Fascia workshop, London March 7/8 2015

Leon Chaitow

A weekend workshop exploring the integration and relevance of fascia research in manual and physical therapy practice. The course aims to allow the clinician to work more effectively with fascial functions. Management in this sphere can be used to encourage analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects; enhance tissue repair; reduce levels of fibrosis/adhesions/scar formation; improve circulation, drainage, posture, balance, mobility and function.
A large part of the workshop will explore means of evaluating and treating dysfunctional fascial behaviour (fibrosis, restriction, densification etc), using functional assessments and manual palpation.

CONTENT OF COURSE:

PART 1- RESEARCH AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF KEY AREAS OF FASCIA RESEARCH

Tensegrity and Biotensegrity: The architecture of cells and human structures provides a conceptual understanding of

• the hierarchical organization of the human body – explaining its ability to adapt to function, including evolution of scars, adhesions and fibrosis
• This area of the course will also include a brief overview of body-wide fascial organisational features
• Force transmission – how load is diffused; and how distant structures may influence local dysfunction
• The neurophysiology of fascia: neural reporting stations in fascia and how differently applied forms of load (slow/rapid/shear force/ compression/stretch etc) affect these neural processes
• The remarkable features of mechanotransduction: multiple ways in which cells respond to different degrees of torsion, tension, shear, ease, compression, stretch, bending and friction, accounting for rapid modification of cellular behaviour and physiological adaptations – including inflammatory responses
• Fluid dynamics and fascia: Extrusion of water from fascia during compression and stretching
• Research evidence of optimal means of applying different degrees of load, to achieve specific effects
• Latest dissection and imaging evidence – exclusive photographs, videos, realtime ultrasound, etc.

PART 2 FASCIA RELATED METHODS: THEORETICAL MODELS, CLINICAL EVIDENCE ANDPRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

• High velocity manipulation of a/ joints (discussed, not practised) b/ soft tissues (discussed and practised in relation to fibrosis and scars + videos )
• Low velocity loading: Myofascial Release – different models explored and practised. + videos
• Muscle Energy models of fascial remodelling: including use of slow eccentric isometric stretching and rapid isometric stretching (‘isolytic) in relation to fibrosis
• Different models explored and practised + videos
• Exercise and fascia: methods that induce beneficial fascial change – relevance to ageing and post-traumatic changes
• Vibration and cyclical loading and the effects on collagen. Different models explored and practised
• Management of scars via slow loading. Discussion + videos. Different models explored and practised
• Positional release methods and fascia: counterstrain methods explored. Ligamentous reflexes considered
• Different models explored and practised + videos
• Connective tissue massage/manipulation methods: direct collagen influences and autonomic responses. Different models explored and practised + videos
• The Fascial Manipulation© method discussed – not practised
• The Graston© method discussed + videos – not practised. Alternative/similar methods demonstrated
• Myofascial pain and fascia discussion – plus consideration of other therapeutic models and their mechanisms + videos

Dates: 7-8 March 2015