Myofascial Release Therapy

Safe, gentle, and consistently effective therapy for the fascial restrictions behind chronic pain—when other approaches haven't lasted.

What Is Myofascial Release?

Fascia is an uninterrupted web of connective tissue that runs from head to toe, surrounding every muscle, bone, nerve, and blood vessel. It's not just structural—it's an active, intelligent network that keeps your body integrated and responsive.

When fascia becomes tight or restricted, it can create up to 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, pulling and squeezing on the structures around it. Though the restriction may be local, the effects ripple throughout the body—often showing up far from where the pain is felt.

The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach® uses sustained, gentle pressure to ease these restrictions. Over time, your body and mind shift from resistance to release, allowing balance and movement to return.

Myofascial Release reaches into the quiet places other modalities often skim past. Instead of easing surface tension, we meet the deeper patterns—those shaped by years of stress, injury, emotional holding, and an overwhelmed nervous system. The shifts tend to last, creating new space in the body rather than temporarily soothing what hurts.

Why It Lasts

What MFR Can Help With

Arthritis & joint pain · Back pain · Chronic pain · Chronic fatigue · Fibromyalgia · Frozen shoulder · Headaches & migraines · Neck pain · Plantar fasciitis · Rotator cuff injuries · Scar tissue pain · Sciatica · Scoliosis · Sports injuries · Thoracic outlet syndrome · TMJ conditions · Post-surgical restrictions · Breast care (pre/post cancer) · Inflammation · Emotional holding patterns

Also Offered: Myofascial Functional Stretching

A unique self-treatment technique that distills the principles of Myofascial Release into an effective, accessible practice. It promotes the permanent lengthening of the body’s connective tissue and can significantly enhance your overall health and quality of life.

The technique involves applying sustained pressure and gentle elongation to fascia restrictions, allowing the tissue to release and restore balance. In addition to these hands-on techniques, we incorporate retraining exercises and alignment practices to reinforce lasting, healthful changes.

Client Stories

“I came to her with chronic low back and neck pain. From the first visit, she was able to identify areas to work on, and I have seen a tremendous difference right away. She provided immediate and long lasting relief, and also recommends exercises do to at home to maintain the work she does. I have tried a variety of different doctors for my back, and I am so happy to have finally found one that makes a true difference. Cristy is also a kind and caring person. I highly recommend her and her services. My husband and I are now regulars to “tune ups”. Cristy, THANK YOU!”

—Margaux R.
“I have nothing but good things to say about my consultation and massage with Cristy. The entire experience was unlike any other massage I have ever had. Cristy was extremely thorough, taking time prior to my massage to address what my individual needs were based on her assessment. In this assessment, she pointed out exercises I could do on my own time at home to decrease some of the tightness I had in various places. The massage itself was intensive; Cristy meticulously worked on pretty much every part of my body and I left feeling lighter and looser. I highly recommend Cristy and already sent my mom her way!”

—Agnes K.
“Cristy Hunter is a HEALER! That is the best way I can describe the transformative experience that happens when I have a session with her. Her very being invites an instant vulnerability because she makes you feel seen, safe, and worthy of a pain free life. My hope is to win the Mega Millions just so I can see her on a weekly basis! Until then, I will see her as often as I can. I HIGHLY recommend you booking an appointment with her as soon as you can!”

—Michelle P.
“Stumbling into Cristy’s practice has restored my life! I have struggled with ongoing back issues since high school. After almost a year of PT, I was feeling a bit hopeless on whether I’d ever recover. That was until I met Cristy. She is gifted, knowledgeable, caring, and truly one of a kind in her work. She took so much time and care to work out my lower back and after one visit I was able to exercise again and live my daily life without being in constant pain. It returned so much hope and motivation back to my bones. I love coming to her and prefer her over PT, chiropractic work, etc...”

—Bree L.
“Cristy is the most intuitive Massuse I have ever had. I used to feel like treatments were indulgences, now I feel like they are an actual necessity for good health. Her treatments don’t just feel good, but have helped me stand straighter and the improvements I feel last days after the appointment. Cristy is compassionate and kind, and is extremely professional. I look forward to every opportunity I get to go see her!”

—Molly B.
“After spending a great deal of time researching massage/lymphatic drainage therapists I made an appointment with Cristy. I had been advised by my Endocrinologist to seek a therapist with training and skill in therapeutic massage who could relieve the inflamation I have from a rare autoimmune disease. My experience with Cristy has been transformative. Her expert care has reduced the swelling and pain in my extremities and abdomen. I have been able to increase my daily activities and I have been able to taper off my nerve pain medications. Cristy is a gifted healer who genuinely cares about her patients and truly understands the mind/body connection.”

—Sharon L.
“I had a phenomenal experience at Integrative MFR. I received a very professional assessment of certain areas I need to improve strength wise in the beginning. I also learned some important stretches to help me improve range of motion. The session was very specific and thorough and definitely recommend this type of holistic physical therapy!”

—T. Simsby
“Cristy is a highly experienced bodyworker. She helped me with discomfort in my upper chest and armpit area that I’ve had for almost a decade—most of it was gone in the first session and now I’m feeling totally good after the second session. I trust her—she knows her stuff and has high integrity. Grateful that I found her!”

—LK

Gentle and sustained—never forced. I hold gentle pressure for longer periods so the fascia can release on its own. Most people find it deeply relaxing.
Massage works with muscles. MFR works with the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding everything—so results tend to hold longer.
Some people feel soreness 24–48 hours after a session, sometimes called a "healing crisis." It's your body releasing what it's been holding—normal, temporary, and a sign the work is doing what it should.
Come with clean, lotion-free skin and loose, comfortable clothing. A shower beforehand helps tissues soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every time you show up for yourself, you teach your body it's safe to change. From that safety, remarkable things become possible.

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