05/12/2026
The Bodywork Coaching Boutique is a Myofascial Release Practice.
Our services are rooted in the principles of myofascial release.
I had the pleasure and honor of studying with John Barnes at the Cervical Thoracic Seminar in Cape Cod, MA several years ago prior to his recent passing.
I have taken many more seminars prior and since including MFR 1 & 2 and pediatric MFR.
I look forward to continuing my education and depth of knowledge.
I always tell people, “fascia chose me.”
Early on in my career I could feel the subtle rhythm beneath my fingers. I had a great mentor point me in the direction of myofascial release to help refine my skills and increase my knowledge.
I will always be grateful for the folks who have shaped me into the therapist I am today 🙏🏻
Craniosacral Therapy vs. John Barnes’ Myofascial Release
Understanding the difference in perspective and depth
There’s often confusion between Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release—especially because both are gentle, hands-on therapies that work with the body’s subtle rhythms.
But the lens they use is different.
John Upledger’s Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
• Focuses on the craniosacral system
• Uses extremely light touch ( 5 grams)
• Works with the craniosacral rhythm
• System-specific approach centered around the skull, spine & sacrum
John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release (MFR)
• Treats the body as one interconnected fascial system
• Uses sustained pressure (3–5+ minutes)
• Addresses whole-body fascial restrictions
• Focuses on root cause healing & nervous system regulation
John Barnes taught:
“There is no separate craniosacral rhythm. What practitioners are feeling is the rhythm of the entire fascial system.”
In John Barnes’ MFR, healing may include:
• The Triad of Healing
• Cross-hand technique
• Rebounding
• Unwinding
(physical, emotional & energetic healing)
Why this matters:
Fascial restrictions can:
• Hold up to 2,000 lbs of pressure
• Affect the entire body
• Store trauma, stress & emotional patterns
• Does not appear on imaging
A “cranial issue” may actually originate from:
• The pelvis
• Diaphragm
• Viscera
• Or unresolved fascial restrictions elsewhere in the body
But Myofascial Release goes deeper into:
Root cause healing
Whole-body integration
Nervous system regulation through sustained release
It’s not about chasing a rhythm.
It’s about listening to the body as a unified system—and allowing it the time and space to unwind.
Both modalities can be supportive.
But MFR takes a broader whole-body fascial approach focused on integration, release, and allowing the body to unwind naturally.
