The barrier release is a myofascial tissue release. When you come in contact with a restrictive barrier or tension the tissue is loaded with constant force. If the tissue is constantly under tension then there will be NO release. The barrier release concept is a concept that if you go through the barrier or to the barrier the muscle never fully relaxes or releases but if you stop well before the barrier than your tissue relaxes which increases the range of motion of that said my soul to push that barrier further back thus increasing the range of motion.
I like to use the example of that if you walk all the way up to a wall you can't see how to get over or around the wall but if you walk up to a wall and stop a few feet or in this case a few inches behind the wall or barrier then you will see how to get over and around it.
With this method it is going to take a lot of proprioception and constant attention and focus with precision of movement as well as slow tempo and constant speed range of motion and time. Breathing assist with the release of myofascial tissue.
The indirect method involves a gentle stretch, with only a few grams of pressure, which is said to allow the fascia to "unwind" itself, guiding the dysfunctional tissue "along the path of least resistance until free movement is achieved."
Carol Manheim summarized the assumptions underlying the practice of myofascial release:
Fascia covers all organs of the body, muscle and fascia cannot be separated.
All muscle stretching is myofascial stretching.
Myofascial stretching in one area of the body can be felt in and will affect the other body areas.
Release of myofascial restrictions can affect other body organs through a release of tension in the whole fascia system.
Myofascial release techniques work through an unknown mechanism.
The indirect myofascial release technique, according to Barnes, is as follows:
Lightly contact the fascia with relaxed hands.
Slowly stretch the fascia until reaching a barrier/restriction.
Maintain a light pressure to stretch the barrier for approximately 3–5 minutes.
Prior to release, the therapist will feel a therapeutic pulse (e.g., heat).
As the barrier releases, the hand will feel the motion and softening of the tissue.
The key is sustained pressure over time.