Myofascial release with an occupational therapist, at home

What myofascial release is

Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and links muscles, organs and other structures throughout the body. Myofascial release is a hands-on approach that uses slow, sustained, gentle pressure to address areas of tightness or restriction in that tissue. The John F. Barnes approach emphasizes patience and sensitivity to how the body responds, rather than forceful stretching or deep pressure.

Karina Fakheri, MS, OTR/L is trained in John F. Barnes myofascial release and offers it as part of her occupational therapy practice, alongside her background in neurological rehabilitation from more than 15 years at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

What a session involves, in general terms

Every session is individual, but a typical visit follows a general pattern.

• Conversation: you describe your history, what you feel and what you want to be able to do
• Observation: Karina looks at posture, movement and areas where you feel restriction or discomfort
• Hands-on work: light, sustained contact with tissue, held patiently while Karina follows how the body responds; you can tell her at any moment if something is uncomfortable
• Movement and self-care: activities, positioning and simple suggestions you can use between visits

Because the work happens at home, it can be integrated with practical goals such as sitting comfortably, sleeping, reaching or getting in and out of bed.

Who considers myofascial release

People look into myofascial release for ongoing tension, stiffness or discomfort, and as one part of recovery plans after surgery or neurological events. Whether it suits you depends on your health history, and Karina asks about this before beginning. It is not a cure, and results vary from person to person. Karina may combine it with other parts of her practice, such as post-surgical recovery, stroke recovery and Parkinson's support, always in line with your physician's guidance.

For a plain-language introduction, see our article What Is Myofascial Release?

What to expect from a first conversation

The first step is a phone consultation, which is complimentary and confidential. Karina asks about your history, your goals and your home, and explains how an in-home plan could work. If you decide to go ahead, the first visit includes an evaluation, and the plan that follows is shaped by what she finds and by your physician's guidance.

Where Karina travels

Sessions are available in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, West Hollywood, Hancock Park, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Studio City and greater Los Angeles.

This page offers general educational information, not medical advice. Please talk with your physician about your own health, and about anything that worries you.

To talk through your situation, call or text (310) 270-7019 or request a complimentary, confidential consultation.