Main description:

Myofascial Release, Second Edition With HKPropel Online Video, offers a dynamic approach to fascial and soft tissue work suitable for all students embarking on a career in hands-on therapy as well as for experienced therapists looking to add skills to their treatments. Ruth Duncan, an advanced myofascial release therapist, proprietor, instructor, lecturer, national committee member and John F. Barnes protege, shares her expertise to offer in-depth descriptions of myofascial techniques and their applications.

This scientifically grounded approach presents an overview of the entire fascial matrix, the three-dimensional web of tissue that supports every other structure in the body. The explanation of the anatomy and function of the connective tissue system gives practitioners the solid background needed to treat muscle injury, immobility, and pain. The book also outlines how myofascial release relates to other massage modalities, allowing therapists to incorporate a range of treatments.

Descriptions of over 60 myofascial techniques contain details on the timing, direction, and hold of each stretch as well as numerous photographs that illustrate the body and hand positions of each technique. Nuanced explanations of the unique feel of soft tissue help the therapist enhance their palpation skills. The therapist learns how to apply the best approach (cross-hand releases, longitudinal plane releases, compression releases and transverse plane releases) on specific injuries or issues. A new chapter on scar tissue details how practitioners can relieve the pain and tension common in surgical and other types of scars. The text also contains home programs that clients can use themselves between treatment sessions.

Myofascial Release, Second Edition, includes special features that make this resource more effective for readers:

Full-color photos present a strong visual guide to employing each technique safely.
The photo index quickly points readers to the desired technique.
Tips provide practical comments on applying the techniques.
Client Talk boxes share the author's experiences and insights on common situations.
Quick Questions at the end of each chapter test readers' knowledge of material.
More than 20 online videos showcase visual demonstrations to help the reader learn the techniques more quickly and accurately.

Finally, the text offers insight on interacting with clients. It covers the client consultation process, how to check for contraindications and perform the visual assessment, how the client may respond to the treatment, and what the practitioner and client might feel and see during the process. Readers will conclude Myofascial Release, Second Edition, with a holistic understanding of the approach and how to apply the principles to their practice.

CE exam available! For certified professionals, a companion continuing education exam can be completed after reading this book. Myofascial Release, Second Edition, Online CE Exam may be purchased separately or as part of the Myofascial Release, Second Edition, With CE Exam package that includes both the book and the exam.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel online video is included with this ebook.

Contents:

Part I. Getting Started With Myofascial Release

Chapter 1. Introduction to Myofascial Release
Elements of Fascia
Conditions That Affect Fascia
Myofascial Release Concepts
MFR Versus Other Massage Modalities
Benefits of MFR
MFR Treatment Sessions
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 2. Initial Assessment
Client Consultation
Medical History
Physical Assessment
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 3. Preparation and Communication
Contraindications
Equipment and Room Preparation
Correct Body Mechanics
Mental Preparation
Therapist and Client Communication
Effects of and Responses to MFR
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Part II. MFR Applications

Chapter 4. Palpatory and Physical Assessments
Palpatory Assessment
Tissue Mobility and Glide
Traction and Compression
Skin Rolling
Rebounding
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 5. MFR Technique Approaches
How to Apply Every MFR Technique
Cross-Hand Releases
Longitudinal Plane Releases
Compression Releases
Transverse Plane Releases
Scar Tissue and Adhesion Management
Myofascial Mobilisations
Combining Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Part III. Applying MFR Techniques

Chapter 6. Cross-Hand Release Approaches
Leg Techniques
Arm Techniques
Torso Techniques
Head and Neck Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 7. Longitudinal Plane Releases
Supine Pulls
Prone Pulls
Bilateral Pulls
Oppositional and Side-Lying Pulls
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 8. Compression Releases
Soft Tissue Compression Techniques
Joint Compression Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 9. Transverse Plane Releases
Pelvic Floor Techniques
Respiratory Diaphragm Techniques
Thoracic Inlet Techniques
Transverse Plane Techniques at Joints
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 10. Scar Tissue and Adhesion Management
Scar Tissue Techniques
Stacking the Position of Ease Techniques
Direct Scar Tissue Release Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 11. Myofascial Mobilisation
Applying Myofascial Mobilization
Myofascial Mobilization Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Part IV. MFR Programs and Management

Chapter 12. Combined Techniques and Taking MFR Further
Myofascial Position of Ease Techniques
Combining Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 13. MFR Treatment Approaches
Individual Treatment Approaches
Intensive Treatment Approaches
Multi-Therapist Treatment Approaches
Home Programmes
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Answers to Quick Questions
References
Photo Index