Combining Barnes Myofascial Release bodywork with Somatic Experiencing nervous system trauma resolution approach is very powerful and yet gentle.

Barnes Myofascial Release works on the body’s fascia to release physical and emotional holding patterns providing deep, lasting relief. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing Approach works to release the effects of trauma held in the body by exploring the physical nature of the trauma.

Deirdre is an Expert Level Barnes Myofascial Release therapist and a second year student of Peter Levine’s somatic experiencing approach.

Fascia (also known as connective tissue) is completely interconnected web that surrounds and interfaces with every single cell in the body – including muscle, nerve, blood, and brain cells. It’s literally everywhere. Fascia’s role is to protect us and give us structure. It holds onto pain, emotions and memories. Fascia is the container for consciousness in our bodies.

When we have an injury, an accident, a surgery or a trauma - major or minor - our fascia begins to tighten down around that area and solidify. A “tight” area is created called a restriction. Restrictions then pull into the entire fascial web in the body and start to cause pain and dysfunction.

Barnes Myofascial Release applies gentle, sustained pressure into these restrictions to give a true release. Myofascial Release never forces, trying to force causes our system to go into protection mode.

The fascia is completely interconnected from head to toe. Only addressing the area of symptoms will only provide temporary relief. Barnes Myofascial Release addresses the body as a whole. A restriction in one area of the fascia may be the cause of symptoms in a far away area. If we only address the symptoms we usually miss the root cause. Addressing and releasing the root cause allows for true healing to occur.

Addressing the nervous system in conjunction with the fascia allows for complete resolution to both pain and trauma that is held in the body. Peter Levine defines trauma as anything that is “too much, too fast or too soon”. The effects of trauma can present in many ways - anxiety, restlessness, lack of zest for life, physical pain, emotional pain and distress, tension. Somatic experiencing works in gentle ways to release trauma from the body without becoming overwhelmed. It is not necessary to retell all of the story of the trauma in order to resolve it. Working with the body, we take a very gentle approach to resolving trauma.

Self-Treatment Techniques

I teach all my clients both myofascial release techniques and somatic skills to continue their treatment at home. This empowers you to take control of your own health and wellbeing.

Myofascial Release may help with:

Healing from birth – Preparation for vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) – Preparation for birth - Pre and post mastectomy and reconstruction – Endometriosis - Back Pain – Chronic Pain – Disc Problems – Headaches – Migraines – Fibromyalgia – Jaw Pain /TMJ Dysfunction – Pelvic Pain – Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – Painful Scars – Scoliosis – Sciatica – Whiplash – Sports Injuries – Adhesions – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Neck Pain – Neurological Dysfunction – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome –Myofascial Pain Syndrome.