What's in a name?

In its infancy, many years ago, Myofascial Release began as Soft Tissue Mobilization. This technique often required a great deal of effort on the part of the therapist and was frequently uncomfortable and/or painful for the patient. Since then Myofascial Release has developed and grown to a more effective, more comfortable, long lasting technique providing the patient with increased function and decreased pain.

The Soft Tissue Mobilization techniques initially used in the past are therefore, still a form (or small part) of Myofascial Release, but are not used by the therapist who has studied and learned the more advanced form of Myofascial Release which has developed over time.

What, then, distinguishes one from the other?

Soft Tissue Mobilization

The therapist determines he or she will move through the tissue from Point A to Point B. The therapist uses his or her intention to determine where to work.

There is no time element involved. These techniques may be very short in duration

The therapist often uses a great deal of pressure in an effort to force the tissue to release restrictions

The therapist is working "on" the tissue.

These techniques are often very uncomfortable and/or painful for the patient.

Myofascial Release

The therapist determines a starting point, then follows the tissue as is softens. The therapist does not use his or her intention.

The element of time is critical. Releases take a minimum of 3–5 minutes and often are even longerin duration

The therapist begins with very gentle pressure, sinks into the tissue as the body allows, and only applies additional pressure if the body indicates it is needed

The therapist is working "with" the tissue

There is rarely pain or discomfort associated with these techniques

Which technique does Ruth Mitchell–Golladay practice?

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

What are her qualifications?

Ruth, a Texan, received her graduate degree in physical therapy from The University of Iowa in 1972. After beginning as a staff therapist, Ruth became Chief Physical Therapist on the Cancer Rehabilitation Team at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Dallas. She then opened an orthopedic private practice in Dallas in 1978. She then attended The Institute of Natural Healing Sciences in Colleyville, Texas and became Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 1991. She maintains that certification as well as Virginia state certification which she obtained when she moved from Texas to Virginia in 1998.

Ruth uses her biomechanical knowledge to assist in determining a problem with the patient/client and then primarily uses Myofascial Release techniques to decrease the symptoms and/or dysfunction. She assists patients/clients in a home program of care (including exercises as indicated) for them to complete between therapy visits.

Ruth began studying Myofascial Release with John Barnes (the recognized "father" of MFR) in 1987. She attended all courses offered and then began to teach with John Barnes in 1988. From then until 1999 she taught over 130 seminars with John or as a primary instructor for John and was privileged to personally treat John 5 times.

Professional Associations

Ruth is a member of The American Physical Therapy Association, The American Massage Therapy Association and The International Equine Body Workers Association.

Professional Training

Licensed Physical Therapist

State Certified Massage Therapist

Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

Certified Equine Body Worker

Former Senior Instructor / Coordinator / Seminar Leader for John F. Barnes, Myofascial Release Centers and Seminars

Instructor/Seminar Leader for Equinology, Inc. and its sister companies throughout the world including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England, South Africa

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