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Course Description
Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects over 50 million Americans. A myriad of challenging symptoms affects multiple systems, often leading to chronic pain and disability. Pain is often remote from the area of injury, including referred pain, stiffness, muscle weakness and abnormal sensations. Many of these people are experiencing myofascial dysfunction. Myofascial restrictions do not appear on standard x-rays, MRIs, or examinations. Recent advances in imaging indicate changes in collagen and mobility on ultrasound, confirming what manual therapists measure using motion testing and posture analysis. Myofascial dysfunction may become symptomatic from months to years post-injury. The body has lost 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 abnormal tension barriers is essential to manage painful restrictions and to restore motion. This course will help the Therapist to differentiate between myofascial conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia and identify motion restrictions through hands on motion testing and palpation. Participants will also learn to incorporate myofascial therapy into a plan of care to remodel adherent tissue, gain flexibility, circulation, and postural alignment, and alleviate painful restrictions using this gentle soft tissue mobilization to achieve improved functional outcomes across the lifespan.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:
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- Investigate the anatomy and function of the myofascial system.
- Identify motion barriers with targeted myofascial exam tools.
- Discuss indications and contraindications for myofascial release.
- Differentiate between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia.
- Apply myofascial interventions including skin gliding, skin rolling, cross-hand releases, muscle play, circular friction, z-friction, elbowing, knuckling, release tools, distraction, and transverse plane releases to improve functional mobility and quality of life.
- Discuss the current research regarding the efficacy of myofascial therapy.
Course Agenda:
7:30 – 8:00 Check In
8:00-9:00 Anatomy and Function of Fascia in Normal and Pathological Conditions
9:00-9:15 Break
9:15-9:30 Posture assessment
9:30-10:00 Principles and Procedures of Myofascial Release
10:00-11:00 Motion palpation, assessment of fascial restriction, skin glide, cross-hand release and skin rolling, demonstration and lab
11:00-11:30 Motion palpation, assessment of fascial restriction, tissue glide, cross-hand release, skin rolling, instrument-assisted fascial release, distraction demonstration and lab
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:15 Circular friction and muscle play demonstration and practice, elbowing, knuckling, circular finger and thumb releases
1:15-1:30 Break
1:30-2:30 Transverse plane releases: respiratory diaphragm and psoas release
2:30-3:00 Longitudinal stroking and Z-Friction Release
3:00-3:30 Discussion of clinical problem solving based on research evidence
Other Course Information:
- Course check-in begins at 7:30am
- Participants are on their own for lunch (1 hour break)
- Participants should bring lab clothes to wear for practice, such as halter tops and shorts, a sheet, and wear layers for comfort. Bring massage oil and hand sanitizer.
- Please bring massage cups for lab portion of the course
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Prerequisites
None
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Educational Level
Intermediate