About Integrative Fascial Release

Michele studied Integrative Fascial Release (IFR) with Steven Goldstein, LMP, the developer of this versatile modality. IFR evolved from his work with Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, and other bodywork techniques. Michele is one of the teaching assistants at Steven's IFR workshops in Seattle.

What is fascia?

Fascia is the layer of connective tissue that wraps around all of our muscles, bones, nerves, organs, and joints. It surrounds our entire body and gives us shape and structure. Think of your parts as if encased in plastic cling wrap. Those areas that move in repetitive ways tend to get bunched up, and alter the shape of the rest of the body as well. Anywhere that there has been injury is also a prime candidate for fascial adhesions, or "knots".

What is IFR?

IFR is a holistic approach to the body and its pain, patterns, and restrictions. It works with the central nervous system to affect the entire body. Indirect techniques of manual therapy are employed to release specific restrictions. For example, to treat neck pain we may trigger a release by working at the wrists or the hips in addition to working directly on the neck.

IFR involves a focus and deep relaxation of the client and the therapist. This enables the fascia to release long held restrictions, thereby increasing ease of movement, reducing pain, and ungluing tissue adhesions at injury sites. IFR opens the client's body to a new and regained sense of movement and freedom.

The fascial layer is also where the energetic body connects to the physical body, therefore changes may happen on energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels during this work

"Only when you truly inhabit your body can you begin the healing journey." -- Gabrielle Roth, author/healer