Continuing Education

Syllabus: Myofascial Network Release I 3-DIMENSIONAL BODYWORK: Myofascial Network Release I COURSE SYLLABUS (semester and year)32 Clock Hours Required Text: 3-Dimensional Bodywork: A Systematic Approach to Myofascial Network Release for Massage Therapists, by Robert W. McCarthy Recommended Reference: Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists, by Thomas W. Myers Instructor: Robert W. McCarthy, MS, CMT, CSCS, CPT, CFSS (Level 3-Medical) Course Overview: There are many Myofascial Release (MFR) techniques and devices. MFR resides within the connective tissue branch of massage therapy, which includes Rolfing, Structural Integration, etc. In these techniques, your goal is to “mechanically release” fascial adhesions and restrictions. The concept of myofascia, and fascia in particular, is a rapidly evolving concept. You should appreciate that fascia is inseparable from muscle. Together, they form a three-dimensional web, or network, that runs through the body and surrounds virtually every cell in the body. The approach in this course takes this three-dimensional “global” view and will give you a repeatable technique that can be used in a standard 60- to 90-minute massage session. You will also learn less traditional massage positions and bolstering, such as side lying and Sims’ lateral recumbent. Your goal is to release or free-up fascial restrictions to alleviate discomfort and allow for the proper extensibility of fascial networks. These networks, or meridians, as defined by Thomas Myers, give us an anatomical organization, or starting point to address fascial restrictions – and the local, distant, or referred pain they cause. The systematic MFR technique that you will learn combines elements of tension, torsion, shear, compression, and stretch/extensibility of myofascial tissue. Every stroke has therapeutic intent; every stroke should feel good to the client. Since you will be placing a client’s body in optimal three-dimensional positions to perform manual manipulation, the technique is not appropriate for first-time, only-time spa clients, but rather, for clients who desire therapeutic relief of discomfort, therapeutic change of a condition, condition management, greater physical function, or enhanced sports performance. This course will focus on Lower Supine, Upper Supine and Side Lying routines. (The companion course Myofascial Network Release II will continue with Sims’ Lateral Recumbent and Prone routines and delves deeper into the Kinesiology of the myofascial meridians.) COURSE OBJECTIVES AND COMPETENCIES Upon completing the Myofascial Release course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the following: 1.The main physiological components and properties of myofascia. 2.Rudimentary understanding of the organizing myofascial meridians. 3.The concept of myofascia’s “global sensory network.” 4.Causes of dysfunction in the myofascial system. 5.Concept of Therapeutic Change versus Condition Management. 6.Increased awareness of tissue texture, extensibility, and mobility. 7.Appropriate application of the technique and routine to include tension, torsion, shear, and compression. 8.Appropriate application of the technique and routine to include proper three-dimensional body placement. 9.Critical assessment of routine application on more difficult cases. 10.Indications and contraindications for performing myofascial release techniques. 11.Integration of myofascial techniques with other forms of bodywork. 12.Proper body mechanics allowing the technique to be performed safely and effectively. 13.Basic competency and knowledge of a repeatable and effective myofascial release routine. COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1.Attend all class sessions. 2.Practice sequence techniques at least three times each week outside of class. 3.Read assigned chapters from the textbook. 4.Participate in class discussions and practicum. 5.Complete quizzes on homework reading material. 6.Pass a final exam and demonstrate practical application of routine. 7.Adhere to all school policies and procedures, and state rules and regulations. COURSE SYLLABUS (LO = Learning Objective/Outcome)   Class 1 (month and day) First hour (50 minutes) Introduction of class and students Slide presentation overview of myofascia, myofascial release (MFR), and 3-Dimensional Bodywork (3DB) approach and applicability. Present concept of Myofascial Meridians. Review 3DB text appendices: waiver, informed consent, and permissions; as well as SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, plan) intake form. Learning Objective 1 (LO1): Pop Quiz on applicability of 3DB and composition of myofascia. Grade quiz; assess understanding. Break (10 minutes) Second hour (50 minutes) LO2: Learn and demonstrate SOAP intake on classmate, pay particular attention to fascial restrictions, joint limitations, arthroplasty, and bony/structural pathology to include any neural pain referral. Present to class with class assessment of intake (HIPAA considerations applicable). Break (10 minutes) Third hour (50 minutes) LO3: Learn and demonstrate manipulation of superficial fascia: concept of “Global Sensory Snowsuit (3DB text page 15-16)” body overview, tissue assessment, bony-joint end-feel, first point of resistance, compression, rebounding. Conduct and assess comparison of other student’s superficial fascia and first point of stretch resistance (R1). Break (10 minutes) Fourth hour (50 minutes) Learn and demonstrate basic 3DB strokes on fellow classmate: torsion, shear, cross-fiber, longitudinal fiber, compression, and petrissage (3DB page 26). LO4: Using these strokes, learn and demonstrate 3DB Lower Supine LS 1 through LS 8 (3DB pages 45-49). Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) HOMEWORK: 1. Read 3DB Chapter 1 2. Practical Assignment: Practice LS 1 – LS 8 on a client or significant other; client to initial proof of session(s) 3. Take home Quiz 1 Class 2 (month and day) First hour (50 minutes) LO5: Discuss Chapter 1- structure of myofascia and connective tissue, definition of fascia, bones and tensegrity, sensory receptors, superficial versus deep fascia, “interstitium,” fascial restrictions, condition management vs. therapeutic change, and therapeutic change Rule of Thumb. Grade Quiz 1; assess understanding. Break (10 minutes) Second hour (50 minutes) LO6: Learn and demonstrate knowledge of the Superficial Back Line (SBL) on each other by highlighting bony landmarks with a washable marker, and then “connect the dots” to show myofascial meridian pathways of the SBL (ref. Anatomy Trains page 74). Break (10 minutes) Third hour (50 minutes) LO7: Review LS1 through LS8. Learn and demonstrate on each other 3DB Lower Supine LS 9 through LS 16 (3DB pages 49 through 53). Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) Fourth hour (50 minutes) LO8: Learn and demonstrate on each other 3DB Lower Supine LS 17 through LS 25 (3DB pages 53 through 57). Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) HOMEWORK: 1. Read 3DB Chapter 2 2. Practical Assignment: Practice LS 1 – LS 25 on a client or significant other; client to initial proof of session(s) 3. Take home Quiz 2   Class 3 (month and day) First hour (50 minutes) LO9: Discuss Chapter 2 – Other MFR techniques, “Therapeutic Massage Tree” connective tissue versus energy branch, mechanical and anatomical approach of 3DB, concept of actual myofascial “release.” Grade Quiz 2; assess understanding. Break (10 minutes) Second hour (50 minutes) LO10: Learn and demonstrate knowledge of the Superficial Front Line (SFL) on each other by highlighting bony landmarks with a washable marker, and then “connect the dots” to show myofascial meridian pathways of the SFL (ref. Anatomy Trains page 98). Break (10 minutes) Third hour (50 minutes) LO11: Learn and demonstrate on each other 3DB Lower Supine LS 26 through LS 31 (3DB pages 58 through 60). Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) Fourth hour (50 minutes) LO12: Learn and demonstrate on each other 3DB Lower Supine LS 32 through LS 37 (3DB pages 61 through 63). Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) HOMEWORK: 1. Read 3DB Chapter 3 2. Practical Assignment: Practice LS 1 – LS 37 on a client or significant other; client to initial proof of session(s) 3. Take home Quiz 3 Class 4 (month and day) First hour (50 minutes) LO13: Discuss Chapter 3 – Concept of myofascial sacks, goals of technique and routine, importance of stroke speed, and importance of tissue neural-reflexive “Tango Dance.” Grade Quiz 3; assess understanding. Break (10 minutes) Second hour (50 minutes) LO14: Learn and demonstrate knowledge of the Back Functional Line and Front Functional Line (ref. Anatomy Trains page 176).. Instructor will highlight lines on a student, as well as showing the concept of the “Serratus Sling.” (rhombo-serratus-external-internal oblique connection, ref. Anatomy Trains page 135-137). Break (10 minutes) Third hour (50 minutes) LO15: Learn and demonstrate (review) on each other 3DB Lower Supine LS 1 through LS 25 (3DB pages 45 through 57). Instructor will assess and provide feedback on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) Fourth hour (50 minutes) LO16: Learn and demonstrate (review) on each other 3DB Lower Supine LS 26 through LS 37 (3DB pages 58 through 63). Instructor will assess and provide feedback on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) HOMEWORK: 1. Read 3DB Chapter 4 2. Practical Assignment: Practice LS 1 – LS 37 on a client or significant other; client to initial proof of session(s) 3. Take home Quiz 4   Class 5 (month and day) First hour (50 minutes) LO17: Discuss Chapter 4 – Types of clients, appropriateness of technique, use of forms (Expectations, Waiver and Release, Informed Consent, Boundaries and Permissions) for liability concerns when working on clients with pathologies requiring therapeutic manipulation. Grade Quiz 4; assess understanding. Break (10 minutes) Second hour (50 minutes) LO18: Learn and demonstrate knowledge of Lateral Line (LL) (Anatomy Trains, page 116) and Spiral Line (SPL) (Anatomy Trains, page 132). Demonstration and participation in LL and SPL resisted stretch using a TRX® suspension trainer. Assessment and feedback on student post-exercise experience. (Optional student exercise participation depending on medical clearance.) Break (10 minutes) Third hour (50 minutes) LO19: Learn and demonstrate on each other 3DB Upper Supine US 1 through US 14 (3DB pages 64 through 70). Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) Fourth hour (50 minutes) LO20: Learn and demonstrate on each other 3DB Upper Supine US 15 through US 23 (3DB pages 71 through 75). Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) HOMEWORK: 1. Read 3DB Chapter 5 2. Practical Assignment: Practice US 1 – US 23 on a client or significant other; client to initial proof of session(s) 3. Take home Quiz 5 Class 6 (month and day) First hour (50 minutes) LO21: Discuss Chapter 5 - Equipment needed, best practices for first-time clients, positioning the body for all 3DB positions, bolstering for positions. Grade Quiz 5; assess understanding. Break (10 minutes) Second hour (50 minutes) LO22: Learn and demonstrate (review) on each other 3DB Upper Supine US 1 through US 23 (3DB pages 64 through 75). Instructor will assess and provide feedback on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) Third hour (50 minutes) LO23: Learn and demonstrate on each other 3DB Side Lying SL 1 through SL 13 (3DB pages 76 through 82). Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) Fourth hour (50 minutes) LO24: Learn and demonstrate (review) 3DB Side Lying SL 1 through SL 13 (3DB pages 76 through 82). Instructor will assess and provide feedback on efficacy of strokes and routine. Break (10 minutes) HOMEWORK: 1. Read 3DB Chapter 6 2. Practical Assignment: Practice SL 1 – SL 13 on a client or significant other; client to initial proof of session(s) 3. Take home Quiz 6   Class 7 (month and day) First hour (50 minutes) LO25: Discuss Chapter 6 – Case Study 1 (Functional Deviations), Case Study 2 (Structural Deviations), Case Study 3 (Critical Assessment of Movement Exercise over Therapy). Break (10 minutes) Second hour (50 minutes) LO26: Discuss Chapter 6 - Case Study 4 (Assessments), Case Study 5 (Transitional Deviation), Contraindications (Primum Non Nocere). Grade Quiz 6; assess understanding. Practicum: conduct Transverse Symmetry Test on each other. Assess and discuss findings of test. Break (10 minutes) Third hour (50 minutes) LO27: Learn and demonstrate (review) on each other 3DB Lower Supine LS 1 through LS 37. Time the routine and begin to understand how to collate the entire routine into a 60-minute or 90-minute routine. Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of timing. Break (10 minutes) Fourth hour (50 minutes) LO28: Learn and demonstrate (review) on each other 3DB Upper Supine US 1 – US 23 and SL 1 through SL 13. Time the routine and begin to understand how to collate the entire routine into a 60-minute or 90-minute routine. Assess and provide feedback to classmate on efficacy of timing. Break (10 minutes) HOMEWORK: 1. Review all 6 take home quizzes for final exam. 2. Practical Assignment: Review/Practice Lower Supine, Upper Supine, and Side Lying Routines. Class 8 (month and day) First hour (50 minutes) LO29: Final Exam. Grade and evaluate understanding of text material. Break (10 minutes) Second hour (50 minutes) LO30: Final Practical Exam – Demonstrate knowledge and skill of Lower Supine Routine. First half of class demonstrate; second half of class provide feedback to partner. Break (10 minutes) Third hour (50 minutes) LO31: Final Practical Exam – Demonstrate knowledge and skill of Upper Supine Routine and Side Lying Routine. Second half of class demonstrate; first half of class provide feedback to partner. Break (10 minutes) Fourth hour (50 minutes) LO32: Final Skill Assessment: Instructor will randomly assign five routine elements to each class member. Perform elements on instructor who will assess and provide feedback on knowledge and intuitive feel of technique, rhythm, body mechanics, and draping and bolstering. Course wrap-up and final comments and perceptions from class. Class Evaluation