The Fundamentals:
The Fundamentals course begins with an introduction to fascia, where we will cover the anatomy and physiology of fascia, explore what causes the fascia to dysfunction and learn how to release the fascia through myofascial release. At the end of the lecture portion we will have an exploration with our hands, learning to connect in with the fascia on the back. We will learn to sink into the superficial layer of fascia, engage it and stretch the fascia. We will feel into the deeper muscular layers and begin to identify adhesions and release them as we move through the tissue.
Then we will move into specific areas of the body and address specific musculature. We will start with the head and neck. The anatomy of the area will be reviewed, common medical conditions discussed and the consciousness aspect explored. I will provide a demonstration of the protocol, and then we will pair up and I will walk you through an exchange where you will give and receive the protocol. During the exchanges I will walk around to answer specific questions, provide adjustments on practitioner positioning and to do strokes on each client’s body for comparison.
After each exchange we will share what each student has experienced with the work. Often students will remark that they feel taller or lighter, and that their body feels more fluid. It is not uncommon for students who have issues to experience pain relief, increased range of motion and a greater sense of ease in their body. It is wonderful to experience the work in your own body so you know how it feels to receive the work, as well as understand how quickly it can change patterns in the body.
On day two we will delve into the shoulders and the trunk & hips. We will review the anatomy and common medical conditions of each area, I will provide a demonstration of the protocol and then I will walk you through an exchange with another student. I will walk around during the exchanges to support each student with any specific needs or questions. After each exchange we will again ask the clients to share their experience. It is fascinating to hear how different everyone feels and it offers us confidence and experience to know how the work can effect the body.
The specific muscles that are covered in each area are:
- Head & Neck – Temporalis, masseter, frontalis, occipitalis, the occipital ridge, the face, the scalp, platysma, sternocleidomastoid, splenius cervicis and splenius capitus.
- The Shoulders – Latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboids, levator scapula, deltoids, pectoralis major and subclavius.
- Trunk & Hips – erector spinae, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, rectus abdominis, external obliques, internal obliques and transverse abdominis.
The Fundamentals is a prerequisite for taking the advanced courses unless you have previous experience and training with myofascial release therapy. The Advanced Upper Body and Advanced Lower Body courses can be taken in any order.