Table of Contents

Part I. Getting Started With Myofascial ReleaseChapter 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 ApplicationsChapter 4. Palpatory and Physical Assessments Palpatory Assessment Tissue Mobility, Motility 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 Myofascial Unwinding and Myofascial Rebounding Combining Techniques Closing Remarks Quick Questions Part III. Applying MFR TechniquesChapter 6. Cross-Hand Releases 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 Technique Respiratory Diaphragm Technique Thoracic Inlet Techniques Transverse Plane Technique at Joints Closing Remarks Quick Questions Chapter 10. Myofascial Unwinding Fascial Responses to Injury The Unwinding Process What Does Myofascial Unwinding Feel Like to the Client? What Does Myofascial Unwinding Feel Like to the Therapist? Closing Remarks Quick Questions Chapter 11. Myofascial Rebounding The Rebounding Process Rebounding as a Tool to Enhance Techniques What Does Myofascial Rebounding Feel Like to the Client? What Does Myofascial Rebounding Feel Like to the Therapist? Closing Remarks Quick Questions Part IV. MFR Programmes and ManagementChapter 12. Combined Techniques and Taking MFR Further Myofascial Position of Ease Techniques Combining Techniques Direct Scar Tissue Release 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

About the Author

Ruth Duncan, SST, ISRM, SMTO, is an advanced myofascial release therapist, proprietor, instructor, guest lecturer, speaker, national committee member and writer with extensive training in a variety of approaches. She completed her advanced postgraduate training in 2004 with John F. Barnes (the world's leading authority on myofascial release) and has assisted with his seminars in the United States. Duncan also has explored other direct and nondirect fascial approaches, including Thomas Myers' anatomy trains and myofascial meridians, Erik Dalton's myoskeletal alignment techniques and Jean-Pierre Barral's visceral manipulation. She has studied with experts on myriad topics to learn more about human anatomy, function and dysfunction and the emotional aspects of chronic pain and healing. Duncan graduated with honours as a clinical massage therapist from the Humanities Centre School of Massage (now the Cortiva Institute in Florida, USA) and has a diploma in sports therapy from the Society of Sports Therapists (Sports Rehab and Education) and a diploma in sports and remedial massage from the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage. She runs her own clinicm The Natural Therapy Centre north of Glasgow, Scotland, specialising in the MFR approach in single sessions and intensive treatments.

Reviews

"...highly recommend this for any manual therapist interested in adding myofascial release to their current treatments."--Doody's Book Review