Heather Allen, MS, PT

Heather is a licensed physical therapist and owner of Southern Maryland Myofascial Release, Inc. Heather has been in practice for almost 20 years specializing in Myofascial Release as an Expert Level practitioner, Craniosacral Therapy, and the treatment of chronic pain conditions. Heather is an intuitive therapist who helps patients to unlock and release the restrictions in their body and guide them back to a pain free and healthy way of living.

About Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a technique used by physical therapists and other health care providers to relieve pain and improve physical functioning through the manipulation of the fascial network. Fascia is a connective tissue system found throughout the body. It is unique in that it is not a system of separate coverings, but rather one singular structure that extends from head to toe without interruption. Fascia is very densely woven, with an appearance to that of a spider’s web. It lines and covers every muscle, bone, nerve and blood vessel in our body as well as surrounding all our internal organs including the heart, brain, spinal cord and lungs.

In the normal healthy state, fascia is relaxed and well hydrated with the ability to stretch and move allowing our body to absorb and adapt to stress With any injury or trauma the fascia loses some of its pliability, becoming tight, dehydrated and limiting normal movement. The restrictions that develop can result in inflammation of joints and soft tissue, compression of bones and nerves, poor posture and pain. Science has shown that adhesions in the fascial network can create pressure on structures in our body of up to 2000 pounds per square inch! Without the constant balanced pull of the fascial network there is a loss of equilibrium in the body resulting in pain and the dysfunction of one or more of our body systems.

MFR allows therapists to engage this three dimensional system and manipulate it to release adhesions and restore the body’s normal healthy balance. Using constant, sustained pressure to treat these restricted regions, we take pressure off joints and nerves, improve flexibility in muscles and in the spine, and therefore improve posture, reduce pain and improve the patient’s overall quality of life.

Southern Maryland Myofascial Release is a practice based on the John F. Barnes, PT approach. For additional information on this approach and other useful resources, visit myofascialrelease.com.

Conditions Treated:

Everything from neck and back pain, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, sprains and strains, post-operative care, vertigo/dizziness, headaches/migraines, TMJ/jaw pain, joint pain/inflammation, surgery/scars/adhesion, scoliosis, repetitive stress injuries…just to name a few. If you don’t see it listed here that doesn’t mean we can’t treat it.

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