These days, many therapists
find their hands tied, unable to truly help their patients because
treatment time is severely limited. Clinicians are forced to spend
more time on administrative duties and burdensome paperwork.
The Myofascial Freedom seminar was created from years of utilizing
the myofascial release approach, acknowledging the importance
of incorporating therapeutic exercise and teaching patients self
treatment. When rehabilitation specialists compare the time patients
spend performing daily activities versus the amount of treatment
time they receive, we can logically rationalize the importance
of teaching patients how to continue treatment at home.
Myofascial release and myofascial freedom involves a multidimensional
approach and technique. The ultimate goal of treatment is lengthening
foreshortened connective tissue, unwinding neuromuscular holding
patterns and facilitating structural alignment.
This approach is divided into four aspects of care: First, a full
evaluation of the myofascial system. Next, application of myofascial
release techniques using an effective, enlightened touch that
traces the tissues through an inherent, natural letting go process
to create true structural change. Third, by actively including
the patient with treatment techniques, therapists can eliminate
myofascial neuromuscular time and holding patterns. The final
step involves designing an appropriate myofascial stretching and
strengthening exercise program to teach the patient. Combining
all four phases ensures effective treatment for many common diagnoses.
With this in mind, our seminar teaches three distinct aspects
of evaluation and treatment. The Myofascial Freedom seminar starts
with a comprehensive introduction to the myofascial release approach.
Considered the "passive day," students evaluate and apply
myofascial release treatment processes of elongation, passive,
positional, structural extension and flexion of the thoracic and
lumbar spine and use of fulcrums (such as the physio ball and
small and large sensy balls).
The concept of tissue elongation has been shaped by theories of
stretching, yet past approaches have been inadequate in explaining
and producing lasting changes in tissue length. Traditional stretching
wraps and pulls tissue around joint fulcrums. Myofascial release
stretches the structures three-dimensionally, telescoping the
myofascial tissues and subsequent bony spacers while also practicing
the myofascial release time frame of at least 90 seconds to 120
seconds. The application of counter pressures and fulcrums on
tissue are some of the major differences between myofascial release
and traditional stretching (which tends to only reach the elastic
component and not the entire myofascial system).
The second day addresses patient participation while incorporating
the evaluation and treatment of adaptive myofascial neuromuscular
reflexes and tone. One of the seminar's objectives is ensuring
the participant's knowledge of specific and whole body neuromuscular
fascial holding patterns, understanding responses to trauma and
teaching inhibition of these patterns through the new myofascial
release active treatment and therapeutic exercise.
Teaching patients how to treat themselves safely and effectively
will greatly enhance their efforts in decreasing pain, increasing
range of motion and achieving independence.
