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                   Jill's Story from the Myofascial Stretching Book

I lived with chronic pain throughout my body for 20 years as a result of multiple traumas suffered as achild and young adult. Before discovering John F. Barnes Myofascial Release (MFR), I had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression and numerous orthopedic conditions. Chiropractic, traditional physical and occupational therapy, acupuncture and massage provided temporary relief. As an Occupational Therapist with many resources at my disposal, healing remained elusive. I tried many modalities including pilates, yoga and weight training. Despite high caliber instructors, my pain got worse because of the severe fascial restrictions pulling me out of alignment. I was eventually forced to give up the activities I loved, including telemark skiing, hiking and biking. I could barely hold down a part time job and even walking was painful. Two surgeons told me I’d never ski again without bilateral knee surgery. Shoulder and ankle operations were also recommended. Other doctors proposed antidepressants and pain killers. I refused all surgeries and medications, believing there was another answer.

I had been exposed to Myofascial Release as an OT student, but it wasn’t until hitting the proverbial “rock bottom” that I finally found an MFR therapist in Denver. My body immediately responded and knew this was what it needed. I traveled to John Barnes’ clinic in Sedona, Arizona to undergo two weeks of intensive therapy. In addition to receiving excellent treatment, I was introduced to the concept of treating myself and the principles of Myofascial Stretching. Returning home with less pain than I’d had in years, I continued to receive therapy and began taking MFR Seminars. A tremendous amount of my energy went into Myofascial Stretching. Hours were spent alone tuning into my body discovering where my fascial restrictions were and how to release them. I experimented with techniques learned in Sedona, and intuitively started to develop my own. Upon learning to feel the releases, Myofascial Stretching became a part of my lifestyle as I gratefully returned to previous activities. I could now release tight tissue while watching a movie, riding in the car or on my bike, dancing at a concert and engaging in conversation at a party. Props such as trees and logs, chairlift supports, doorways, rocks, benches and picnic tables helped me to engage and release fascial restrictions. I stretched while talking on the phone, waiting in line, typing at the computer and even sitting on the toilet. Increased body awareness, greater focus, presence and ability to concentrate on two things at once were unexpected and welcomed benefits of this process.

As my body continued to untwist, unwind and free itself of the ‘Myofascial Straightjacket’ in which it had been imprisoned, other modalities became more helpful. Spinal manipulations would now hold. Weak muscles previously encased in tight fascia could finally activate and become strong. Myofascial Release can be the missing link and exponentially increase the effectiveness of chiropractic, traditional PT and OT, acupuncture, massage, pilates, yoga and weight training for people with major fascial restrictions.

Today, I have returned to pursuing the activities I love. I am blessed with a successful Myofascial Release Practice and teach all my clients Myofascial Stretching. My body is strong, healthy, virtually pain free and supports me in amazing ways. I am a more grounded, centered, intuitive person as a result of tuning into and listening to my body. I live in a constant state of gratitude. My intention is to offer this story and these techniques to anyone else in pain that might benefit from my experience. Like anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it. Myofascial Stretching is not a quick fix. It is a Journey. It takes time for a body to become tight and twisted. It takes time and awareness for it to release and realign.

Enjoy!

Jill Stedronsky, MS, OTR
303 332 9171
Jill@DenverMyofascialRelease.com
Lakewood, Colorado 80228