Soft Tissue Mobilization

Clients will often present with a constellation of sometimes vague and unusual symptoms that do not follow typical dermatomal or myotomal patterns. They report pain, stiffness or difficulty moving, and sensations of tension in areas distant from the apparent region of injury. Many of these clients are experiencing myofascial pain. It does not appear on usual radiographic studies such as x-rays, MRIs, or our standard examination routines. It is best diagnosed by the skill of a manual therapy practitioner, using motion testing and posture analysis. Myofascial restrictions can influence posture and movement patterns. It may take quite some time for the myofascial pattern to develop. Symptoms may appear months or years after a trauma or stressful event, at the point when the body has maximized its adaptive potential and loses the ability to compensate for abnormal tissue tension. Standard treatment protocols using medication, exercise and modalities may fail to address the problem effectively. Manual release of these fascial adhesions and fibrosis/scars is essential to restore motion.

In this course, you will learn how to differentiate between myofascial conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. You will identify motion restrictions through posture observation and hands-on motion testing. You will learn the basics of how to apply MFR to improve tissue mobility, circulation and posture, and decrease painful restrictions using this gentle manual therapy technology to achieve improved functional outcomes across the lifespan.

Course Content

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

u          Anatomy and function of fascia in normal and pathological conditions: history of fascia, pathophysiology and response to abnormal stress and trauma

POSTURE ASSESSMENT

u          Examination of posture, observation and motion palpation for identification of fascial restriction, demonstration and lab

PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

u          How myofascial release works

u          Basic myofascial release principles

            -           proprioceptive appreciation

            -           taking up slack and tissue creep

            -           still point and release

BACK AND NECK

u          Motion palpation

u          Assessment of fascial restriction

u          Skin glide

u          Laminar release

u          Crosshand release and skin rolling

u          Demonstration and lab

EXTREMITIES

u          Motion palpation

u          Assessment of fascial restriction

u          Tissue glide

u          Laminar release

u          Crosshand release

u          Skin rolling

u          Muscle play, distraction

u          Demonstration and lab

CIRCULAR FRICTION AND MUSCLE PLAY DEMONSTRATION AND PRACTICE

u          Elbowing

u          Knuckling

u          Circular finger and thumb releases

RESPIRATORY DIAPHRAGM RELEASE, ILIOPSOAS RELEASE

LONGITUDINAL STROKING AND Z-FRICTION RELEASE

DISCUSSION OF CLINICAL PROBLEM SOLVING AND RESEARCH EVIDENCE