About the Myofascial Release Therapist Directory

Founder of Myofascial Release, Physical Therapist

John F. Barnes is an internationally recognized physical therapist, lecturer, author and the leading authority on Myofascial Release. Through his 50 years of experience and creative insight, he has developed an innovative and highly effective whole body approach for the evaluation and treatment of pain and dysfunction. Myofascial Release has exploded on the therapeutic scene with an unprecedented impact and is recognized as the most effective form of healthcare therapy.

John began developing his Myofascial Release Approach® and teaching seminars in the 1970s. He has trained over 100,000 therapists and physicians in his highly successful Myofascial Release Approach®. John was named one of the most influential persons in the therapeutic profession in the last century, in the national Massage Magazine’s featured article titled “Stars of the Century.” He is a physical therapist and is considered to be a visionary and teacher of the highest caliber.

Mark F. Barnes, PT, MPT, DPT

Dr. Mark Barnes is an Exercise Physiologist and Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 30 years of clinical experience. Throughout his career, he has successfully owned and operated various businesses in the fields of physical and occupational therapy. His clinics have consistently focused on evidence-based protocols, cost-containment strategies, and promoting employee health for large self-insured employers.

In 1997, Mark published a groundbreaking paper titled “The Basic Science of Myofascial Release” in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. This influential work explored the cybernetic systems science nature of fascia and presented the scientific rationale behind myofascial release as an effective approach for improving structural, physiological, and metabolic health in patients experiencing pain.

With inspiration and insight from his father, Mark developed the Equine MFR approach and seminar series where he trained therapists in this approach over the last 15 years. He also taught his protocols at CSU Equine Science Program and treated horses at the CSU Large Animal Clinic.

For his Doctorate thesis, Mark pioneered an evidence-based approach to utilizing yoga for the aging adult population. His research demonstrated that a daily practice of his adapted yoga method enhanced core stability, balance, and significantly reduced the incidence of falls among adults over 65 years old.

In 2008, Mark developed the first musculoskeletal telehealth platform, revolutionizing the delivery of physical therapy beyond traditional clinic settings. This innovative solution was utilized by 28 outpatient clinics and positively impacted the lives of over 35,000 patients. Today, it is successfully distributed to national partners, including payers and large self-funded employers, benefiting over 5 million employees across the country.

As the founder and developer of the MFR Directory (now MFR Health), Mark has established an extensive network of over 1,000 John F. Barnes trained providers. This valuable resource has attracted over 1 million unique visitors seeking myofascial release treatment and has facilitated over 200,000 leads to its U.S. and international listed providers.

Mark’s dedication to patient care continues through his hybrid digital health clinic, BackLab, where he combines traditional outpatient services with innovative digital health approach. Additionally, he leads his telehealth company, Orbit Telehealth, while actively publishing his clinical protocols. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark enjoys pursuing his passion for surfing in the beautiful waves of Mexico.