Myofascial STL Plus

09/04/2026

Fascial Work During Times of Change

Did you know that Myofascial Release can be beneficial during times of change? Fascial work calms the nervous system, often making it easier to make decisions. Calming the brain as well, clients can gain clarity on complicated issues they may be facing. How does that work? Fascia conducts a piezoelectric charge that stimulates the parasympathetic ( relax, rest and restore side of the nervous system) nervous system. In turn, this reduces muscle tension, stimulates digestion and slows, or pauses, the fight or flight response. Often our sympathetic (fight or flight side of the nervous system) nervous system becomes overactive. This can result in a lot of over thinking, anxiety, stress or increased pain. Besides the physiological benefits, fascial work is pleasant to experience as well.

Welcome Maxwell Hefner, Massage Therapy Student

Many of you may have noticed Maxwell when you came into the clinic. Max is a Massage Therapy Student and will be studying under Michelle until February. He is a certified in breathework. He is especially interested in Fascial Bodywork but will be trained in Swedish and Deep Tissue bodywork as well. Michelle is now a MO State Certified Massage Therapy Mentor and offers the only program in the State with additional emphasis in Fascia including physiology and international research and applications. Interesting fact about Maxwell, he received Myofascial Release from Michelle within the first 24 hours of his birth. Myofascial STL Plus will soon be opening appointment for FREE STUDENT MASSAGES on Wednesday afternoons as Maxwell completes his clinical requirements for the program.

What's So Special About Those Gummies?

Many clients have been enjoying the benefits of the plant-based gummies from Charlie's Kitchen. I decided to provide more in depth information related to the gummies and recommendations for anyone who may be interested.

ALL GUMMIES CONTAIN NO ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES OR CHEMICALS.

ALL GUMMIES ARE FREE OF C*D AND THC-NO W**D. This means they are ideal for anyone who is not interested or super sensitive to psychedelics, or those who undergo employment drug testing. There is nothing to show up on the drug testing.

SOME GUMMIES ARE SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS. See below

NO PHARMACUETICALS

THEY ARE ADAPTOGENIC. This means the body allocates them where they are needed the most by your own body intelligence.

CUSTOMIZABLE. Some clients may have adverse reactions to some of the ingredients. We can have them customized to your specific needs-add or remove ingredients at no extra cost

COST EFFECTIVE. At $40 per bag, there is approximately a one month supply in each bag, this product is super affordable.

MADE FROM PLANT TINCTURES. Plant tinctures absorb directly into the bloodstream, so they bypass the digestive system all together and absorb easily. So if you have tummy trouble, these work great.

NO DRUGGED FEELING. Using these gummies does not leave you with that drugged feeling you sometimes get, for example, using the Sleep Gummies allows you to sleep better and more restful without that groggy feeling from other pharmaceutical approaches.

GUMMIES AND RECOMMENDED USES:

FLEX ALL- Michelle formulated this gummie with Charlie specifically to support fascia and MTHFR. Some of the key ingredients include broadleaf plantain, horsetail and stinging nettle, all of which are consumable (cook the nettle first though!). It also contains collagen peptides.Chemical components include enzumes to build fascia, as well as MSM, a component vital for fascia, Vitamin C for collagen conversion, hylauronic acid for luberocity of fascia, folate, riboflavin and magnesium. ALL THE PLANT INGREDIENTS ARE ANTI INFLAMMATORY IN NATURE. Many clients have reported feeling more flexible and more energetic when taking this gummie. THESE GUMMIES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT MYOFASCIAL STL PLUS!!!!

INFLAMMATION-Key ingredients include tumeric, black pepper, ginger, honey, lions mane mushroom and ashwaganda. Most clients start with this gummie if the ingredients agree with them.

SLEEP-Quickly becoming one of our top sellers. Promotes a good night's sleep without the grogginess of pharmaceutical products. They work gently and effectively. Key ingredients include reishi, lions mane, astragalus, chaga, ashwaganda, passion flower, blue lotus and kava. Who doesn't need better sleep quality these days?

POWER WASH DETOX-this formula has actually been lab tested and proven to lower spike proteins. Spike proteins are high in individuals with a history of Covid or tick bites. If you don't have high spike proteins, the power wash detox is beneficial for use to promote the body's natural cleansing properties. Ideal for use around the season changes or as part of a detox program. Key ingredients include wormwood, black walnut, clove dandelion, bromelain and nattokinase. GREAT TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH EITHER FLEX OR INFLAMMATION GUMMY.

CALMING-Sometimes in work or life, you just need to take the edge off. Calming gummies are perfect to help you slow down a bit. Great for parents and children alike. Key ingredients include kava, L-theanine, Vitamins C and D3, reishi, ashwaganda, astragalus, maca and naturally sweetened with raspberry puree.

FOCUS AND CLARITY-One of our personal favorites, These gummies are highly sought after by parents of children who have high energy levels and difficulty focusing. They do not result in a "fast up and fast down" feeling when used. Adults also find benefits when having difficulty concentrating at work and home. No drugged feelings with these gummies. Also highly beneficial when meditating or praying. They work great in conjunction with use of the InHarmony Sound Lounge, providing and even more relaxing and insightful experience. Key ingredients include lions mane, chaga, coryceps, reishi, turkey tail, ashwaganda, astragalus, maca, american ginseng and raspberry puree.

Trouble meditating? This Class is for YOU

to register email [email protected]

08/05/2026

Welcome Marina, PT, JFB Myofascial Therapist

Marina graduated from St. Louis University. She has been a practicing physical therapist in the St. Louis area for over 35 years. She began her training in the John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach® in 2002. At that time, working as a pediatric physical therapist and having a strong desire to learn a more effective and less painful approach to provide stretching for the children she worked with, she was drawn to attend her first seminar, "Pediatric Myofascial Release". Attending this seminar initiated an understanding of the vast role the fascial system plays in our bodies, in relation to maintaining flexibility and pain-free movement, and in addition supporting the proper functioning of all our bodily systems, including the nervous system. Marina was then inspired to seek myofascial release treatment for herself to address chronic pain and anxiety issues. She gained valuable first-hand understanding of the benefits received from myofascial release.

As Marina continued her training, she began working as a staff physiclal therapist at the original "Myofascial Treatment Center" in St. Louis. Here she provided myofascial release and craniosacral treatments for adults of all ages with various acute and chronic pain issues. She learned to assess and treat patients from a more holistic approach, addressing the entire mind-body complex. She sought to treat the underlying cause of the patients' problems, not just the symptoms. With her newly developed sills, Marina returned to working with children at PS Kids Therapy Clinic. There she worked with children birth to 21 years of age with various developmental, neurological, and orthopedic conditions, such as Torticollis, Scoliosis, Gross Motor Delay, Cerebral Palsy and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Marina has developed a special interest in working with children and adults with Developmental and Neurological Disabilities. She finds a special joy in seeing the improved bodily comfort and quality of life myofascial release provides them.

When Marina is not working, she enjoys creative pursuits such as art, music, guitar, dancing and yoga. Now as part of the Myofascial STL Plus staff, she looks forward to continuing to be able to help others return to doing the things they enjoy and living a better quality of life.

Marina is seeing clients on Monday and Tuesday and looks forward to expanding her hours at Myofascial STL Plus.





Marina Panzeri, PT JFB Therapist

Meet Dede, Office Administrator

Some of you may have already had the pleasure of speaking or texting with Dede, our new office administrator. She will be handling scheduling, superbill requests, and many other administrative and support tasks. With the increase in client caseload, it was difficult to manage client care and administrative tasks. Thankfully, Dede has stepped in to manage our front office, phone and billing.

With over 40 years of payroll, accounting and administrative experience she is the perfect person to manage our operations. When she isn't working at Myofascial STL Plus, Dede is quilting and spending time with her grandchildren. If you are needing Superbills, please text Dede at our office number 314-965-4404. Welcome to Myofascial STL Plus, Dede!

Waiting Area Remodel Completed

Thank you to our clients who graciously tolerated our remodel of the waiting area at Myofascial STL Plus. We are always striving to make your experience more pleasurable and relaxing.

Myofascial Tip of the Day

Click the video below for a tip on how to use a small pool noodle to relieve shoulder pain.

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

What is Creaky Fascia?

Yes! It is entirely possible to have creaky fascia. Clinicians often encounter "creaky fascia" when working with clients. There is a distinct feel to fascia when a clinician identifies this type of fascial restriction. This restriction is most likely due to lack of hydration in the ground substance of the facia. This results in the fascia releasing in a "ratcheting-type motion" similar to the motion of a ratchet tool. It may even be possible to hear the fascia produce a creaking sound as it releases in this manner.

One of the best ways to support and hydrate your fascia is by drinking fruit water. This simple to prepare form of water delivers the type of water needed as a building block for the ground substance, or fluid layer, of your fascia. It provides an electrically charged surplus of water that can be allocated as needed by the body. Fruit water is often called infused water. Take any fleshy fruit and crush it. Place the crushed fruit in the water and you have fruit water.

A Different Kind of PT with Kelli

Meet Kelli, DPT

Have you tried physical therapy and it just didn't work as well for you as you were hoping? Or maybe you tried physical therapy and it seemed to worsen your condition. Maybe it was the kind of physical therapy that was creating the challenge. Often times, clients with auto immune disorders, high inflammation, chronic pain, hypermobility or sensitivities don't tolerate traditional physical therapy. Weight resisted physical therapy can worsen these conditions as the resistance can increase inflammation. As inflammation increases, clients can begin to feel frustrated and hopeless, thinking nothing works for them. This couldn't be further from the truth. We are often led to believe that weights and "work outs" are the only way to be happy and healthy. There is more and more research indicating that movement and mindfulness, or awareness of how you move, can be just as effective on your health as lifting weights. This is where Kelli comes into the picture.

Kelli is joining Myofascial STL Plus. She is a DPT and has advanced training with Postural Restoration Institute ®. PRI is a form of specialized physical therapy that addresses asymmetries and dysfunctional movement patterns. Asymmetries result from disease, injury, trauma or repetitive daily movements, such as those related to work, routines or sports. These poor movement patterns create overactive and underactive muscle imbalances which result in pain, dysfunction, and nervous system dysregulation.
Kelli will work with clients utilizing light resistance and breathing to balance the muscle groups and improve overall performance and decrease pain. To book a session with Kelli, use the link below or locate her link on our website on the staff page. Welcome Kelli! We are excited and glad you are joining us!

12/29/2025

Tomorrows Express Yoga rescheduled For a later date.

12/15/2025

A Holiday Gift for You

Free Remote Express Yoga Class Online
December 30, 1-1:30

Michelle will be leading a FREE Express Yoga Class as a Holiday Gift to Myofascial STL Plus Clients and any of their interested friends and family members. The class will be offered via Zoom. Express Yoga is not a flexibility and stretching form of yoga. It is a Westernized form of Yoga based on Sahdja Yoga as developed by Sri Mataji Nirmali in East India in the 1970's. It is a combination of affirmations, quiet mind, meditation and body awareness. It is composed of 9 hand positions and a series of positive affirmations which reset the neurological system automatically. The affirmations are designed to allow the client to release guilt, forgive themselves and others, feel safe in their bodies, and quiet their minds while allowing the nervous system to shift down and calm itself.

DATE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025
TIME: 1:00 PM
LENGTH OF CLASS: 30 MINUTES
LOCATION: ONLINE VIA ZOOM

TEXT MICHELLE TO RECEIVE THE ZOOM LINK.

Increased Cortisol Increases Fascial Tension In the Body

Times are particularly stressful and as we become stressed, we experience an increase in cortisol levels. Increased cortisol levels creates tension in fascial holding patterns, placing tension on structures that result in a myriad of body symptoms. Some of these symptoms can result in pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, headaches-just about anything that is regulated by the digestive, nervous or muscular systems. Stress increases, cortisol increases and fascial tension increases. Myofascial release and fascial techniques begin to interrupt the cortisol production cycle, therefor reducing fascial tension and beginning to provide relief in these symptoms. Vagal breathing can begin to provide some relief from fascial tension as well. Take a deep belly breathe to stimulate the vagus nerve. Build this into your daily routine, especially at this busy time of year.

Calming and Sleep Gummies Available

Just a gentle reminder as we head into 2026, we have Calming and Sleep Gummies available at Myofascial STL Plus. A lot of clients are reassessing and making major life changes. These Gummies are a nice compliment, non pharmaceutical, no chemicals or preservatives. All of Charlie's Kitchen Gummies are adaptogenic, the body gently uses them exactly where the body needs them. They are cost effective, organic and any ingredient can be removed if there are allergy sensitivities.

The Calming or Focus and Clarity Gummies pair nicely with listening to Solfeggio frequencies for a well intentioned downshift for the nervous system.
We have our onsite pick up locker. Text us and we can arrange your locker pick up!

11/19/2025

Transform any stretch into a fascia stretch

Any stretch can easily be transformed into a fascial stretch. What are the advantages of switching from a muscle stretch to a fascial stretch? The biggest advantage is reduced length of time stretching with increased efficiency. Muscles are arranged to allow for elasticity. What limits the capacity of a muscle to stretch is the fascia. The fascia is interwoven within and around the muscle cells, fibers and muscle body itself. By stretching the fascia, you increase the length of the muscle.

One of the simplest ways to turn a muscle stretch into a fascia stretch is to add vagal breathing. Instead of aggressively stretching to the end of the motion, gently approach the end of the motion, pause, take a belly breath (it has to be a belly breath to stretch the vagus nerve) and allow the motion to relax when you exhale. Don't force the motion. Allow the motion to gently relax with each exhale. This is a fascia stretch. You only need to do about 4 of these to stretch the fascia and it will subsequently stretch the muscle as the two are inseparable. Experiment with it. Remember, you do not need to force the motion and the more you are able to subtly pick up on a slight resistance from the motion, the more effective the fascial stretch will be with the exhale. Stop at each resistance point and execute a vagal breath.
It takes a bit to get used to this technique as we are used to "pushing to the end of the stretch" and holding that position. This fascial technique is completely different, applies less pressure, is more effective and takes less time. Give yourself some time to adjust and experiment. You'll be glad you gave it a chance.

More About Those Gummies

As stress levels increase around the holiday season, so can your cortisol levels. Increased cortisol levels can lead to more inflammation. Here's a few quick reminders about Charlies Kitchen Gummies:

1. THEY CONTAIN NO C*D OR THC
2. They are created from organic, high quality, non chemical ingredients
3. They are non pharmaceutical.
4. They are adaptogenic, the body puts them where they are needed.
5.They are subtle, gentle and plant based.
6. Any ingredients can be removed if you have specific needs, they are made
right here in St. Louis.
7. We have a pick up locker in the waiting area. You can leave us a
check/cash/use card on file and pick up any weekday. Text us for availability.

Charlie's Kitchen Gummies Varieties Available:

Inflammation
Power Wash Detox (Use Inflammation First)
Calming (Keep Calm During the Day)
Sleep (Rest Well without feeling Drugged)
Focus and Clarity (Great for ADHD)
Energy Boost
Women's Midlife

11/03/2025

https://youtu.be/-q9Aj391I_A?si=vuur6efX2UFKGk-c

What is myofascial release—and why does it work? In this video, we break down the science behind fascial tissue, the body’s three-dimensional web that connec...

10/21/2025

10/21/2025

Sample the InHarmony Vibroacoustic Meditation Cushion FREE

Wed, Oct 29 from 1-5

Many clients have been asking about the InHarmony Meditation cushion. The Meditation cushion assists you in taking a much needed break from the craziness of the world around you. It connects via bluetooth to your device. Wear the earphones and eyemask for an immersive inner journey. Reset your nervous system and enjoy the benefits that vibroacoustics has to offer.

The InHarmony Meditation Cushion is an ideal holiday gift for the family. This year, gift the entire family. Give an experience that lasts. The InHarmony Meditation Cushion is $699 and now offering FREE HEADPHONES THROUGH CYBER MONDAY WITH EVERY ORDER A SAVINGS OF $99! Before making the investment, come in an try it out for yourself. You will be surprised how easy it is to reset your nervous system and achieve an ultra relaxed state. WE HAVE A DISCOUNT CODE THAT CAN SAVE YOU EVEN MORE ON YOUR PURCHASE! USE MFRSTL WHEN YOU ORDER TO RECEIVE A GREATER DISCOUNT THAN THE ONLINE DISCOUNT PROVIDED BY INHARMONY! Payment plans are even available.

I look forward to seeing you next Wednesday, Oct 29, between 1-5. Come by and try it out and ask questions as well as receive a token of appreciation.

New Gummie Pick Up Locker for Charlie's Kitchen Gummies

We now have a pick up locker in the waiting area of Myofascial STL Plus. If you are needing any of the Charlie's Kitchen Gummies, let us know and we will fill the order and place in the locker. This is the ordering process:

1. Text you Charlie's Kitchen Order to 314-965-4404. Include the following:
Your Name
Gummie Requested
Quantity
Payment Preference-Check (leave in locker upon pickup), Venmo (Myofascial
STL Plus will send a pay request so we need your
Venmo user name), or charge card on file.
2. Myofascial STL Plus will fill the order and place in the pick up locker in the waiting area, with your name on your order.
3. Myofascial STL Plus will text you when your order is ready for pick up.
4. You can come in and pick up your order from the locker anytime during the day from 9-5 M,T,TH,F, 9-1 W.
The Key for the pick up locker is on the desk.