Dedication
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Preface
Section I: Introduction to Myofascial Release
Introduction to Myofascial Release
Myofascial Therapy
Sam Kegerreis, MS, PT, ATC
Biomedical and Infomedical Models
Pathological Distinctions
Structural Concepts
Tensegrity
Myofascial Restrictions
Anatomy of Fascia
Soft Tissue Injuries and Myofascial Pain
Tightness and Restriction
Conceptual Models
Fascia as a Balloon
Fascia as Plastic Wrap
Fascia and Muscle as Red Elastic Bands
Myofascial Release: A Brief History
Robert C.Ward, DO
Understanding Myofascial Release
Trust Feelings
Basic Principles
Assumptions
Process of Change
Learning Myofascial Release
Basic Steps: An Overview of Treatment
Onion Metaphor
Gross Release of Any Muscle
Focused Release of Any Muscle
Gross Versus Focused Release
Sensation of a Release
Autonomic Response to a Release
Response to Myofascial Release
End-Feel
Psychological Effects of Myofascial Release and Other Manual Therapies
Essence of Myofascial Release
Special Considerations
Enigma of the \u201cGood Hurt\u201d
Boundaries
Significance of Touch and Nonverbal Communication
Steven Nowicki, PhD
Focusing on Feedback: Communication Exercises
Exercise 1. Communicating Emotions
Touch As Communication
Exercise 2. Personal Space
Protocols for Myofascial Release
Indications
Contraindications
Precautions
Pre-Treatment Protocols
Establishing the Therapeutic Environment
Testing for Vascular Integrity
Post-Treatment Protocols
Drink... Drink... Drink
Be Kind to Your Hands
Section II: Basic Myofascial Release Techniques
Upper Quarter Release
Release of the Shoulder Rotators
A Learning Exercise: Focusing on Feedback
Sidelying Release of the Parascapular Muscles
Lower Quarter Release
Sidelying Release of the Gluteal Muscles
Trapezius
Bilateral Release of the Upper Trapezii
Unilateral Release of the Upper Tr apezius
Focused Release of the Upper Trapezius
Release of the Splenius Capitis and Semispinalis Capitis
Bilateral Release of the Middle Trapezii
Unilateral Release of the Middle Trapezius
Focused Release of the Middle Trapezius
Release of the Lower Trapezius
Focused Release of the Lower Trapezius
Cervical Region
Release of the Posterior Cervical Musculature
Cranial Base Release
Gross Release of the Sternocleidomastoid
Focused Release of the Sternocleidomastoid
Gross Release of the Scalp Muscles: Hair Release
Gross Release of the Face Muscles: Ear Release
Gross and Focused Release of the Scalp and Face Muscles
Release of the Hyoids
Pectoralis Major and Minor
Release of the Horizontal Fibers of the Pectoralis Major
Release of the Diagonal Fibers of the Pectoralis Major
Release of the Pectoralis Minor
Intercostals and the Rib Cage
Gross and Focused Release of the Intercostal Muscles
Release of the Rib Cage
Gross Release of the Quadratus Lumborum
Abdominal Muscles
Gross Release of the Rectus Abdominis
Gross Release of the Abdominal Obliques
Gross Release of the Tranversus Abdominis
Iliopsoas
Gross Release of the Iliopsoas
Focused Release of the Iliacus
Pectineus
Focused Release of the Pectineus
Piriformis
Focused Release of the Piriformis
Lower Extremity Muscles
Gross Release of the Quadriceps Femoris
Gross Release of the Sartorius
Gross and Focused Release of the Tensor Fascia Lata
Gross and Vertical Gross Release of the Hamstrings
Gross Release of the Anterior Tibialis
Focused Release of the Peroneus Longus
Gross Release of the Soft Tissue of the Forefoot and Toes
Gross and Focused Release of the Plantar Fascia
Gross and Focused Release of the Gastrocnemius
Gross Release of the Soleus
Gross Release of Both Legs and the Lower Trunk
Back Muscles
Gross Release of the Levator Scapula
Gross Release of the Rhomboids
Focused Release of the Supraspinatus
Focused Release of the Infraspinatus
Gross and Focused Release of the Teres Major and Minor
Gross Release of the Subscapularis
Gross and Focused Release of the Erector Spinae
Sidelying Gross Release of the Quadratus Lumborum
Sidelying Gross Release of the Latissimus Dorsi
Sidelying Gross Release of the Iliocostalis Lumborum
Upper Extremity Muscles
Gross Release of the Deltoids
Gross and Focused Release of the Biceps Brachii
Gross and Focused Release of the Brachialis
Gross and Focused Release of the Brachioradialis
Gross Release of the Wrist and Finger Extensors
Gross Release of the Extensor Carpi Radialis
Focused Release of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris
Gross Release of the Pronator Teres
Focused Release of the Wrist and Finger Flexors
Focused Release of the Flexor Carpi Radialis
Focused Release of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris
Focused Release of the Adductor Pollicis
Focused Release of the flexor Pollicis Brevis
Focused Release of the Interosseus
Gross Release of the Abductor Digiti Minimi
Gross Release of the Soft Tissue of Each Finger
Gross Release of the Triceps
Focused Release of the Triceps
Gross Release of Both Arms and the Upper Trunk
Section III: Advanced Myofascial Release Techniques
Anterior Chest Wall Release
Thoracic Fascia Release
Diaphragm Release
Pelvic Floor Release
Sacral Fascia Release
Myofascial Trigger Points
Trigger Point Release
Tender Points
Tender Point Release
Skin and Scar Restrictions
Evaluating Skin and Scar Mobility
Skin Roll Release
\u201cJ\u201d Stroke Release
Scars
Indirect Gross Scar Release
Direct Gross Scar Release
Vertical Direct Gross Scar Release
Direct Scar Skin Roll Release
Indirect Scar Skin Roll Release
Direct Focused Scar Release
Myofascial Strum Release
Long Stroke Strum Release
Short Stroke Strum Release
Dural Tube Dysfunction
Testing for Dural Tube Dysfunction
Criteria for Performing a Dural Tube Release
Dural Tube Anatomy Metaphor
Dural Tube Release
Combination Releases
Treatment in Three Dimensions
Section IV: Evaluation: Initial Assessment
General Considerations
Initial Interview
Posture Evaluation
Pain Assessment
Headaches
Section V: Additional Resources
Posture Evaluation
Standing—Facing Forward
Standing—Facing Right
Standing—Facing Left
Standing—Facing Backward
Sitting—Front View
Sitting—Right View
Sitting—Left View
Sitting—Back View
Supine—Observation and Palpation
Prone—Observation and Palpation
References
Additional References
Index
Biography
Carol J. Manheim, MS, MEd, PT, LPC, received her MS degree from Case Western Reserve University and her MEd in clinical counseling from The Citadel. Ms. Manheim is a physical therapist and licensed professional counselor in private practice in Charleston, South Carolina.
"…the manual style format allows users to access various techniques efficiently, based upon anatomical category."
— Lynee Dewar, MCSP
