Connective Health
I am glad you are here and cannot wait to connect with you on your journey to improved health and function!
about me
Teresa Millner OTR/L
My name is Teresa Millner. I am a registered and licensed occupational therapist (OT). I have been practicing OT for 24 years and working with myofascial release techniques at some capacity for the last 10 years. I am a wife and mom to three healthy and active kids.
my story
Why Myofascial Release?
My baby had torticollis as an infant and was struggling to get better. I was introduced to myofascial release during the course of her care. After one treatment session, my daughter's neck was straight AND she started crawling that evening after months of struggling with rocking and landing on her tummy.
A year later I was struggling with a concussion and pain radiating down the back of my head. I once again turned to myofascial release, and it worked!
As a therapist myself and how helpful this technique has been in my personal life, I had to learn more about it. I started to slowly take classes and dabble in it a little here and there. My love for it grew, and I now have my own practice which I am excited to share with you.
About Myofascial release
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release is a gentle and effective therapy that targets the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs found throughout the body. By utilizing sustained pressure and stretching techniques, myofascial release releases tension and restrictions within the fascia, allowing for greater mobility, flexibility, muscle balance, and decreased pain.
But how exactly does myofascial release improve movement and decrease pain? The key lies in addressing areas of tightness and imbalance within the fascia. When the fascia becomes restricted, whether due to poor posture, injury, illness, a surgery, or repetitive motions, it can create a domino effect throughout the body, leading to pain, limited range of motion, and muscle imbalances. Through targeted myofascial release, clients can experience pain reduction, increased flexibility, improved muscle function, and reduce their risk for future injury/illness.
Who Benefits?
I believe anyone can. Areas that are commonly improved with myofascial release therapy include, but are not limited to:
Chronic Pain Sufferers
- Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain syndrome often involve tight or restricted fascia. MFR (myofascial release) helps reduce pain and improve overall comfort.
Individuals with Orthopedic Injuries
- Those recovering from sprains, fractures, or joint injuries may experience fascial restrictions that impede their recovery. MFR can promote healing and enhance range of motion.
Post-Surgical Patients
- After surgeries, scar tissue and adhesions can form in the fascial layers, leading to stiffness and pain. Myofascial release can soften scar tissue and improve mobility.
People with Postural Imbalances
- Poor posture from prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, or misalignment can cause fascial restrictions. MFR helps restore balance and alignment by releasing tension in affected areas.
Athletes and Active Individuals
- Athletes often experience overuse injuries or tightness in their muscles and fascia. MFR supports recovery, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances performance by improving flexibility and muscle function.
Neurological Conditions
- Some individuals with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or cerebral palsy find relief from stiffness and spasticity through myofascial release.
Stress-Related Tension
- Emotional and physical stress often manifest as tension in the fascia. MFR provides relaxation and relief by releasing stored tension in the body.
Myofascial release is not just for adults, kids benefit too, and can be seen for any condition an adult can. My kids are very athletic and between gymnastics, tennis, baseball, fastpitch softball, and basketball, there are always sore arms, backs, ankles and knees that need attention. My kids keep me busy and ask for it almost daily!
*If you are unsure if you could benefit, please reach out for more individualized discussion.
Frequently asked questions
How is myofascial release different from a massage?
Myofascial release targets a specific area of the body or condition while massage addresses a broader area. Myofascial release uses sustained pressure and gentle stretching to soften and release fascia, using a very light touch (unlike massage). You may be asked to move a body part in a certain way during a session versus being still during a massage. Additionally, myofascial release can be targeted to very specific body parts, often resulting in a "domino" release throughout the body.
What do I wear?
You can wear a t-shirt, sports bra, regular bra, swim suit, shorts, or underwear. I prefer you wear cotton. Fabrics that are slippery are hard to maintain a grip on and may hinder results.
What do I do when I am being worked on?
You have three jobs. One, I ask that you relax as much as you possibly can. This will help results. Two, your body MAY want to move or express what it needs to (ex: changing positions, sighing, yawning, change in breathing, or falling asleep). Let it. It is all normal. Lastly, there will be times I ask questions or ask you to flex or extend a limb.
Prices
Pricing: (taxes included)
30 minute session: 45.00
One hour session: 85.00
Hour and half session: 130.00
Two hours: 170.00
Cash Discount:
30 minute session: 42.00
One hour session: 82.00
Hour and half session: 127.00
Two hours: 167.00
Payment
As a private pay practitioner, I accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
I do not accept insurance, but I do accept HSA or FSA funds, if able to pay by credit card (check with your provider).
I do not accept Venmo or checks. I will not be able to produce change for cash.
Cancellation
A 24 hour notice is required to cancel or reschedule any appointment.
Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be charged 50% of booked service.
Same day cancellations or no shows will be charged 100% of booked service