Hi Everyone,

One last post for 2013; one that puts this year into some perspective, at least for me. 2013 has been a year of great change and growth, both for my private physical therapy practice (another story), as well as for Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars.  Integrating proven science-based explanatory models into this myofascial release is not exciting to many, but relevant to most. There have always been, and probably always will be those who care little for proof, as long as things work, while others see that sounds rationales for treatment can guide them toward even more growth. This can best describe my path and process over the past few years.

I, like others, keep an eye on the competition, if nothing else but to be amused. I am heartened to observe some folks talking more about neuroscience and how it not only applies to this work, but can really explain the roots of this work. Unfortunately, others are using the same, tired excuses for why (fill in the blank, in this case neuroscience) is an old, outdated approach, one with “reductionist” tendencies, and that their absurd, pseudoscience-based outlook is far-advanced. Max Planck’s quote is applicable here: “A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.“ (Wikipedia)

Those of you who are curious, or still clinging to the past, might I suggest a resolution? Educate yourself about neuroscience and modern pain medicine. Here are a few of my favorites sources:

Explain Pain, by David Butler

The Sensitive Nervous System, by David Butler

Mobilisation of the Nervous System, by David Butler

Visceral Sensory Neuroscience, by Oliver Cameron

Explain Pain, by Lorimer Moseley

I’ve spoken about SomaSimple.com in the past and continue to encourage therapists to join and participate. While not always a warm, fuzzy group, the folks there have more to teach and share than most continuing education can ever teach (present company excluded, of course!) I joined SomaSimple while still a believer in Myofascial Release as it was presented to me, one which relied little on proof and mainly on outcomes. Outcomes are important, but having a positive outcome does not compensate for an inadequate explanatory model. If you dig, you will find early posts I wrote on SomaSimple that represent me as a supporter of what I used to believe and trust. Times (and trusts) change, and I now find great value in things that are said there. Pull a chair up to your computer screen and plan on spending the day. There is much to read and learn on SomaSimple.

Finally, there is the website of my friend, Diane Jacobs, PT, who teaches a vastly different style of therapy than I was exposed to, but I have found to be completely relevant to both the work I perform as well as the work I teach. Her DermoNeuroModulation approach is freely available online, to anyone who is interested. Her blog can be found here: HumanAntiGravitySuit

This is just a start. There is so much more to learn and so much that makes great sense. That man behind the curtain will always be there, trying to dissuade us from seeking further knowledge. Don’t pay any attention to him.

Happy 2014 to everyone who follows this blog!

Walt Fritz, PT

Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars

Many of the books mentioned above can be found at the MyofascialResource Bookstore.

Author: Walt Fritz