John Barnes's Healing Hands Seminar

A Personal Journey to Pain Relief

When chronic pain or tension limits your daily life, finding a gentle and effective way to heal can feel overwhelming. My healing journey began when I saw my first chiropractor at age 19... 30 years ago. Living with mysterious chronic pain meant I had been misdiagnosed with carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Pharmaceuticals like anti-depressants, pain killers, and anti-anxiety meds weren't sustainable options for me. I saw light therapists, color therapists, massage therapists, Reiki workers, an Okinawan energy healer, a Peruvian palm reader, an astrologer, acupuncturists, I did 2 series of 10 Rolfing treatments...every healing thing you can imagine, I tried it. The things that most helped relieve my pain were acupuncture and Rolfing. I had 2 foot surgeries to ease debilitating pain on the left side of my body. Still, on bad days when the humidity was high, my body cried. My hands were too weak to even open a water bottle or rip open a sugar packet. Sometimes I would lose sensation down my arm, wrist, and hand on the left side of my body. Sometimes I would lose my words or I would say the wrong words when trying to communicate.

I could barely walk up the stairs to our second-floor bedroom when I visited a neurologist in 2017. He informed me there was something going on on the left side of my neck, at the base of my skull. With his help and the help of my life partner, I was able to unsquinch 2 major nerve bundles coming out of my brain stem that were pinched by my C1 and C2 cervical vertebrae. The result was instantly life changing as the left side of my body got signal for the first time in 3 decades.

My chronic pain was decreased to a tenth of my prior pain! I could walk up and down the stairs again with ease. Typing no longer reduced me to tears. My anxiety lessened. Insomnia improved. My gait changed. Parts of my feet that had never touched the ground before had to get used to feeling new pressure points when I walked. That neurologist transformed my quality of life.

The transformation continued in March 2022 when I met my first myofascial release (MFR) therapist and my body was able to release the remaining long-held patterns of tension and pain. As an MFR patient, I discovered that the key to relief lies in understanding the fascial system, a network of connective tissue that supports and connects every part of our body. Attending a John Barnes’s Myofascial Release (MFR) Seminar designed exclusively for patients opened my eyes to how this therapy can transform overall well-being. If you are a patient seeking healing or a therapist wanting to deepen your skills, this seminar offers a unique opportunity to unlock the power of MFR.

What Makes Myofascial Release Different

Myofascial release targets the fascia, the thin, 3D network of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs. Fascia also winds in-between spaces within our muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When this tissue becomes tight or restricted, it can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement. The John Barnes method uses gentle, sustained pressure for 3-5 minutes to release these restrictions without causing discomfort or injury. This approach is safe and effective for chronic pain conditions.

During the seminar, I learned how John Barnes's MFR style differs from other therapies by gently focusing on the body’s natural healing ability. Instead of forcing tissues or jabbing knots, the technique encourages the fascia to unwind slowly, allowing the body to reset itself. This hands-on experience helped me feel the subtle changes in my own body and understand how to apply the techniques with care.

What I Learned at the Seminar

The seminar spans four days of interactive lectures, and hands-on practicums held at the Villas at Poco Diablo by VRI Resort. It is designed for both patients and therapists, making it a welcoming space for a broad range of people interested in healing through touch.

Here are some key takeaways from the sessions:

• Deeper understanding of the fascial system

We explored how fascia influences posture, movement, emotions, and pain. This knowledge helped us recognize the root causes of discomfort rather than just treating symptoms.

• The Myofascial Healing process

The seminar explained how to identify fascial restrictions and use 6 specific MFR techniques to release them. We saw how this process can reduce pain and improve mobility.

• Self-treatment techniques

Learning how to treat yourself is empowering. The seminar taught simple ways to stay energized between sessions.

• Connecting with your body

A unique part of the experience was developing the ability to tune-in to your body’s signals by becoming still. This connection enhances self-awareness and supports ongoing healing.

Hands-On Learning in a Supportive Environment

One of the most valuable aspects of the seminar is the hands-on lab sessions. You will practice techniques on other participants and receive treatments yourself. This group setting creates a powerful dynamic where everyone supports each other’s healing journey.

The dress code is casual to allow easy movement. You can bring your own yoga mat, roll-up vinyl pads, or even a massage table if you prefer. This flexibility makes the experience comfortable and accessible.

Healing Beyond the Seminar

While in Sedona, the seminar encourages you to visit "Therapy on the Rocks," their tranquil creekside spa offering myofascial release treatments. Spending time here before, during, or after the seminar can deepen your healing and rejuvenate your body. The peaceful setting with redwood decks and a creekside whirlpool adds to the restorative experience.

New Healing, New Career

Before attending the seminar, I had experienced a hundred hours of MFR from John Barnes-trained therapists. They helped me release pain and anxiety that no other therapy seemed to fix. Through the hands-on practice and guidance, I discovered how tight fascia was the hidden cause of my remaining discomfort. Applying the techniques I learned at the seminar to myself and to my family, I began to feel relief and more emotional freedom in my life.

This experience validated for me that healing is not just about fixing a problem but about reconnecting with your body and understanding its needs. The seminar gave me tools to continue this journey long after the sessions ended.

By learning to work with your fascia and tuning in to the body’s signals, this seminar opened the door to lasting healing and trauma release for me. I signed up for a 4-week Comprehensive Intensive Treatment at Therapy on the Rocks > which led to another 2.5 weeks at Therapy on the Rocks > which led to me deciding to completely change careers and become a licensed massage therapist in Las Vegas! If you want to keep following my journey, subscribe to my YouTube channel where I share videos of my myofascial release/manual therapy/Swedish massage techniques, as well as guided imagery, and my internships with UNLV and Cirque du Soleil.