Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminar:
The Lower Body
Seminar Learning Objectives
Learning Outcome
After completion of this seminar the therapist will show the ability to understand and use myofascial release
treatment in the remediation of pain and movement dysfunction conditions in a wide variety of situations
involving the lower body.
Learning Objectives
After successful completion of this workshop, the therapist will:
1. Explain the history of myofascial release and similar manual therapies.
2. Understand the strengths and limitations of the traditional “fascial-based” explanatory model of change in
myofascial release.
3. Understand and explain various explanations of neurological change with respect to myofascial release and
manual therapy.
4. Understand and explain how palpatory pareidolia may cloud our belief in tissue-specific effects.
5. Appreciate the value of applying a filter of critical thinking to current and future practice.
6. Understand and name a few of the absolute and relative contraindications for myofascial release/manual
therapy, including the treatment of scar tissue.
7. Understand the strengths and limitations of a postural/biomechanical evaluation and treatment-based
approach.
8. Understand and apply an effective method of myofascial release evaluation.
9. Understand and explain why deeper pressures are not necessarily more effective than lighter pressures and
apply them to the practice of myofascial release.
10. Appreciate the potential influence of the autonomic nerve system and apply this to treatment.
11. Understand and explain how apparent pelvic torsions, leg length discrepancies, and sacroiliac asymmetries
may have little impact on pain and movement disorders as well as learning effective treatment strategies despite
the perceived presence of these factors.
12. Describe and demonstrate the various treatment options in a myofascial release session, including cross
handed, single handed, compression, gathering/lifting, and traction.
13. Discuss options for and apply effective treatment for the remediation of pain, movement disorders, and
potential autonomic dysfunction in the region of the lower thoracic region.
14. Discuss options for and apply effective treatment for the remediation of lower back region pain and
movement disorders.
15. Discuss options for and apply effective treatment for the remediation of hip and thigh pain and movement
disorders.
16. Discuss options for and apply effective treatment for the remediation of knee region pain and movement
disorders.
17. Discuss options for and apply effective treatment for the remediation of lower leg pain and movement
disorders.
18. Discuss options for and apply effective treatment for the remediation of ankle and foot movement disorders.
19. Be able to explain and apply global treatment techniques for the remediation of lower body pain and
movement disorders.
20. Be able to critically assess, respect, and self-reflect on the concepts of professional boundaries and scope of
practice limitations in the myofascial release treatment setting.