Some Things Just Take Time
Callie's reflections on learning MFR, R&R openings, Allie's new content
Callie’s Reflections as she learns new Myofascial Release techniques
For the past month or so, Allie has been training me in myofascial release techniques. I have slowly been implementing these into my treatment sessions with some clients, and I have learned a lot through the process, so just wanted to share.
You may be wondering, “what is myofascial release?” Great question!
Myo=muscle, fascia=connective tissue. Myofascial release is a form of therapy that addresses restrictions and imbalances of the connective tissue in the body and is used to promote wellness, decrease or eliminate pain and restore movement (Joyce Karnis, Comprehensive Myofascial Self Treatment). The fascia can be released by putting sustained pressure into a restriction or by actively elongating the area of restriction. While I learned one form of myofascial release in massage school, Allie is training me now in the John Barnes method, which will add more tools to my toolbox.
The old adage “slow and steady wins the race” comes to mind as I reflect on this training. There is nothing about myofascial release that is fast. It takes time for the fascia to respond and to loosen. When the fascia releases and breaks through restrictions, it can feel like a softening of the area, like taffy stretching or butter melting. But this is not a "microwave” method; it is more like a “crockpot” method. The longer you hold each position, the greater the release.
I am learning this method is growing my patience (and my forearm strength), as I “go the speed of the fascia.” To the clients who have allowed me to practice on you during a session, thank you! I hope you have found it beneficial and worth the time it took during your massage. The more I implement myofascial release and hear feedback from clients, the more bought in I am to the effectiveness of this method.
If this sparked your interested and you would be interested in trying myofascial release in one of your massage sessions, please let me know!
Openings in this weekend’s R&R classes
We have a handful of openings still in this weekend’s R&R classes. These classes are a great introduction to somatic work, and we are now offering both an intermediate and beginner level class. Claim your spot now before it fills up!
Friday, April 25 - Intermediate Class - 6-8 PM - $32 - taught by Allie
Saturday, April 26 - Beginner Class - 9-10:30 AM - $24 - taught by Callie
Allie’s Launched Two Online Courses!!
Allie has been hard at work behind the scenes developing content for two new online courses, making somatic work accessible to those beyond the Brownsburg, IN area.
She has completed the first round of Healthy Helpers, which launched in March. Healthy Helpers is designed for therapists and other helping professionals that are at risk for experiencing secondary/vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout from chronic and repeated exposure to others' trauma. This 6-week program is designed to help you develop more capacity for doing your role without the after-effects in your own mind & body. We received great feedback from those who participated this round!
And just last week she launched the beta round of The Emotional Resilience Roadmap! This is an expansion of our in-studio class Feel to Heal. In this 12 week course you can learn nervous system techniques for moving through big or difficult emotions, and gain the resilience to face life with all of its ups and downs with ease. Once this beta round is complete, this new course will be available to the general public.
Allie has been working tirelessly to create top-notch programs to offer you all, and I just wanted to give her a quick shout out (as she won’t do it herself)! Be on the lookout for future information about these courses, and congratulate her on this big accomplishment! Studio A is growing and thriving, thanks to you all!
Thanks for reading! I hope you have a great week!
~Callie