A new book is evolving – with the title:
Manual Therapy Approaches to Fascial Dysfunction
This will be published by Handspring Publishers, in 2014.
The book’s outline is given below – with details of a dozen or so contributed chapters by experts who have agreed to provide practical information that should allow therapists/practitioners to explore aspects of the method being described.
Among the guest contributors – describing fascial assessment approaches, is Tom Myers – and as you will see alongside chapter titles the leading experts in their fields have agreed to participate.
The photos below are of some of the contributors – Carla Stecco, Robert Schleip, Tom Myers, Antonio Stecco and Paolo Tozzi
Of course there are other books on fascia-related topics (see for example the extremely comprehensive and informative: Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body) – but I doubt a more ‘user-friendly’ one than the planned one will be available…..if it all goes to plan!
The outline below provides first thoughts on the book….it may well change
Section 1: Fascia and the clinician – Translating the scientific evidence into clinical applications
Ch1 A clinicians guide to fascial function – including brief anatomy and physiology notes that include explanations of force transmission, mechanotransduction, fluid dynamics, neurophysiological features, and the role of fascial cells (fibroblasts) in the healing process. A glossary of terms will be included in this chapter. Leon Chaitow
Ch2 What happens when fascia becomes dysfunctional due to trauma, inflammation, pathology, ageing etc – leading to fibrosis, ‘densification’, adhesions etc – and the symptoms that may follow. Leon Chaitow
Ch3 Assessment approaches – including ‘anatomy trains concepts;: Tom Myers
Ch4 Known and hypothesised methods of fascial modification, including the effects of movement, compression, shear forces, stretch etc. – validated mechanisms and hypothetical models. Leon Chaitow
Section 2: Modalities that focus on, or that beneficially influence, fascial dysfunction.
This section comprises a selection of 14 therapeutic models or approaches, listed alphabetically, below.
The chapters will be user-friendly’, scientific but avoiding excessively academic language.
Each of these will broadly follow the same model – presenting a brief history and the protocols involved, and insofar as evidence exists brief summaries of studies that valdate the method, and/or describe the relationship with fascia/connective tissues.
The tone of these chapters will encourage the reader to explore the method being discussed – but will not be promotiona/advertorial in nature. They will explain, and encourage further exploration – but are not designed to ‘sell’ the method.
One or more detailed ‘exercises’ (assessment and/or therapeutic) will be described for the practitioner/reader to use experientially – ideally on him/herself (BUT NOT IN A CLINICAL SETTING WITHOUT TRAINING).
(Note: some of these chapter titles may change)
- · Bowen Technique: Michelle (Marr) Watson, Julian Baker
- · Connective Tissue Massage/Manipulation (CTM): Liz Holey, John Dixon
- · Exercise related methods and fascia: Robert Schleip
- · Fascial Manipulation®: Carla Stecco, Antonio Stecco, Julie Day
- · Fascial Unwinding/Balanced Ligamentous Tension: Paolo Tozzi
- · Instrument Assisted Methods (e.g. Graston®): Warren Hammer
- · Fascia and Muscle Energy Techniques: Leon Chaitow
- · Myofascial Induction/Release: Andrzej Pilat
- · Neuromuscular Techniques: Leon Chaitow
- · Positional Release Techniques: Leon Chaitow
- · Rolfing®/Structural integration: Jonathan Martine
- · Scar management: Willem Fourie
- · Therapeutic massage and fascia: Sandy Fritz
- · Trigger point release methods (+dry needling): Cesar Fernandez-de-las-Penas
More on the book as it evolves….