Full Course Description

Module 1: Myofascial Masterclass

People in pain care about one thing - getting out of pain. You see the frustration and even desperation in your patients and more than anything want to play an active role in improving their quality of life. One of the most effective ways to provide immediate symptom relief is to address trigger points, myofascial pain and hypertonicity with hands on therapies.

In this one training, you will get exposure to the most powerful evidence-based soft tissue techniques available to address trigger points, myofascial pain and hypertonicity. You will also be able to skillfully apply cupping, positional release, use of foam rollers and massage guns.

More than instruction in techniques, you will build a foundation in the anatomy and function of fascia in both normal and pathological conditions. With over 40 years of clinical experience as both a physical therapist AND massage therapist, Dr. Theresa Schmidt seamlessly blends masterful application of technique along with the science that supports it while maintaining a constant emphasis on function. She’ll shed light on the significance of soft tissue dysfunction in relation to the neuromuscular influence in pain perception and loss of mobility.

This all translates to accomplishing more with less, working smarter not harder. In the spirit of working smarter, you will also discover how to use these tools to promote proper body mechanics while reducing stress on your hands in order to keep doing what you love for years to come. Purchase this training that brings the best of soft tissue techniques together in one training as you acquire skills you will use for the duration of your career!

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the anatomy and function of the fascial and neuromuscular systems.
Analyze the evidence-based research regarding the fascial system and efficacy of soft tissue and positional interventions to improve functional mobility.
Perform an assessment to identify mobility restrictions, painful trigger points, (TPs) and functional impairments related to abnormal neuromuscular tension and document results.
Investigate the scientific mechanism for soft tissue mobilization (STM) myofascial release (MFR) and positional release (PRT) interventions.
Formulate indications, precautions and contraindications for soft tissue interventions.
Appraise appropriate outcome measures and billing codes to employ for documenting results to optimize reimbursement.
Differentiate between mobility impairments such as myofascial pain, scar tissue adhesions and fibromyalgia.
Demonstrate over ten manual therapy techniques employing manual MFR/STM, cupping instrument-assisted STM, and positional release for a variety of clinical conditions.
Distinguish appropriate attributes of cupping tools including cup diameter, size and rim shape, manual or mechanical, and materials to promote soft tissue mobility, increase circulation and relieve painful restrictions.
Differentiate cupping techniques including dry stationary and dynamic gliding cupping, exercise cupping, and acu-magnet cupping.
Investigate client positioning to reduce the sensitivity of selected TPs to allow spontaneous release of abnormal neuromuscular tension, reduce pain, and improve range of motion and strength.
Demonstrate use of manual techniques and tools as part of a plan of care to reduce pain in restricted tissues, restore flexibility, and improve strength and function.
Integrate manual interventions into your plan of care to manage trigger points and neuromuscular/myofascial tension, remodel scar tissue, decrease sympathetic tone, modulate pain, and promote comfort, flexibility, function and physical performance.

Outline

Significance of the Connective Tissue and Neuromuscular Systems in Management of Restrictive

Mobility Impairments

Myofascial Release/Soft Tissue Mobilization Fundamentals for Function

Anatomy and Function of Fascia in Normal and Pathological Conditions

Connective tissue system structure and significance
Explore interrelationship of all body parts connected by fascia with a video of live fascia by expert Jean Claude Guimberteau, MD
How the “release” occurs and why
Importance of palpation sensitivity, grading depth of pressure, stages of release

Differential Diagnosis of Fascial Impairment

How to Distinguish Between Myofascial Pain and Fibromyalgia
- Improve your problem-solving skills with challenging impairments
- Objective documentation of trigger points, scar tissue, mobility impairments and functional change

Principles and Procedures of Myofascial Release

Identify fascial mobility impairments using posture and palpation exams
Perform layer palpation and tri-planar mobility testing
Correct pressure and timing for release
Facilitate releases with integrative interventions, breathing, movement

Documentation Results

Using functional outcomes measures effectively for insurance reimbursement

Identify Mobility Impairments Using Posture, Palpation, and Motion Testing

Soft Tissue Mobility Assessment – How to Listen to What the Body is Saying
- Myofascial assessment- observation and motion testing for restrictions
- Learn how to palpate and assess fascial mobility, identify TPs
- Develop palpatory skills, proper tissue pressure, graded touch and timing
- General and local listening of fascial tension patterns
Techniques to Remodel Fascia, Relieve Pain and Increase Functional Mobility
- Skin gliding and Skin rolling
- Cross-hand releases for spine and extremities
- Muscle Play release
Specific and Deeper Myofascial Techniques
- Circular friction
- Elbowing, Knuckling
- Longitudinal stroking, Z-friction release

Instrument-assisted STM techniques

Cupping: Use of negative pressure dry cupping suction cups - Baguan

Cupping history, theory, safety, indications, contraindications, precautions
Tool types and selection
- Forces employed: pressure, size, shape of cups
Static and dynamic gliding technique
Cupping demo for clinical cases
Scraping- use of shaped tools to remodel adhesions- Guasha
Blades, rollers, balls, shaped tools to remodel fascia
When to use your hands vs. instrument-assisted release
Research outcomes for cupping therapy

Myofascial Distraction Techniques

Arm and leg distraction
PNF/ Muscle Energy and STM combined

How to Use STM on Specific Regions of The Body

Respiratory diaphragm
Iliopsoas
Transverse fascial diaphragms
TMJ Release
Suboccipital Inhibition Release

What Does the Research Tell Us?

Effectiveness of STM/MFR in clinical and lab conditions
Clinical Problem-Solving for Case Studies and Discussion, Q&A

Trigger Point Release Fast ‘n Easy

Ischemic Compression and Reflex inhibition to Ease Painful Muscle Tension

What do you do when clients present with painful, tense areas of consistent muscle tension?
Habits that produce abnormal strain on the neuromuscular system, resulting in tight bands of abnormal muscle contraction/TPs
Etiology and physiology of trigger points, assessment, imaging, research evidence
Trigger point pain presentation/referral patterns
What/how to document

Interventions to manage painful TPs

Ischemic compression
Reflex movement therapy
Muscle energy

Integrative Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (L. Chaitow, DO)

Case studies

Positional Release (Strain-Counterstrain)

Application for Mobility, Strength and Function

Neuromuscular basis for positional release technique (PRT)/Strain-counterstrain (SCS)

Role of Trigger Points in Movement Impairments

Etiology and physiology of TPs
Assessment and Imaging
Research on Effectiveness of PRT
Demonstration of PRT interventions: Cervical, shoulder, lumbar, hip, knee

Home Program Design using PRT

Closing Discussion/Q&A

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Chiropractors
Athletic Trainers
Massage Therapists
Other Rehab and Healthcare Professionals

Copyright : 02/02/2023

Module 2: Myofascial Masterclass

Copyright : 02/03/2023

Good Vibrations! Massage Guns and Vibration Therapy - More Than Just Massage

Many companies are selling percussion guns and adding vibration to their arsenal of tools - your patients are buying them…but the why and how of using them remains unclear. This recording will discuss the potential right place and right time for percussion and vibration therapy. Unravel the science to discover how you can connect the neurologic component to the orthopedic issues in a safe and effective manner with these tools.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate history and common use of percussion guns and vibration tools.
Investigate the advantages and science for percussion and vibration therapy.
Determine precautions and contraindications of percussion and vibration tools.
Perform common and novel applications that can enhance treatment by the use of percussion and vibration tools.

Outline

Percussion Guns: What’s All the Buzz About?
- History
- Types of guns and features
- Pros and cons of different features
Science Behind Vibration Therapy
- Popularized ways that percussion guns and vibration are used
- Scientific mechanisms and effects of vibration and percussion therapy
- Research for vibration in rehab or movement
- Proposed effects of vibration therapy
- Precautions and Contraindications
- Safe instructions and use, graded Exposure
Application: Common Areas and Dysfunctions
- Mobility Zones
- Stability Zones
- Rippling
Novel ways to use vibration therapy in clinical and movement settings

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Massage Therapists
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 05/12/2022

Not Your Grandma's Mobility Class: The New Frontier of Foam Rollers and Mobility tools

An updated framework and fun approach for determining why, how, when and where to roll, this class is not your Grandma’s Foam Rolling course. Explore the science behind rolling and mobility work for improved rehabilitation and performance outcomes, this class will teach you how to teach others how to best use mobility tools to enhance their performance or recovery. Updates on science and technique will be presented, reminding you just how awesome a tool a foam roller, ball or stick can be. This recording will re-invigorate your passion for recommending this quick, safe and affordable tool to your patients and clients, providing you more ways to connect with your athletes and patients. It will equip you with broad concepts and skills to apply mobility techniques in the clinic, on the field or on the road. View Dr. McDowell and Coach Paul for a massive update that will surprise you and dramatically change how, when, why and where you are recommending foam rolling and mobility work.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine when and where to use mobility tools when working with patients or athletes.
Demonstrate and apply mobility techniques correctly to an athlete who wants to use them for a recovery session.
Create and design foam rolling exercise programs for pre-activity warm up for a variety of athletes.

Outline

History of Foam Rolling and Mobility Tools
- The Old School Ways Need a Huge Update
- Research Review
- Mobility Mechanisms, mechanical, neuro and chemical
- Rolling Safety
- Assessment of when, where and how to use Mobility Tools
- Contraindications to Mobility Work
Mobility for Athletes (Pre, Post, Rehab applications)
- Mechanisms, Demo, Assessment, Reassessment
Mobility for Patients in Pain (Pre, Post, Rehab applications)
- Mechanisms, Demo, Assessment, Reassessment
Mobility for Patients for Recovery (Pre, Post, Rehab applications)
- Mechanisms Demo, Assessment, Reassessment
Where to Learn More

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 05/13/2022

Cupping for Sport Related Conditions

Do you work with athletes? From youth to recreation to the adult weekend warrior, athletes of all levels can benefit from cupping. Whether you want to use cups to ready the system for activity, as a recovery tool, or to help treat an injury, myofascial cupping is indicated for use with your athletic population. In this recording, you will learn evidence-based solutions for how, when and where to apply cups, how to use cupping to ready an athlete’s system for activity and how to properly use cups as a recovery tool.

We will discuss uses for cups in various types of sports including individual endurance sports (run, bike, swim), team sports (soccer, basketball) and functional sports like CrossFit. This recording will cover both performance and rehab applications and leave you with confidence to include cupping for your athletic population. You’ll learn techniques you can use immediately in your practice whether you work with silicone, acrylic or glass cups.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine when and where to use myofascial cups when working with athletes.
Demonstrate and apply myofascial cups correctly to an athlete who wants to use the cups for a recovery session.
Create and design cupping treatments for pre-activity warm up for various athletes.

Outline

History of Cupping
- Cupping mechanisms: mechanical, neuro and chemical
- Cupping Safety
- Assessment of when, where and how to use cups
- Three types of vacuum
- Contraindications to Cupping
Cupping for Endurance Athletes (Pre, Post, Rehab applications)
- Demo, Assessment, Reassessment
Cupping for Team Sport Athletes (Pre, Post, Rehab applications)
- Demo, Assessment, Reassessment
Cupping for CrossFit Athletes (Pre, Post, Rehab applications)
- Demo, Assessment, Reassessment
Where to Learn More

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Massage Therapists
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants

Copyright : 05/13/2022

Manual Therapy for the Piriformis & Quadratus Lumborum: Practical Solutions to Back and Sciatic Pain

Your work with lower back pain can give patients their lives back, allowing them to once again enjoy the things that debilitating pain had taken from them.

The piriformis and quadratus lumborum, often-missed muscles in back and pelvic pain, can mimic other dysfunctions frustrating your ability to identify the root of your patients’ problem. Not only that, the piriformis and quadratus lumborum are difficult muscles to palpate, leaving you feeling hesitant and uncertain in your treatment plan.

Don’t go down the wrong treatment path, feeling defeated and worried that your client will face surgery that you can help them avoid.

Feel your confidence grow and your skills sharpen as you gain new, evidence-based strategies to release the quadratus lumborum and piriformis and stop the pain in as little as 4 to 6 sessions.

Identify the root of the problem the first time by using special assessment tests and measures, so you can address the pain and restore function quicker. Utilizing case studies and demonstration lab time, you will walk away from this workshop immediately ready to confidently tackle low back and pelvis pain in your patients.

Peggy Lamb, LMT, has spent the last 30 plus years as a manual therapist. In that time, she has treated numerous low back and pelvic dysfunctions by effectively releasing these two difficult and often overlooked muscles, giving her patients a new lease on life. Her experience and knowledge will allow you to do the same for your patients.

So purchase today to confidently and effectively treat low back and pelvic pain in your patients!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the anatomy and the dynamic nature of the sacrum and SI joint to increase mobility for ADL's and functional independence.
Diagnose the causes of sacroiliac pain and dysfunction.
Integrate assessment tests of the SI joint and core stabilizing tissue to identify mobility restrictions and functional impairments.
Evaluate SI joint up-slips and utilize corrections that decrease pain and facilitate return to meaningful occupations.
Practice techniques for restoring SI joint, sacral, and core function and mobility that decrease pain and increase independence.
Apply strategies for resolving scoliosis and sciatica that allow the patient to return to functional activity.

Outline

UNLOCK THE MYSTERY OF THE PIRIFORMIS AND QUADRATUS LUMBORUM

How the piriformis and the quadratus lumborum impact the SIJ
The biomechanics of the pelvis
Why low back pain is simple yet complex
Impact of spinal curves and coupled spinal movement
Sacral movement and its relationship to the piriformis

HOW BEST TO RELEASE THE PIRIFORMIS AND QUADRATUS LUMBORUM

Importance of patient education and safety
Muscle swimming – uniquecombination of several manual therapies
Positional release: a safe alternative to direct palpation
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
Case studies

PIRIFORMIS AND DEEP LATERAL ROTATORS
UPGRADE YOUR ASSESSMENT TESTS TO FIND THE ROOT CAUSE FASTER

Short piriformis
Piriformis syndrome
Positional release
MEG technique for short piriformis

TECHNIQUES TO REACH THE PAIN, ELIMINATE IT AND RESTORE FUNCTIONS

Pin and rock technique
Pin and move technique on trigger points
Cupping
Assisted table stretch for piriformis

QUADRATUS LUMBORUM
UPGRADE YOUR ASSESSMENT TESTS TO FIND THE ROOT CAUSE FASTER

High iliac crest
MET corrects for high iliac crest
Positional release for short quadratus lumborum

STRATEGIES TO REACH THE PAIN, ELIMINATE IT AND RESTORE FUNCTION

Standing techniques
- Assessment of QL length from side-bending
- Standing palpation
Prone techniques
- Skin rolling
- Warming the tissue
- Assessing the tissue
- Cupping
Side-lying techniques
- Fascial lengthening
- Warming the tissue
- Practice muscle swimming strategies for release
- Pin and rock
- Cupping
- Pin and move technique on TP’s
Additional techniques to create new neuromuscular pathways
- Stretching techniques

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Massage Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists
Exercise Physiologists
Personal Trainers
Rehab Nurses

A Manual Therapy Approach to Stabilizing the Core & the SI Joint

Restoring a Stable Base

When there is misalignment in the core, it spirals out to the whole body.

In my 30-year career as a body worker, I’ve narrowed in on assessments and hands on techniques that have completely changed my practice. This whole body approach to the core and SIJ has helped to quickly resolve issues related to chronic pain in the shoulder, neck, back, hip and more!

You’ll learn effective manual therapy techniques for treating the most common dysfunctions you face including:

High ilium
Rotation of ilium (anterior)
Upslip of SI joint
Pubic bone misalignment
Sacral torsion

This lab-intensive training is essential for anyone who uses manual therapy to achieve optimal outcomes for their clients. I’ll guide you through innovative and comprehensive strategies, including osteopathic-derived muscle energy techniques and neuromuscular therapy to restore the core and the SI joint.

Propel your treatment forward with these techniques that are sure to boost your referrals!

- Peggy Lamb, MA, LMT, BCTMB

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the anatomy and the dynamic nature of the sacrum and SI joint.
Diagnose the causes of sacroiliac pain and dysfunction.
Evaluate assessment tests of the SI joint and core stabilizing tissue.
Evaluate SI joint up-slips and corrections.
Practice techniques for restoring SI joint, sacral, and core function and mobility.
Apply strategies for resolving functional scoliosis and sciatica.

Outline

ANATOMY: OVERVIEW

The architecture of the pelvis
Understanding spinal curvatures
Piriformis and the sciatic nerve
Nutation/counter-nutation of the sacrum
Anatomy of SI joint
Causes of SI joint dysfunction

ASSESSMENT TESTS (VIRTUAL LAB)

High ilium
Rotation of ilium
Upslip of SI joint
Leg length discrepancy
Pubic bone misalignment
Sacral torsion
Piriformis syndrome

CORRECTIONS (VIRTUAL LAB)

High ilium
Rotation of ilium (anterior)
Upslip of SI joint
Pubic bone misalignment
Sacral torsion
Strategies and protocols to restore a normal soft tissue environment for gluteus maximus and piriformis muscles

Target Audience

Massage Therapists
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Personal Trainers