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John Barnes Myofascial ® Release in Baltimore

Home | Services | John Barnes Myofascial Release

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Gentle, Whole-Body Treatment to Relieve Pain and Restore Movement

Living with pain can make even the simplest daily activities feel overwhelming. If you've tried traditional treatments without lasting relief, John Barnes Myofascial Release® may offer a different path forward.

At deBorja Physical Therapy, Angie deBorja uses the internationally recognized John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach® to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and address the underlying restrictions that may be contributing to their symptoms. Every treatment is personalized to your unique body, movement patterns, and goals so you can return to living with greater comfort and confidence.

Understanding John Barnes Myofascial Release®

John Barnes Myofascial Release® is a specialized hands-on therapy that focuses on treating restrictions within the body's fascial system.

Fascia is a continuous, three-dimensional connective tissue network that surrounds and supports muscles, nerves, organs, bones, blood vessels, and every structure throughout the body. When fascia becomes restricted due to injury, surgery, inflammation, emotional stress, repetitive movement, or radiation treatment, it can create excessive pressure on pain-sensitive structures and limit normal movement.

Unlike treatments that focus only on where pain is felt, the John Barnes Myofascial Release Approach® recognizes that the true source of pain is often located somewhere else in the body. Through gentle, sustained pressure and continuous movement assessment, fascial restrictions can gradually release, allowing the body to move more freely while reducing pain and improving function.

Each treatment session builds upon the previous one and includes education and self-care strategies to support long-term healing between visits.

Common Causes and Symptoms

Myofascial restrictions can develop from many different experiences, including:

Physical injuries

Surgical procedures and scar tissue

Repetitive overuse

Poor posture

Sports injuries

Emotional stress or trauma

Radiation treatment

Chronic inflammation

These restrictions may contribute to symptoms such as:

Chronic pain

Acute pain

Muscle tightness

Limited mobility

Reduced flexibility

Headaches or migraines

Neck and back pain

Shoulder pain

Hip, knee, or foot pain

Jaw pain (TMJ)

Sciatica

Plantar fasciitis

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Fibromyalgia symptoms

Pelvic pain

Lymphedema

Unexplained pain that has not responded to other treatments

Because fascia connects the entire body, pain may occur far away from the actual source of the restriction.

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When Should You Seek Myofascial Release®?

If pain, stiffness, or limited movement is preventing you from exercising, working, sleeping comfortably, or enjoying everyday life, it may be time to explore John Barnes Myofascial Release®. Even if you've tried other treatments without success, a whole-body approach may help uncover the true source of your symptoms.

How John Barnes Myofascial Release® Can Help

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes your medical history, movement patterns, posture, and soft tissue assessment.

Your personalized care plan may include:

  • Whole-Body Fascial Assessment
  • Gentle Sustained Myofascial Release®
  • Movement Restoration
  • Functional Recovery
  • Self-Care Education
  • Total Body Rehabilitation
  • Conditions That May Benefit
Whole-Body Fascial Assessment

Whole-Body Fascial Assessment

Rather than focusing only on where you feel pain, Angie evaluates your entire body to identify both local and distant fascial restrictions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Gentle Sustained Myofascial Release®

Gentle Sustained Myofascial Release®

Specialized hands-on techniques apply gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and decrease stress on pain-sensitive tissues.

Movement Restoration

Movement Restoration

As restrictions are released, treatment focuses on improving flexibility, restoring mobility, and helping your body move more naturally.

Functional Recovery

Functional Recovery

The goal is to make everyday activities—such as reaching overhead, getting in and out of the car, putting on socks, or exercising—feel easier and more comfortable.

Self-Care Education

Self-Care Education

Each visit includes personalized home strategies that help reinforce your progress and support long-term recovery.

Total Body Rehabilitation

Total Body Rehabilitation

John Barnes Myofascial Release® is integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan designed to improve mobility, balance, stability, endurance, and strength so you can return to an active lifestyle.

Conditions That May Benefit

Conditions That May Benefit

John Barnes Myofascial Release® may help individuals experiencing the following: Chronic pain, Back pain, Neck pain, Shoulder pain, Hip pain, Knee pain, Foot pain, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Scar tissue restrictions, Breast cancer tightness and pain, Radiation fibrosis after cancer treatment, Lymphedema, TMJ disorders, Headaches and migraines, Plantar fasciitis, Tendinitis, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Postural dysfunction, Whiplash, Pelvic pain, Unexplained pain

Testimonial

What Our Patients Say About deBorja Physical Therapy

“Gone were back and neck pain; gone was negative arm muscle tension, gone the

reluctance to get out of bed in the morning.”

“Dr. Angela DeBorja’s physical therapy has been the best non-invasive treatment I have ever received.

I came to her with extreme pain in my shoulder in an attempt to avoid surgery recommended by my orthopedic doctor.

After two months of treatment and home exercises and finding that my neck, my back, and both arms were all part of the shoulder pain issue, there was great relief. As she worked her magic with myofascial release, movement was possible without pain.


My range of motion increased, my mobility improved, and I learned that prescribed exercises were essential to maintaining a pain free routine. Gone were back and neck pain; gone was negative arm muscle tension, gone the reluctance to get out of bed in the morning.

Now, we’re continuing to work on my arthritic hands and knee problems.


What have I learned? Good posture eliminated many problems. Exercise is essential. Paying attention to the vast and complex system through which our bodies function is necessary to maintain control of our bodies.


A word about “Angie”: she works constantly to improve her knowledge and, thus, her skill as a physical therapist. She is gentle, charming, and heals more than aches and pains. On occasion, when meeting another patient of hers, we can’t help but mention her “magic fingers”—though she also uses her arms, her whole body even to relieve us of those myofascial blockages. She teaches us to recognize how pain develops and radiates to other areas of our bodies, and, too, how we can use this knowledge to resolve that pain by simple movements at home.”

-Veidre T.

Testimonial

What Our Patients Say About deBorja Physical Therapy

“I can walk normally again with hardly any pain on flat surfaces and much less when

going up hills or upstairs than before treatment started.”

“I have to agree with others who have called Dr. Angie a miracle worker! I was desperate for relief when I contacted her, I could barely walk due to severe pain in my right hip/upper thigh, and could not lie on either side without pain, which significantly disrupted my sleep since I cannot lie on my back all night comfortably. Dr. Angie asked lots of detailed questions during my consultation and said she was confident she could help me. Well, she was right - I got significant relief after just one session, and about half-way through my plan, I am doing SO much better! I can walk normally again with hardly any pain on flat surfaces and much less when going up hills or upstairs than before treatment started, and can sleep on my side at least part of the night.”


“I had also been experiencing gluteal and upper rear thigh pain on my right side when sitting on certain seats (especially when driving), and that has also improved…In general, my pain has not been the result of injury or overuse (although I have always been active), which is what all standard PT practices seem to deal with. It started gradually after I began working full time from home due to the pandemic (my whole office went remote) and was sitting more than usual and not in a great chair for a long while. It has been on my right side, lower back radiating down the outside of my leg and has changed in various ways over time, but never gone away completely. I had been to several other physical therapists, seen a chiropractor, and tried spinal injections. Nothing really worked, because none of those interventions addressed the root cause of the problem. Dr Angie's myofascial release seems to be the solution! I am so grateful to have found her! In addition to the pain relief and mobility I have regained, I have thoroughly enjoyed our conversations, and feel so cared for. I am adding my name to the list of those who cannot recommend Dr. Angie highly enough. If you have tried everything else without experiencing real relief, give her a call!”

-Laura B.

Testimonial

What Our Patients Say About deBorja Physical Therapy

“ I feel better after every appointment! ”

 “Dr. Angela deBorja is an extraordinary physical therapist. Whether you are recovering from a medical issue and need to return to your prior level of functioning or if you feel the strain of everyday life on your body, Angela can help you! She helped me after surgery and now she helps me with posture, neck strain from sitting at the computer, stretches and most importantly, hands-on myofascial release…for pain and range of motion problems. I feel better after every appointment! Her high level of experience allows her to address her patient’s needs at all levels. I had been to physical therapy before and it felt like it was a one size fits all approach. Angela does a very thorough evaluation and tailors the intervention to not only each individual but also to what each person needs most the day they come to their appointment. Angela provides exercise videos to use at home and is always thinking about what would help her patients most. I have come to realize that everyone can benefit from the kind of physical therapy Angela provides. Life is tough on our bodies. I highly recommend that you put yourself in her expert care.” 

-NH

Myofascial Release FAQ

We understand that you may have some questions about Myofascial Release and how it works. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you better understand the process.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer them.

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What is John Barnes Myofascial Release®?

John Barnes Myofascial Release® is a specialized form of manual therapy that uses gentle, sustained pressure to release restrictions within the body's fascial system. The goal is to reduce pain, improve movement, and address the underlying cause of dysfunction rather than simply treating symptoms.

What are the benefits of Myofascial Release®?

Many patients experience improvements in pain, mobility, posture, flexibility, sleep, and overall function. Treatment may also help reduce inflammation, ease stress, decrease the frequency of flare-ups, improve participation in exercise, and make everyday activities more comfortable.

What conditions can John Barnes Myofascial Release® help treat?

This approach is commonly used to treat chronic pain, scar tissue restrictions, headaches, neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, post-surgical tightness, breast cancer rehabilitation, radiation fibrosis, lymphedema, plantar fasciitis, TMJ disorders, and many other conditions involving fascial restrictions.

How often will I need treatment?

Every patient responds differently. Some individuals benefit from weekly sessions over several months, while others achieve their goals with fewer visits. Your treatment frequency will be based on your evaluation, symptoms, and personal recovery goals.

Is Myofascial Release® painful?

John Barnes Myofascial Release® uses gentle, sustained pressure rather than aggressive force. While some areas may feel tender as restrictions begin to release, treatment is designed to work with your body's natural healing process and is generally well tolerated.

What makes the John Barnes approach different from other manual therapies?

The John Barnes Myofascial Release Approach® looks beyond the location of your pain to identify the true source of dysfunction. By treating the entire mind-body system rather than isolated symptoms, this approach aims to create more lasting improvements in movement, comfort, and overall function.

Ready to Move More Freely?

Pain doesn't have to define your daily life. Angie deBorja is here to help you uncover the source of your symptoms and create a personalized plan that supports lasting recovery. Schedule your John Barnes Myofascial Release® evaluation today and take the first step toward moving with greater comfort and confidence.

Book a Discovery Call

Clinic Hours By Appointment Only

Mon, Wednesday: 9:30 - 5 pm
Tuesday Thursday: 12 - 4 pm
Friday: 9:30 am - 4pm 
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

All information on this website is intended for instruction and informational purposes only. The authors are not responsible for any harm or injury that may result. Significant injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek suitable professional advice about your injury. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied on this website.