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I am a physical therapist, though my job is unlike most physical therapists'. Myofascial Release (MFR) has been a modality approved by the medical community and insurance companies for many years. At one time it even had it's own CPT code. So why are so few physical therapists drawn to this work?
When I started learning MFR in the early 1990's seminar classes were filled with Physical Therapists, along with Occupational Therapists and Massage Therapists. That trend slowly changed in the past twenty years. I believe a number of factors are to blame: Changing reimbursement for payment of continuing education dollars to therapists from their employers had an impact, though there was an increase in requirements for CE Hours to renew licensure. Evidence based practice (EBP) trends certainly has played a part, as my profession attempts to elevate itself to a level above where they think they were at. Myofascial Release has always struggled with hard "proof" of its mechanism of action and response. While much has been published over the past decade, the basic science of MFR still remains somewhat unanswered. This does not even take into account some of t more esoteric aspects of MFR, such as unwinding, which is simply a means of self correction. Many "experts" have woven intricate tales linking this phenomenon to energy science, but these tales further distance them from the physical therapy profession. Myofascial Release is now considered a joke amongst many therapy professionals.
I think it is time to bring Myofascial Release back to the physical therapy profession. This would certainly require me to abandon much of the New Age explanation models that have become common. I don't have a problem with this, as I always try my best to use what science is available to best explain what is happening under my hands. Myofascial Release, as a physical modality, does have a great deal of supporting research (see my research page). Maybe it is time to start thinking forward. Though there are those Myofascial Release teachers and practitioners who say they are far ahead of the rest, what they are doing is setting us back. I think it is time for this to change.
You can make comments on this article at my blog.
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Patterns, Trends, and Treatment, Part II
by Walt Fritz, PT
This is part two of what will be a continuing series of posts.
Myofascial Release (MFR) has typically been categorized as a completely spontaneous exploration of the connection between symptoms and cause. Assess the entire body to gather information and never pre-judge. But, certain patterns emerge, whether from the subjective history that a patient relates, or from working long enough in this field to see trends relating to cause and effect.
In my early Myofascial Release education, I was taught to follow up a suboccipital release (OA) with a cervical lift technique.There was little rationale given for this recommendation (aka protocol). As a therapist with nearly 20 years of experience in Myofascial Release, I find this advice backward!
The cervical lift, where you lift your patients head into flexion and traction while they lay supine, if performed before an OA, will make your job much easier. Performing an OA release cold, with no prep, often feels like you are trying to release a thick piece of leather. With fingers of steel you may be able to last a sufficient time to make some changes, but most therapists fatigue too quickly. BUT, if you perform an extended cervical lift first, this will open up the suboccipital region, softening the leathery tissue and making your OA release that much more effective.
This is not cookbook therapy. It is an educated awareness of patterns and trends after years of clinical experience.
Stay tuned for more!
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Myofascial Release...Demystified
Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars
has been chosen to present at the 2013 World Massage Conference
(August 4-7, 2013 in Long Beach, CA)
Proudly offering small group seminars with guaranteed one on one interaction.
2011-2012 Seminar Schedule
(check the website, more classes being added regularly)
Foundations I
Hershey, Pennsylvania
August 12-14, 2011Sponsored by The Pain Free Institute for Health & Wellness. Albuquerque, New Mexico October 7-9, 2011Sponsored by:
Albuquerque School of Massage & Health Sciences St. Louis, Missouri October 14-16, 2011 Sponsored by: A Gathering Place - Massage Therapy School
Canton, Ohio November 10-12, 2011Sponsored by Stark State College Dallas, Texas March 9-11, 2012Sponsored by: Institute of Bodywork StudiesFoundations II Rochester, NY September 23-25, 2011 Sponsored by Ithaca College's Department of Physical Therapy (Rochester Campus).
Canton, Ohio
January 19-21, 2012 Sponsored by Stark State College All Foundation in Myofascial Release Seminars are 20 contact hours/over two and one-half days and it are packed with techniques, theory, and practical application. Building upon a deep model of evaluation, you will leave this seminar ready to use Myofascial Release on your first day back to work. NCBTMB CE hours continuing education credits are available, as well as Physical Therapy CE Hours. For full details, please refer to the Seminars Page on my website.
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Facebook
Myofascial Release (MFR)Forum:
an open minded exchange of information
This group was formed so that MFR therapists have a safe and open forum for the exchange of ideas. So far nearly 214 therapists from around the world have joined. Please consider joining us by clicking on the forum name above.
Keep up with all the latest news from both Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars and Myofascial Resource by clicking on both of the Facebook links below. Click on the "like" button at the top of each page to stay in touch.
 Find Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars on Facebook Find Myofascial Resource on Facebook
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Sponsoring a seminar is a great way to bring quality continuing education to your facility or area. Financial incentives for sponsoring a class are outlined on the website. Seminars can be modified to meet the needs of your facility. References are available.
If you are interested in sponsoring a Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminar in your area, please refer to the Sponored Seminars Page of Myofascial Resource, or simply email us.
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Myofascial Release and Bodywork Practitioner Directory is Now Free of Charge
The Directory is now up and running on the new website. Why pay many hundreds of dollars per year for similar types of listings? Improve your search engine rankings by listing on the Directory. The new Directory features your practice in a clean, professional format; one that will be easier found by the search engines.
Find out more about the Myofascial Release Practitioner Directory by clicking here.
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The Group is growing!
The LinkedIn
Myofascial Release Therapists Group is growing! For those of you not familiar, LinkedIn is a business oriented social networking site. Joining is free and your listing can be viewed by potential clients, referral sources, etc. LinkedIn listings show up high on Google searches.
The purpose of the Myofascial Release Therapists Group is for networking between practitioners, as well as offering an opportunity for potential clients to find you. So if you've not signed on and created a profile for your self and your business, what are you waiting for? Here is the link to join the Group. I hope to see you soon!
You can find me on LinkedIn by clicking on this link:
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The Myofascial Mentoring Program is a unique opportunity to learn in a highly individualized one on one setting. Refinement of touch is at the heart of this program. You will also receive many seminars worth of technique and their applications. Based on your goals, the mentoring Program is an affordable way to boost your skills and confidence as a Myofascial Release Therapist.
Read what a therapist wrote about her recent Mentoring experience here.
For more information on the Myofascial Mentoring Program, check out the website or simply drop us an email.
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Share the MFRmail
I hope that you enjoy and find value in this newsletter. Would you please take a few minutes and forward this newsletter to friends or colleagues? Help spread the word about the MFRmail Newsletter.
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I have greatly expanded the selection on the Myofascial Resource Store. Find out what therapists around the country are reading, viewing, listening to, and playing with at the Store.
The books, DVDs, treatment tools, music, and MP3s (both music and instructional) that I have listed on my website have been reformatted into one "Store". Visiting the store will allow you to view the items in a special section of Amazon.com. Make a visit and let me know what you think! Thanks to Chris Potts, DPT, for letting me know about this better alternative to tennis balls for self treatment, especially for plantar issues: 
Those of you who have attended one of my Foundations in Myofascial release Seminar know my passion for these chalk balls. Improve your grip, reduce your work. 
Chalk Ball
Occipital Pivot
Back Roller
Book Yourself Solid
Headache in the Pelvis
Migrations, by Peter Kater
Down-loadable Craniosacral Therapy MP3's
These are just a few of the products available on the
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The Pain Relief Center website has a whole new look as well. The Pain Relief Center in Rochester, NY is devoted entirely to providing quality Myofascial Release treatment to patients in the Western New York region. If you have friends or family in the area, please let them know about my services.
If you are interested in subscribing the the Pain Relief Center Newsletter, please click on the link below.
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I want to thank Woody Haiken, at The Growing Practice, for the excellent job in designing and setting up my new websites. If you've not taken a look, please do so.
If you are in need of a fresh website design or help with social network marketing, please drop Woody an email. I do not think you will be disappointed!
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