Master’s Touch
Expert Care in Experienced Hands
Meet Barb Friscia
Specializing in Therapeutic Massage
and Myofascial Release
I began my professional career in Sports Medicine as a Certified Athletic Trainer, ATC. I have had incredible professional experiences at the high school, college and Olympic levels on the medical team for diverse athletic populations. During this time I developed an interest in soft tissue health for injury prevention and rehab. This desire to focus on soft tissue health led me to massage therapy school and I became a certified Massage Therapist in 1990.
I have since been practicing as a licensed massage therapist and a physical therapist assistant in private practices in New Jersey and Maine, focusing on Myofascial Release techniques. I have distinguished myself among massage therapists by the level of my education, professional experiences and further studies in soft tissue health and myofascial release. I have been medically trained through the fields of athletic training and physical therapy, which provides insights not typically found with massage therapists. The past 30 years I have had valuable experiences under leaders in the fields of myofascial release and orthopaedic manual therapy.
I have the advantage of combining my 3 college degrees and experiences as a certified Athletic Trainer, licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and Massage Therapist to provide my clients an exceptional experience in Myofascial Release and soft tissue health. I have developed my “tools of the trade” to create unique techniques used during client’s sessions to maximize the results desired by each individual. Listening to each of my clients, individualizing their sessions and developing a program the client can continue at home are all part of the services I offer.
The changes occurring in our lives ie now working remotely from home, spending more time in front of computers, being unable to get adequate exercise and dealing with the increased stress of our current times have become our “new normal”. I am finding these factors are creating more of a need for release of soft tissue tension allowing for the correction of poor movement patterns that create painful restrictions. Therapeutic massage and myofascial release can assist with relieving areas of restriction and stress that create unhealthy conditions.
I continue to take courses that build my skills as a massage therapist. As a member of the AMTA I stay current with ways to advance in the care of my clients, enhancing their experience and maximizing their outcomes
I look forward to meeting you and discuss how I can assist you with your health care needs. I know you will appreciate the level of expertise I will provide during your sessions. Contact me today by calling 207/595.8328 or email [email protected] for further information on services at Master’s Touch, LLC.
Education
Master of Arts degree (MA) with specialization in Sports Medicine
Bachelor of Science degree (BS) with specialization in Sports Medicine
Asssociates in Applied Science degree (AAS) Physical Therapist Assistant
Certificate in Massage Therapy
Certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS) from the Gray Institute
Functional Soft Tissue Transformation (FSTT) program completion Gray Institute
Licenses and Certifications
Massage Therapist State of Maine License #MT6060
Physical Therapist Assistant State of Maine License #PA4726
Continuing Education
I have focused on courses in soft tissue health and MFR since 1995, under experts in the fields such as:
- Robert King, LMT—Myofascial Release
- John Barnes, PT, LMT—Myofascial Release
- Gary Gray—Gray Institute
- Maria Alfieris, PT—Deep Soft Tissue Fascial Therapy
I have taken hundreds of hours of continuing education courses under my three professional licenses.
Master’s Touch
Expert Care in Experienced Hands
Meet Barb Friscia
Specializing in Therapeutic Massage
and Myofascial Release
Blank
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic Massage incorporates techniques manipulating soft tissue structures that assist with:
- Calming the nervous system
- Increasing the efficiency of the circulatory and lymphatic systems
- Increasing range of motion with fewer restrictions and discomfort
- Decreasing lethargic feelings and low levels of energy
- Improved sleep patterns
Therapeutic Massage takes advantage of the body in a relaxed state to allow better manual work of the skin, muscle, tendon, and fascial structures to improve the integrity of the targeted soft tissue under the hands of the therapist.
Therapeutic techniques commonly used can include strokes of effleurage, petrissage, lifting, wringing, tapping, and friction which are individually tailored during each session to maximize the best outcome for the client.
Planning for your Therapeutic Massage
- Each session is 1 to 1 1/2 hours, determined at time of scheduling appointment.
- You are required to bring your own mask.
- Let me know if you have any skin allergies or sensitivities.
- You may request to have an area targeted more during the session i.e., neck and shoulders, low back, etc.
- Dress in what would make you most comfortable. You will be always covered with sheets and blanket for modesty. Some prefer to bring a pair of shorts, tank top and/or sports bra. These are not required for the therapeutic massage sessions.
Pricing
- $85 for a 1-hour session
- $125 for a 1.5-hour session
Myofacial Release
Myofascial Release is a technique that specifically addresses the fascial system. Fascia is a unique connective tissue that runs as a continuum through the entire body, building a network that creates structure and connects to all other systems in the body. When the fascia becomes injured or unhealthy, all other systems become negatively affected as well becoming constricted and forming adhesions resulting in pain, compromised blood and lymphatic flow and decreased range of motion.
Myofascial Release addresses the areas of compromise and the surrounding areas as well. Longer, sustained holds with compression are used to release the fascia and the structures it is adhered to, allowing for the healthy function of all structures involved.
The therapist at times will place the client in positions to use the body and gravity to assist with the sustained hold and encourage the fascial release. At times, the client will feel the release and at other times, smaller less noticeable releases occur. When releases do occur there will relief to the involved structures resulting in a decrease in the symptoms of pain/discomfort and an increase in range of motion.
Myofascial Release may be for you if:
- You have had an injury that continues to be an issue
- You have had surgery that leaves you with pain or movement restrictions
- Compromise to your posture
- Experience headaches
- Have either physical or muscle fatigue
- Experience burning/tingling sensations down your arms or legs
These are just some of the possible symptoms that can be helped!
Planning for your Myofascial Release
- First appointment is 2 hours including an assessment and full one hour MFR session.
- Follow up sessions are 1 to 1 1/2 hours determined at time of scheduling appointment.
- You are required to bring your own mask.
- Males should bring a pair of shorts, females should bring a pair of shorts, tank top and or sports bra to change into for the MFR session.
- Lotions or oils are not used during the MFR session.
Pricing
- $140 first appointment (includes a 1-hour assessment and a 1-hour MFR session)
- $105 follow-up 1-hour sessions
Close Accordion
Resources
Services
5herapeutic Massage incorporates techniques manipulating soft tissue structures that assist with:
- Calming the nervous system
- Increasing the efficiency of the circulatory and lymphatic systems
- Increasing range of motion with fewer restrictions and discomfort
- Decreasing lethargic feelings and low levels of energy
- Improved sleep patterns
Therapeutic Massage takes advantage of the body in a relaxed state to allow better manual work of the skin, muscle, tendon, and fascial structures to improve the integrity of the targeted soft tissue under the hands of the therapist.
Therapeutic techniques commonly used can include strokes of effleurage, petrissage, lifting, wringing, tapping, and friction which are individually tailored during each session to maximize the best outcome for the client.
Planning for your Therapeutic Massage
- Each session is 1 to 1 1/2 hours, determined at time of scheduling appointment.
- You are required to bring your own mask.
- Let me know if you have any skin allergies or sensitivities.
- You may request to have an area targeted more during the session i.e., neck and shoulders, low back, etc.
- Dress in what would make you most comfortable. You will be always covered with sheets and blanket for modesty. Some prefer to bring a pair of shorts, tank top and/or sports bra. These are not required for the therapeutic massage sessions.
Pricing
- $85 for a 1-hour session
- $125 for a 1.5-hour session
Myofascial Release is a technique that specifically addresses the fascial system. Fascia is a unique connective tissue that runs as a continuum through the entire body, building a network that creates structure and connects to all other systems in the body. When the fascia becomes injured or unhealthy, all other systems become negatively affected as well becoming constricted and forming adhesions resulting in pain, compromised blood and lymphatic flow and decreased range of motion.
Myofascial Release addresses the areas of compromise and the surrounding areas as well. Longer, sustained holds with compression are used to release the fascia and the structures it is adhered to, allowing for the healthy function of all structures involved.
The therapist at times will place the client in positions to use the body and gravity to assist with the sustained hold and encourage the fascial release. At times, the client will feel the release and at other times, smaller less noticeable releases occur. When releases do occur there will relief to the involved structures resulting in a decrease in the symptoms of pain/discomfort and an increase in range of motion.
Myofascial Release may be for you if:
- You have had an injury that continues to be an issue
- You have had surgery that leaves you with pain or movement restrictions
- Compromise to your posture
- Experience headaches
- Have either physical or muscle fatigue
- Experience burning/tingling sensations down your arms or legs
These are just some of the possible symptoms that can be helped!
Planning for your Myofascial Release
- First appointment is 2 hours including an assessment and full one hour MFR session.
- Follow up sessions are 1 to 1 1/2 hours determined at time of scheduling appointment.
- You are required to bring your own mask.
- Males should bring a pair of shorts, females should bring a pair of shorts, tank top and or sports bra to change into for the MFR session.
- Lotions or oils are not used during the MFR session.
Pricing
- $140 first appointment (includes a 1-hour assessment and a 1-hour MFR session)
- $105 follow-up 1-hour sessions
Resources
Download our New Client Packet
Each client is screened prior to coming to their session for COVID signs, symptoms, or possible exposure—any “YES” answers to the COVID screening questions will require the client to reschedule at a later date to ensure that our facility remains COVID-free.
- Have you had a cough or a sore throat?
- In the past 5 days, have you had or do you currently have a fever or feel feverish?
- Do you have shortness of breath?
- Do you have a loss of taste or smell?
- Have you been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms within the past 14 days?
- In the past 5 days are you living with anyone who is sick or quarantined or who has tested positive for COVID?
The room will be cleaned with disinfectant between each session.
Time will be scheduled between appointments to air out the room, remove linens, and wipe down items in the room.
About Barb
I began my professional career in Sports Medicine as a Certified Athletic Trainer, ATC. I have had incredible professional experiences at the high school, college and Olympic levels on the medical team for diverse athletic populations. During this time I developed an interest in soft tissue health for injury prevention and rehab. This desire to focus on soft tissue health led me to massage therapy school and I became a certified Massage Therapist in 1990.
I have since been practicing as a licensed massage therapist and a physical therapist assistant in private practices in New Jersey and Maine, focusing on Myofascial Release techniques. I have distinguished myself among massage therapists by the level of my education, professional experiences and further studies in soft tissue health and myofascial release. I have been medically trained through the fields of athletic training and physical therapy, which provides insights not typically found with massage therapists. The past 30 years I have had valuable experiences under leaders in the fields of myofascial release and orthopaedic manual therapy.
I have the advantage of combining my 3 college degrees and experiences as a certified Athletic Trainer, licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and Massage Therapist to provide my clients an exceptional experience in Myofascial Release and soft tissue health. I have developed my “tools of the trade” to create unique techniques used during client’s sessions to maximize the results desired by each individual. Listening to each of my clients, individualizing their sessions and developing a program the client can continue at home are all part of the services I offer.
The changes occurring in our lives ie now working remotely from home, spending more time in front of computers, being unable to get adequate exercise and dealing with the increased stress of our current times have become our “new normal”. I am finding these factors are creating more of a need for release of soft tissue tension allowing for the correction of poor movement patterns that create painful restrictions. Therapeutic massage and myofascial release can assist with relieving areas of restriction and stress that create unhealthy conditions.
I continue to take courses that build my skills as a massage therapist. As a member of the AMTA I stay current with ways to advance in the care of my clients, enhancing their experience and maximizing their outcomes
I look forward to meeting you and discuss how I can assist you with your health care needs. I know you will appreciate the level of expertise I will provide during your sessions. Contact me today by calling 207/595.8328 or email [email protected] for further information on services at Master’s Touch, LLC.
Education
Master of Arts degree (MA) with specialization in Sports Medicine
Bachelor of Science degree (BS) with specialization in Sports Medicine
Asssociates in Applied Science degree (AAS) Physical Therapist Assistant
Certificate in Massage Therapy
Certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS) from the Gray Institute
Functional Soft Tissue Transformation (FSTT) program completion Gray Institute
Licenses and Certifications
Massage Therapist State of Maine License #MT6060
NATA Certified Athletic Trainer, ATC
Physical Therapist Assistant State of Maine License #PA4726
Continuing Education
I have focused on courses in soft tissue health and MFR since 1995, under experts in the fields such as:
- Robert King, LMT—Myofascial Release
- John Barnes, PT, LMT—Myofascial Release
- Gary Gray—Gray Institute
- Maria Alfieris, PT—Deep Soft Tissue Fascial Therapy
I have taken hundreds of hours of continuing education courses under my three professional licenses.
Testimonials
I have seen Barb Friscia for massage, would highly recommend her, and cannot wait to see her for my next Myofascial appointment. Barb is very professional and has a strong knowledge of the body and its mechanics. She spent time assessing my stance and movement before the appointment and shared with me stretches to do after the massage. She was able to release a chronically tight spot in my body that no other professional (chiropractor or massage therapist) had been able to relieve. I am very pleased to know her and recommend her to all of my friends and contacts.
Ahhh, pain, I know it well. After breaking one of my vertebrae skiing, I have been looking for ways to manage my pain. I’ve tried everything from dry needling to acupuncture, but only found minimal relief. I happened to mention to someone that my new mission was to find someone that did myofascial massage, and they gave me Barb’s name as a possible way to go. I’ve been going to Master’s Touch now for about 3 months and my body has much more flexibility and movement. Although I still have pain, it is noticeably reduced and there have been days when I had no pain at all after treatment. Those days are true gifts!
Barbara and I go way back and have similar medical backgrounds. Barb’s medical knowledge and attention to detail are priceless. Anyone considering using her services will not be disappointed!
Contact me
55 Main Street
Health Services
Bridgton, ME 04009