There have been a number of bodywork myths busted over the past few years, though the supporters of them often let them go while kicking and screaming. I believe that whenever you make it a mission to expose a potential myth for public discussion, you risk verbal missiles directed at you. Well, I am taking… Continue Reading
Comparing Models
For those of you who have stayed with me through the past few months and past few blog posts know that I am in transition. The cross pollination concept struck a chord not just with me but with a number of you as well. But a few of you have let me know that you… Continue Reading
Cross Pollination
I was recently listening to a radio show from a local NPR affiliate. The interview was with the director of a dance company that pioneer an innovative form of dance done while dangling from ropes on the sides of buildings. She described their work as a “cross pollination of various dance forms”. That term resonated… Continue Reading
Beef Jerky
What if today was the first day of your education in bodywork, where you were sitting down in your first class as a budding MT/PT/OT/Whatever T? Your instructor started the lecture with “You know all of those hard/ropy/toughened areas that we feel under the skin? Well the best thing to get rid of those is… Continue Reading
Learning a New Language: What Is Happening Under My Hands?
I remember reading once that you have not mastered a new language until you begin to dream in that language (or maybe I dreamt that, I’m not sure). Either way, I have long realized that the “structuralist” mentality that I possess is a hard one to shake. What is a structuralist? One who sees pain/dysfunction… Continue Reading
What I Did On My Summer Vacation
OK, I did a lot more this summer than this, but there is one thing I want to tell you about. Why should you care what I did? Apparently you read my blog because I have something important to say. This one is real important, at least I think so. Many of you longtime readers… Continue Reading
Palpation Accuracy
I just recently posted two articles to the Research Page of the website (#299 and 300), that speak of the lack of reliability and accuracy in the palpation of pelvic landmarks, specifically the PSIS’s. In my Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars, I speak in depth about this problem and how practice makes perfect. While some… Continue Reading
Shaving, Marketing, and Myofascial Release
(An Editorial) I took a big step this morning, at least a big one for me. I switched to an old fashioned double edged razor, the kind my dad used to use before Bic came out with their early disposable razors. I’ve used various types and styles of disposable type razors and cartridge blades all… Continue Reading
Sanding Drywall and Myofascial Release
I have spent a good part of the last two weekends sanding drywall. It is thankless and dirty job, but ultimately a satisfying one for me. Our kitchen remodel is nearly complete and I’ve managed to keep from breathing in too much of the dust! For those of you who’ve never done so, sanding drywall… Continue Reading
New Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars
I have recently added a few new locations to the schedule and am currently in the process of confirming a few more…sign up for the MFRmail Newsletter to keep informed of all upcoming Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars. Foundations I Lafayette, Indiana: June 22-24, 2012 (space still available) Rochester, NY: September 14-16, 2012 San Diego,… Continue Reading
Teres Major…Steak. Really?
I am a carnivore. I have come to terms with this. I was a vegetarian for a number of years, but drifted back to what was more comfortable. I know what I’m eating, even though the named cut of meat little resembles it’s anatomical name. A strip steak or ribeye give one little clue as… Continue Reading
Unwinding at Windmills: The Value of Evaluation
Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes’ character and book of the same name, threatened to “tilt at windmills” that he believed were enemies. The term “tilting at windmills” often refers to describe confrontations where adversaries are incorrectly perceived (1). Incorrect perceptions in Myofascial Release are often the result of incomplete (or lack of) evaluation prior to… Continue Reading
Curiosity and the Magic Wand
I believe curiosity is one of the strongest assets that make a therapist successful. But, curiosity on the part of my patients can reap even bigger outcomes. I have an acquaintance who is a mental health therapist. In her office she keeps a toy magic wand. Among others things, she will often give it to… Continue Reading
The Evolution of Technique
A funny thing happens when you use a modality long enough; technique seems less important. In the beginning, the techniques were everything. How many classes could I take and how many new techniques could I learn? Of course there were plenty of new seminars to fill my needs, each promising more and more. But after… Continue Reading
1.6%: The normalcy of spinal curves
1.6%: The normalcy of spinal curves 1.6%. That is the percentage of people who have a perfectly straight spine, one with no lateral deviation whatsoever. Those were the findings of Dr. William P. Bunnell, Professor, and Chairperson, Loma Linda University Medical Center, who in 1992 published his paper; Outcome of Spinal Screening. The study looked at… Continue Reading
Myofascial Release Marketing
I just completed posting another dozen or so new therapists listings to the Myofascial Release and Bodyworker Practitioner Directory. (sidebar: If you have not signed up for this free directory, what are you waiting for?) As I enter information for therapists and practices literally from around the world I am struck with the wide variety… Continue Reading
