The Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars draw from a fairly wide range of health professionals, including physical therapist, occupational therapists, massage therapists, athletic trainers, nurses, and osteopaths. All of these professionals have a huge number of continuing education opportunities to choose from, which led me to wonder “Why take a Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminar?”.… Continue Reading
If It Walks Like a Duck, Does the Duck Have Pain?
A few things about me: I have one foot that points out a bit. I walk like half a duck. Nothing big, I’m probably the only one who notices this, but it’s there. If you stood me up for a postural examination, I would be in pretty much the same place as 99% of the… Continue Reading
Waiting Room Magazines
In my private practice, I’ve gotten used to receiving unsolicited magazines. You know the type; Reader’s Digest, Ladies Home Journal, Highlights (I LOVED Highlights since I was a kid and read it in my doctor’s office). Most don’t even make the cut and end up in the recycling bin. Occasionally, though, one catches my attention.… Continue Reading
New Foundations Seminar Pricing Structure
The seminar business is rewarding but challenging. Locating appropriate venues, attracting therapists/students, etc., is all part of the business. Having an accurate idea of the number attendees is crucial for success. As a result, we have instituted a lower pricing tier. If you register two months prior to any seminar the registration fee will be… Continue Reading
“Because It Works” Is Not Enough.
“I don’t see how knowing the science behind my work will improve what I do…” “I don’t care about the science behind it, as long as it works…” “The evidence does not matter, it is results that matter…” “Stop talking about things I don’t care about…” “Shut up…” Do any of these statements sound… Continue Reading
A Lighter Touch
I just finished up a Foundations in Myofascial Release I Seminar in San Diego and I am waiting for a red-eye back to Rochester. I love shooting from the hip in my teachings, as I really enjoy meeting the individual needs of each therapist attending my seminars. So having some new information allows a lot… 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
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
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
The Feel
What is the most important aspect of being a successful myofascial release therapist? To me, it is developing the “feel”. But what is the feel? From the first technique that I introduce to therapists at my seminars, I begin to coach them into moving into the body in a curious fashion. Gently apply pressure until… Continue Reading
Fear
I’ve been actively teaching my Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars for about four years. They started as local classes, Rochester, NY, and have slowly spread across the country. My emphasis has always been on quality trainings in a small group setting. Apparently this approach has raised some fear in others. I’ve taught two seminars in… Continue Reading
Myofascial Release and the Disconnect from the Physical Therapy Community
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… Continue Reading
Upcoming Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars
I have added a number of new cities to the schedule: Foundations in Myofascial Release I Seminar Hershey, Pennsylvania: August 12-14, 2011 Albuquerque, New Mexico: October 7-9, 2011 St. Louis, Missouri: October 14-16, 2011 Canton, Ohio: November 10-12, 2011 Dallas, Texas: March 9-11, 2012 Foundations in Myofascial Release II Seminar Rochester, NY: September 23-25, 2011… Continue Reading
Kicking the Pebble
Kicking the Pebble is a oft-used metaphor for starting a change in behavior or action. I was reminded of this through an excellent blog post by Doug O’Brien, which was sent to my friend Kathy Silva-Tanguay. Kathy is an advanced Myofascial Release Therapist practicing on Cape Cod. This metaphor is effectively used to describe many… Continue Reading
Protocols and Cookbooks
The use of protocols has gotten a bad rap in some areas of Myofascial Release. “Cookbook Therapy” it is often called. Certainly following a strictly defined treatment plan is out of line with most forms of MFR, but don’t we all follow certain protocols? Each individual that comes into my treatment room is approached differently.… Continue Reading
