Integral Physical Therapy, LLC

10/07/2026

Today is Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day 🎗️

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is an example of neuropathic pain, arising from the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve). New cases of TN affect 4 to 5 of every 100,000 people in the United States each year.

TN episodes may start as short, mild attacks and progress and cause longer, more-frequent bouts of searing pain. TN pain is described as sudden and intense, with patient ratings of 9 out of 10, or more, although less severe attacks can occur. TN pain is often describes as stabbing, shooting, sharp, piercing or electrical in nature. Pain can occur almost anywhere between the jaw and forehead, including inside the mouth.

International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day was first commemorated in 2013 by supporters of the cause. In 2017, a resolution was put forth in the US House of Representatives to officially recognize October 7 as the national day.

This date is recognized and observed around the world, not as a day of celebration, but a day we mark to acknowledge the many members of our community who suffer from debilitating facial pain. You are not alone.

Learn more about trigeminal neuralgia: https://www.facepain.org/.../diagnosis/trigeminal-neuralgia/

09/04/2026

THE PSOAS: A DEEP MUSCLE WITH A BIG ROLE IN BACK PAIN 💜

If your low back keeps hurting, the problem may not be only in your back.

Meet the psoas—one of the deepest muscles in the body and an important connection between your spine, pelvis, and legs.

📍 WHERE IS THE PSOAS?
The psoas major originates along the lumbar spine, travels deep through the abdomen and pelvis, and joins the iliacus before attaching to the upper femur.

Because of this location, it has a direct relationship with the low back, pelvis, hips, posture, and movement.

✨ WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The psoas helps you:

• Flex your hip
• Stabilize the lumbar spine
• Walk, run, and climb stairs
• Coordinate movement between your trunk and legs
• Maintain functional positioning of the spine and pelvis

When the psoas becomes tight, guarded, overworked, or restricted, it can influence the mechanics of the lumbar spine and pelvis.

⚡ THE PSOAS + BACK PAIN

A restricted or overactive psoas may contribute to:

→ Low-back discomfort
→ Hip or groin tension
→ Difficulty standing fully upright
→ Pelvic imbalance
→ Increased lumbar compression or altered spinal mechanics
→ Discomfort after prolonged sitting
→ A feeling that stretching your back never quite gets to the problem

This is one reason I don’t automatically treat where the pain is.

If your back hurts, I’m also looking at your pelvis, hips, psoas, diaphragm, abdominal fascia, legs, and the fascial connections throughout your entire body.

💜 THE PSOAS DOESN’T EXIST IN ISOLATION.

In Myofascial Release, we look beyond one muscle and assess the larger fascial system.

Sometimes lasting change comes from addressing the restrictions that are pulling on the painful area—not repeatedly chasing the pain itself.

Your back pain may be the messenger.
The source of the tension may be somewhere else.

Treat the front of the back! The Psoas!

Have you ever had your psoas assessed or treated?

Rowena Cua 💜
Expert JFB Myofascial Release Therapist
Trauma Informed Healing
🌐 www.bodymfr.com

05/26/2026

The Pressure Positive Company - is local and offers a great product. The Backknobber II is one of the self-treatment tools I highly recommend. Reach out to me for more information and how to use within the John F Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach (R) guidelines.

Thank you, Marcus B. for the positive review:

"It’s simple, it works and it’s easy to pack. The marvelous thing is that it’s simple, direct and you apply just the pressure you decide you require."

04/28/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbJuLN0TBP8

364 likes, 20 comments. "John F. Barnes Explains MFR for Fibromyalgia"

02/18/2026

Created by Richard Harty, PT. A myofascial release therapist using the John Barnes' Approach (R). Images of fascia and a great explaination of the system and the intervention.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

12/22/2025

It is with great sadness to share that my teacher and mentor, the founder of the John F Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach(R) has passed away. I found this approach at the end of 2010 and opened IPT as a dedicated John Barnes' Myofascial Release(R) treatement center. John Barnes, PT taught this whole body approach that meets specific prinicipals. The techniques are GENTLE and SAFE; HONORS the mind and body providing space to heal both mental/emotional and physical trauma/injury; WHOLENESS - you are not just a body part; and EFFECTIVE in relieving pain and restoring function. John was gentle, encouraging and respectful of where each therapist and patient was at in either learning to be great therapist or faciliting a healing journey .
I am forever grateful to have found JFB-MFR(R) and will continue to share a subtle but profound therapy.

08/18/2025

Past or present clients - I have some openings on Wednesday and Friday. Contact me for a session - first come first serve = $20 off regular fee.

04/15/2025

Looking for any of these qualities?

- Move freer
- Breath deeper and easier
- Have more energy
- Improve balance
- Feel centered
- Decrease pain

John Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach (R) helps with all the above.

04/09/2025

My special mirror has transitioned to its new wall nicely.