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Brenda Bryson, PT, is no stranger to Fredericksburg or to providing myofascial physical therapy.

Ms. Bryson grew up in Fredericksburg and received her masters in physical therapy from Texas Tech University in 1997. She has since provided treatment to patients for over twelve years, and she received John F. Barnes training in myofascial release in 2002. Hill Country Memorial (HCM) hired Ms. Bryson in November 2009, and she has returned to bring much-needed relief to patients in her hometown.

Ms. Bryson said myofascial release is the application of sustained pressure on restricted areas of the body, which helps alleviate pain from ailments such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. She said because one body part affects others, myofascial therapy often includes treatment of unsuspected body areas.

"Fascia is a tough, continuous connective tissue, filled with fluid that extends like a web from the top of your head down to your feet," Ms. Bryson said. "It surrounds every organ, organ system, tendon, nerve and muscle down to the cellular level. This means there’s a literal connection between body parts."

She said this is why she looks at the whole system and not just one symptom when she is treating a patient. "I perform a full examination of each patient, which includes, for instance, posture," Ms. Bryson said. "If you always stand on one leg, it will take a toll on other parts of your body. By making you aware of your posture, we can fix a problem which is causing pain in a remote location, such as your ankle or knee."

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Ms. Bryson said myofascial therapy is also helpful for women who are troubled with pelvic complications, such as bladder issues or intercourse pain.

"There are many reasons a woman’s pelvis may become misaligned," Ms. Bryson said. "For instance, child birth can alter the pelvic position and affect bodily functions. The myofascial treatment offers effective solutions, and this physical therapy can help relieve the ongoing stresses some women endure."

She further said, "I tailor the treatment to the person. The body has the ability to express itself—to tell where the problem really is—and once we find it, I can create a customized treatment plan."

Ms. Bryson said the treatment helps with many types of symptoms.

"I often tell physicians to send me your most difficult cases—where pharmaceuticals and surgery may not or have not helped," Ms. Bryson said. "However, I certainly get referrals from physicians who are inclined to try myofascial therapy before other options."

Local patients praise treatments

Maxine Prestidge, originally from Houston, worked as a secretary for 41 years and now lives in Harper. She said she has fallen 10 times in the past 10 years. Living with arthritis and fibromyalgia, John Ramsay, MD, referred Ms. Prestidge to Ms. Bryson.

Ms. Prestidge found needed relief of her symptoms under Ms. Bryson’s care. "I’ve had this situation for most of my life and never really had an answer to it," she said. "I can see if I had gotten a hold of her a long time ago, I would have been in much better shape. I’m impressed with her work."

Ms. Bryson performed a complete myofascial examination of Ms. Prestidge.

"She showed me things about my structure like one of my legs is actually crooked," Ms. Prestidge said. "I had no idea. She began helping me stretch the muscles in that area. When I first started seeing her, my crooked leg was off 30 degrees and it has improved now by ten degrees. I also notice it in the way I feel. I feel better after I’ve had a treatment, and I’m much better off now."

Kathy Yarbrough recently began seeing Ms. Bryson when her primary care physician, Philip J. Maple, MD, referred her. Ms.Yarbrough suffered from tension in her neck and Meniere’s Disease—partially characterized by a ringing in the ears and migraines.

Ms. Yarbrough has been a coach and teacher with Fredericksburg Independent School District for 31 years. She actually taught Ms. Bryson in elementary school, but now roles are reversed, as Ms. Yarbrough is learning from Ms. Bryson.

Ms. Bryson examined her, and Ms. Yarbrough said, "I was a little confused as to why she was palpitating my stomach when I told her my trouble was in my neck, ears and head, but she explained how everything is connected. She ultimately found complications in areas I didn’t realize could have an effect, but they did."

Ms. Bryson diagnosed her and began giving her physical therapy. Ms. Yarbrough has had seven treatments, and her health is improving.

"My sleep is better, and I haven’t had migraines in awhile," she said. "My whole outlook on life is better. As a teacher and coach, I don’t often slow down, but I know that lack of rest affects me. Brenda is great at teaching me ways to relax. I have learned new exercises and myofascial stretches to release stress and tension. Brenda’s knowledge in her field is so beneficial to the women in this community. We are so thankful she has returned to Fredericksburg."

Ms. Bryson practices within HCM Our Rehab, across the street from the hospital, at 212 Windcrest in Fredericksburg. The building is located on the northwest corner of Milam and Windcrest. She is available Monday through Thursday for appointments. The office accepts insurance, but as a licensed massage therapist, she also accepts private pay patients. For more information, call (830) 997-1357.