Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars

Myofascial Release is a therapy modality that is accepted by the medical community and health insurers. But acceptance does not equate to scientific approval of the explanation of this work. Myofascial Release has come under greater scrutiny over the past few years for its lack of true science-based model of explanation. Many in this field feel that “proof” is not necessary, that results are what matters. While results DO matter, providing a plausible explanation for the workings of whatever we perform should be mandatory. To this end, Foundations Seminars have been exploring newer models of pain science and their application to treatment. The result is, in essence, a hybrid form of Myofascial Release; one that takes into account the contribution of the nervous system. There are many in this field who will argue that they have always taken the nervous system into account, but read between the lines. They are still teaching from an outdated model and are often pushing a model of “energy medicine” that is completely implausible. There may come a day when we choose to rename the Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminar series to reflect these changes, but for now it stands.

Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars are built upon a deep model of evaluation and treatment. Starting with Foundations I, you will learn the concept of deep evaluation. A thorough understanding of the contributions (or lack of) that posture, soft tissue tightness, orthopedic asymmetries, movement disorders, and nervous system impairment contribute to dysfunction is taught and followed into practice. Foundations Seminars add layers of depth to your evaluation; bringing true understanding to your treatment.

Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars are designed for both beginner and experienced therapists. Physical, occupational, and massage therapists will all find value in this fast paced and enjoyable class. Using an easy to follow approach, Foundations Seminars will build the confidence of a beginner to start using this valuable modality from the first day. Those who have taken other myofascial release seminars will find fresh a fresh approach to evaluation and treatment. Following the deep model of evaluation, therapists will be able to easily connect findings to treatment. Integrating a nervous system based approach provides the therapist with an entirely new basis for treatment. Pain which was previously explained in a nebulous manner, taking into account the supposed far-reaching effects of the fascial system can now be explained in a plausible fashion using simple neuroanatomy and neuroscience. While many therapists may prefer to continue on the fringe of acceptance, many more are reaching for credibility. Foundations Seminars supports you!

Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars provide you the ability to effectively evaluate and treat a wide variety of conditions from a foundational base of knowledge in manual therapy. You will also learn MyoMobilization™, a gentle and more effective alternative to old-school soft tissue mobilization/deep tissue work. You will begin to look beyond the muscle and fascia, into the larger three-dimensional matrix of the nervous system, changing your view of how holding patterns within the body can produce far-reaching dysfunction.

Traditional scientific rationales of Myofascial Release will be addressed, along with newer existing and emerging theories. The essence of this work is about learning to deeply feel into your client’s body and sensing what is holding them back. Foundations Seminars will help you to acquire this feel and use it to make changes that you had not thought possible. You will leave this class equipped to make immediate changes, understanding ways to incorporate Myofascial Release into your current therapy regime and/or transition to a cash-based MFR practice. Foundations Seminars are appropriate for all providers, including physical therapists, massage therapists, occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, nurses, chiropractors. All that is required is a license to touch.

All Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars are 20 hour/2.5-days. All are approved by NCBTMB for 20 CE Hours. Approval for PT’s, PTA’s, OTR’s, and COTA’s varies on a state by state basis. Please inquire for specific approval for these and other professions.

Foundations in Myofascial Release I

Foundations I is the perfect entry point for therapists looking to expand their skill and understanding of manual therapy and pain relief.

An understanding of the potential impact that soft tissue tightness can play in pain is discussed, along with newer models of pain science and the introduction of treatment from a nervous system perspective. We will look at the strengths and limitations of a bio-mechanical/postural weighted evaluation and treatment paradigm and how it compares and contrasts with a nervous system approach. There is much overlap between the two when it comes to treatment, and this is where the Foundations Seminar approach shines. A deep model of evaluation taught as a basis of all Myofascial Release treatment. Foundations I heavily emphasize specific treatment techniques, including compressive, cross-handed, single direction releases, as well as MyoMobilization™, a more effective and gentle alternative to traditional soft tissue mobilization. Therapists who have taken other myofascial release seminars comment positively on the large percentage of seminar time spent learning techniques and the “feel” of myofascial release. Most importantly, you will leave this seminar prepared to begin using myofascial release on your first day back to work. You will be taught to utilize anatomy in ways that other seminar lines ignore; knowledge of the anatomy of the nervous system will allow an easy transition into treatment.

Foundations in Myofascial Release II

Foundations II is also a logical entry point into the Foundations Seminar model of learning. There are key points to any method of manual therapy that bear repeating, such as evaluation and learning a deeper “Feel” into this work and Foundations II stresses these points. Therapists who have taken Foundations I, or other trainings, will benefit from a deepening of this information while therapists new to Foundations Seminars or myofascial release/manual therapy will begin with a solid understanding of the underpinnings of these techniques.

Foundations II explores the entire body, from head to toe. Foundations I taught you how to develop the “Feel” necessary to identify myofascial restrictions and a beginning into connecting with pain. Foundations II takes you a step further; deepening the connecting with what you are feeling under your hand and your patient’s pain/dysfunction. Evaluation moves deeper as well, with special emphasis on understanding pelvic issues. Layers not felt or addressed in Foundations I will be uncovered. Advanced cervical, cranial, thoracic, lumbar, pelvic, and upper/lower extremity techniques will be included.

Techniques are the tool to deepen your feel, and all Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars heavily emphasize techniques. You will leave this seminar moving toward mastery.

Prerequisite: NONE. While flowing smoothly from Foundations I, Foundations II can be taken as an introductory seminar.

Advanced Foundations in Myofascial Release

A special seminar for those with Myofascial Release experience. After a review of the Foundations in Myofascial Release principles, we will explore many new and advanced variations on traditional myofascial release techniques, including concepts and technique not taught in any other trainings. Included will be evaluation and treatment of Migratory Fascia Syndrome, the work of Peter Lelean, as well as the unique eye technique taught only in the Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars. Leveling the Landscape of the trunk will be thoroughly explored and taught. This promises to be a fun-filled weekend, so please consider joining us.

Prerequisite: Foundations II.

Myofascial Mentoring

The Myofascial Release Mentoring Program is a unique one-on-one program where you can deepen your knowledge and skill as a myofascial release therapist. You will receive feedback on touch and pressure, as well as exposure to a wider variety of techniques, evaluative skills, and trends and patterns in treatment. Developing the sense of feel and connecting with your patient’s pain are keys to success with myofascial release. Learn in-depth evaluation from a strong orthopedic base. The Myofascial Release Mentoring Program will help guide you to mastery. Formulate your own goals and see them met.

As a senior instructor for many years, some of the many things that I noticed as I reviewed basic skills with the other instructors and students was great inconsistency in touch, pressure, holding the barrier, and evaluation skills. While there is not one correct way to do MFR, there are some foundational principles that are often not reinforced in the larger seminar setting. This is one of the goals of the mentoring program. I also give the therapist the opportunity to be exposed to a much wider range of technique. I work from both a structural and energetic base and treat accordingly. The feedback that I have received from past Mentoring participants has been very positive regarding the deepening of their knowledge of Myofascial Release and how it can truly apply to the treatment of pain and dysfunction.

The strength of this program, when compared to similar programs, is the one on one attention you will receive. You will not be one of three or four therapists in the treatment room, as is common in other programs; individual attention is key.

My experience of two decades as an MFR therapist, over 16 years as an instructor, and the leader of the Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars assures quality direction and instruction. I will teach you how a single therapist cash-based clinic is run regarding insurance, marketing, home education, etc. You will have ample opportunity to bring your own questions relating to running your MFR practice.

The Myofascial Mentoring Program is of flexible duration, allowing you to choose the best length of time to spend at my clinic. You will participate side by side in actual patient care. We will have ample time to learn new techniques and how they are best applied. Included is a daily 25-minute therapy session for you. (Additional private treatment sessions can be scheduled during the Program.) Please note, this 25 minute session is the bare minimum of one on one time you will receive. Time not spent treating patients will be spent working toward fulfilling your goals.

The Myofascial Mentoring is approved for CE Hours through NCBTMB. The number of hours is based on the number of days spent in the mentoring program, up to 40 CE Hours. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.