Shauna Fox-Hamilton of Sioux Falls is getting to the “root of the problem” for patients through the fascia with Myofascial Release (MFR) Therapy to help with long-term healing.
The Occupational Therapist (OT) says to understand MFR, people need to first understand what the fascia is.
“Fasica is a connective tissue that runs continuously throughout your entire body—it supports every other system in your body like muscles, bones, nerves, organs, and blood vessels,” Fox-Hamilton explained. “Healthy fascia is mobile and fluid, allowing our bodies to move and function freely as it needs to/should.”
When it’s not healthy, she says it can become tight, restricted, or stuck/sticky and can cause issues with the body like stiffness, aches and pains, limited mobility, injury, and much more.
This is triggered by things like surgery, injury, positioning (such as sitting at a desk for long periods of time), repetitive motions, chronic stress, various health conditions, lifestyle, and trauma (physical and emotional).
“It can help with managing everything from unexplained chronic pain, headaches, sleep issues, acute injuries, other body issues, sports injuries, preventative health and wellness, chronic stress, emotional and nervous system regulation, and physical or emotional traumas, among many other things,” said Fox-Hamilton.
MFR is hands-on body work that releases fascial restrictions in order for the body to become “unstuck.” Fox-Hamilton learned the John F. Barnes approach at seminars, and after working in clinics during her 15 years as an OT, she learned first person how MFR can help patients.
“I have had chronic pain for over two decades, and after receiving this work I was honestly so shocked and amazed at how it significantly helped me to heal,” she said. “As I continued to study and practice the work, I fell in love with it because it is a holistic modality that encompasses both physical and emotional healing—it truly is a mind-body work.”
Fox-Hamilton launched RoOTed and went full time in 2024 at her space at 3701 W. 49th Street in the AAA building. Learn more about MFR and what the OT does outside of work.
WHAT KIND OF PATIENTS DO YOU SEE?
It’s a therapy that is good for all ages across the lifespan. I have babies, kids, teens, and adults of all ages coming into the office for various reasons. Babies often are being seen to help with feeding or pre/post frenectomies (tongue/lip release) and to help with various things that may be contributing to colic/fussiness or tension. Kids and adults come to RoOTed for a variety of reasons—including physical and emotional.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR JOB?
All of the people I get to meet and connect with. It’s amazing watching someone on the treatment table start to heal and become more attuned to their own body, and when clients come back for the next session and are so excited to tell me about something that they felt or something that is now easier for them to do in their everyday life.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
I love spending time with my family, riding my bike, doing outdoor activities with my kids and husband, spending time at the lake, and studying and learning various things—new and continued. I also love a good coffee date or a walk with friends.
WHAT REACTIONS DO PEOPLE HAVE TO THE MRF?
People’s reactions are so fun, exciting, and inspiring. In the RoOTed office, I often will hear things like “I feel like I’m floating on the clouds” or “I feel so light, relaxed, and loose.” I also have been asked if I have “magic hands.” Many people are fascinated and excited when they start to feel their bodies start to unwind or let go, or when they start to have improved body awareness and long-lasting results with treatment.
