive, Collaborative Process

How the Process Works

A session does not follow the same sequence every time. The therapist observes tissue, movement and comfort while using your feedback to decide whether to remain, reposition or adjust pressure.

The Therapist Makes Contact

The therapist settles into an area of restriction and maintains steady, comfortable contact rather than moving quickly across the body.

You and the Therapist Notice the Response

You and the therapist may notice changes in tension, movement, breathing, comfort or sensation. Experiences vary, and no particular response is required.

The Therapist Adjusts the Work

The therapist may change pressure or position, remain in the same area or consider another area within the broader movement pattern.

Your Role During the Session

Notice, Communicate and Remain Comfortable

Treatment is provided above the sheet while you wear clothing that permits direct contact and movement observation with appropriate professional coverage.

You may notice pulling, warmth, tingling, changes in breathing, an urge to move or a sensation away from the therapist’s hands. These experiences vary and do not identify a diagnosis or prove that one area is causing another.

Share anything meaningful, uncomfortable, unexpected or important. You may move, reposition, pause or stop at any time.

Jeremy Kaplan providing John Barnes Myofascial Release using a cross-hand technique in Commack

A Dedicated Commitment to the Work

Meet Jeremy

Jeremy Kaplan, LMT, is Director at Hands On HealthCare. His hands-on practice is devoted to the John Barnes Myofascial Release Approach.

MFR is the only hands-on service Jeremy currently provides.

What clients can expect

  • Clear communication before and during the session
  • Pressure and positioning guided by comfort and feedback
  • A slower approach that does not follow a fixed massage routine

Jeremy continues to study the approach through advanced seminars and also receives MFR as a client. That perspective supports the patience, communication, and responsiveness he brings to each session.

A Session That Looks and Feels Different

What to Expect During and After Your MFR Session

Knowing how to prepare and what may occur during a session can help you feel informed, comfortable, and involved.

Before Treatment

Arrive Ready for Direct Contact

MFR is performed above the sheet while you wear clothing that permits movement and direct tissue contact while maintaining appropriate professional coverage.

What to Wear Shorts with a tank top, sports bra, or two-piece swimsuit are generally appropriate.
What to Avoid Please arrive without lotion, body oil, or perfume so direct contact can be maintained.

During Treatment

Notice What Your Body Does

Experiences vary. You may notice pulling, pressure, warmth, tingling, changes in breathing or emotion, or awareness in an area away from the therapist’s hands.

You may speak, pause, or reposition at any time. No particular sensation or response is required.

Myofascial Unwinding

Within the Barnes approach, “myofascial unwinding” describes movement, stretching, or repositioning that may arise while the therapist provides support. Some clients experience this; others do not.

Myofascial Rebounding

Within the approach, “myofascial rebounding” refers to gentle rhythmic rocking used to explore how movement travels through the body and where it may feel limited or guarded.

After Treatment

Responses Vary After a Session

Some clients report immediate ease or relaxation. Others notice little change right away or become more aware of comfort and movement over the following day or two.

Mild temporary tenderness or fatigue can occur. Contact our office if you have questions or concerns following your session.

Responses vary from person to person. A particular sensation or change is not required for the session to be meaningful.

Clear Options for Beginning and Continuing

Myofascial Release Pricing

New clients begin with the three-session introductory series. Established clients may continue with individual sessions or a six-session series based on their needs.

Recommended Starting Point

Introductory MFR Series

Three 60-minute sessions provide a consistent starting point for you and your therapist to observe comfort, response, and fit.

$375 Three 60-minute sessions New-client starting series

Continuing MFR Options

Individual Session

60-Minute MFR Session

One 60-minute session for established clients continuing their MFR care.

$145 60-minute session

Extended Individual Session

90-Minute MFR Session

One extended session for established clients who would benefit from additional treatment time.

$210 90-minute session

Six-Session Series

Six 60-Minute Sessions

A continuing series for established clients planning regular 60-minute sessions.

$810 Six 60-minute sessions

Extended Six-Session Series

Six 90-Minute Sessions

A continuing series for established clients whose care includes extended 90-minute sessions.

$1,140 Six 90-minute sessions

New clients should complete the Getting Started steps before an appointment is arranged. MFR scheduling is handled directly through our office.

A Thoughtful Beginning

Getting Started With John Barnes Myofascial Release

New clients begin by learning about the approach, sharing relevant health history, and completing a complimentary phone orientation before treatment is arranged.

Woman reviewing educational information about treatment at home

Learn About the Approach

Read the Page and Watch the Videos

Review this page and the educational videos to understand how the approach differs from traditional massage.

Woman completing the office’s medical intake form online

Share Your History

Complete the Medical Intake

Share relevant health history, surgeries, injuries, symptoms, and goals before the orientation.

Woman taking part in a complimentary phone orientation with Hands On HealthCare

Ask Questions Before Treatment

Complete Your Phone Orientation

Ask questions, discuss preparation, and learn what to expect before scheduling.

Therapist providing Myofascial Release treatment in a Commack treatment room

Begin the Process

Begin Your Initial MFR Series

If MFR appears to be an appropriate fit, our office will explain the introductory series and arrange your first sessions.

Foundational Viewing

Watch These Three Videos in Order

Together, they explain the Barnes approach, sustained pressure and some of the ways people may respond during treatment.

Start Here

What Is Myofascial Release?

Richard Harty introduces fascia, restriction, and the whole-body nature of Myofascial Release.

Watch Next

John Barnes Explains Myofascial Release

John F. Barnes discusses sustained pressure, time, awareness, and the principles behind his approach.

Then Watch

Understanding Myofascial Unwinding

Learn about movements and positions that may emerge as the body responds to areas of tension and restriction.

Explore More

Living Connective Tissue Strolling Under the Skin

See living connective tissue in motion and observe the fluid, interconnected nature of the fascial system.

Magnified View Fascia Magnified 25x

This view illustrates fascia as a dynamic, three-dimensional network rather than a flat layer of tissue.

Infrared Demonstration Myofascial Release Under an Infrared Camera

An infrared view provides another way to observe changes occurring while Myofascial Release techniques are applied.

These videos are provided for education and preparation. Individual experiences vary, and your care will be based on your own needs and responses.

Helpful Details Before You Begin

Myofascial Release FAQs

Clear answers about the treatment experience, beginning care, insurance-related arrangements, and payment documentation.

The Treatment Experience

About Myofascial Release

Is Myofascial Release the same as massage?

No. John Barnes Myofascial Release uses slow, sustained pressure and gentle stretching directed toward the fascial system. It differs from relaxation or deep-tissue massage, although it is provided here by licensed massage therapists trained in the approach.

Does Myofascial Release hurt?

The work is intended to be slow and responsive rather than forceful. Some areas may feel tender or intense. You may ask the therapist to adjust the pressure, change position, pause, or stop at any time.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no fixed number of sessions because each person’s history, goals, comfort, and response are different. New clients generally begin with the three-session introductory series. Afterward, you and your therapist can discuss your experience and whether continuing care feels appropriate.

Can Myofascial Release help after surgery or an injury?

Some clients seek Myofascial Release after an injury, surgery, or period of healing when they continue to notice scar-related tightness, guarding, or movement limitations. Whether treatment is appropriate depends on your condition, healing stage, and medical instructions. We will review your history during the phone orientation, and medical clearance or a note from your doctor may be required.

Can I receive MFR while I am also receiving other care?

In many cases, Myofascial Release can be received while you are working with a physician, physical therapist, chiropractor, or another healthcare professional. It does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please tell us about current care, recent procedures, and medical restrictions so the session can be planned appropriately.

Benefits and Documentation

Payment and Coverage

Do you accept NYSHIP for Myofascial Release?

Hands On HealthCare works with eligible NYSHIP clients when massage therapy services meet current plan and documentation requirements. Eligibility depends on current benefits and plan requirements. Deductibles, coinsurance, visit limits, reimbursement rules, and documentation requirements may apply or change. Coverage or payment cannot be guaranteed. Please call before beginning care so we can review the current office process. You can also read more about our massage insurance benefits.

Do you accept No-Fault insurance?

Care may be provided under an eligible motor-vehicle accident claim when the required prescription, claim information, documentation, and any necessary authorization are in place. Acceptance depends on the individual claim and does not guarantee payment. Please contact the office before scheduling so our team can review the case and explain what is required.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds?

HSA or FSA funds may be usable for eligible massage therapy expenses, depending on the individual plan. Some administrators require a prescription, letter of medical necessity, or other documentation. Hands On HealthCare can provide an itemized receipt, but cannot determine eligibility. Clients should confirm requirements directly with their HSA or FSA administrator.

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A Clear Next Step

Ready to Explore Myofascial Release?

Call or text our office with your questions and goals. We’ll explain the next step and help you begin if MFR appears to be an appropriate fit.

Questions Before You Begin?

We’re here to help.

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Specialized care • Serving Commack since 2000

631-462-4263