Course Description:

Covering the upper body, from the mid-torso, through the shoulders and neck, and out into the arms and hands, the Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminar: The Upper Body begins at the core, teaching you a simple but very effective means of connecting your findings with your client’s pain or dysfunction. This seminar is not about teaching that one can singularly and selectively impact fascia to the exclusion of all else, nor does it attempt to elevate one tissue to higher levels of importance than others. It is called myofascial release to reflect the recognizable style of engagement typically described as myofascial release. This class allows a newer narrative to unfold; one that allows patient perspectives and preferences to take the stage. Being one-third of the evidence-based model, patient preferences and perspectives have been historically undervalued in manual therapy and myofascial release.
Using a well-defined Feedback Loop and rather than relying on the therapist’s perception of pathology, which tends to be based on their training rather than an acceptable medical understanding of pain and movement dysfunction, the Foundations Approach chooses to rely strongly on patient feedback, allowing that to guide and direct care. The Foundations Approach is less about learning diagnosis-specific technique protocols, which can be useful but rather introduces a model that can be applied to any diagnosis/area.
•   Learn a style of engagement that is traditionally seen as myofascial release (MFR), but based on more plausible scientific explanations
•   Integrates a model of evaluation and treatment that is patient-directed, vs. ego-driven
•   Using unique interview /questioning models, learn evaluation and treatment methods using a simple Feedback Loop
•   The Feedback Loop is applicable to all of your other modalities, including MFR from other teachers
•   Teaches a core understanding of the scientific underpinnings of myofascial release (and other manual therapies) from a neurological perspective
•   Learn how to add simpler models of evaluation that add value to your existing methods, judging the strength and limitations of many popular frames of reference
•   Covers the evaluation and treatment of the Upper Body from the respiratory diaphragm region up through the thoracic region, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands in a comprehensive manner
•   Includes treatment concepts for problems of respiration/breath, pain, movement limitations, TMJ difficulties, beginning concepts of swallowing/voice, and common neck/shoulder/arm/hand pathologies
•   Leave this class prepared to be proficient with myofascial release from your first day back to work
•   Appropriate for beginners and advanced therapist
•   The Upper Body Seminar is 14 contact hours/2-days

Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars are designed for both beginner and experienced therapists. Massage therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists will all find value in these fast-paced and enjoyable hands-on classes. Using an easy to follow approach, Foundations Seminars will build the confidence of a beginner to start using this valuable modality from their first day back in the clinic. Those who have taken other myofascial release seminars will find fresh a fresh approach; one that may challenge your beliefs. Integrating a nervous system based approach creates entirely new openings for the therapist to follow.