Robert Schleip's article

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Walt Fritz, PT on June 22, 2011 at 10:45am

Stephen,

This is an excellent article. The only things that bothered me about his observations/conclusions about tissue changed seem based on this sentence:

 

Rarely is a practitioner seen – or is it taught – to apply uninterrupted manual pressure for more than 2 minutes.

(page 12, 1st column, near bottom) 

 

Rarely, if ever, do I spend LESS than 2 minutes applying continuous pressure.

Permalink Reply by Stephen Jeffrey on June 22, 2011 at 12:26pm

Hi Walt

it was twice mentioned on the recent world massage conference by Antonio Stecco (physiotherapist) and John Saratsiotis (chiropractor) that research is pointing towards much longer durations minimum 2mins up to maximum 5mins with an average (target) time of 3mins to get the fascia to melt using the thumb or elbow.

I want to know what the research conditions were like, how the target tissue was prepared. To me these times seem to long.  When using cross hand technique 2 mins max, when using thumbs 90 secs max. I have never tried to time it as surely release is not related to time but palpation!   

I think many (especially new) therapists will find these longer durations difficult.  

Permalink Reply by Walt Fritz, PT on June 22, 2011 at 12:43pm

It points out the differences in technique and style within the large umbrella called myofascial release. I seldom use the elbows and never the thumbs. Maintaining a barrier, using the hands in a more gentle way, is quite easy to do. My releases are often held 10+/- minutes. A big difference from what was mentioned in the paper, and it seems, different from the way you practice. This is part of the confusion when a generic term, like myofascial release, is used. I used to attach a certain person's initials to the "MFR", but I no longer feel the need to contribute to his marketing strategy. However, it does create confusion amonst therapists and the public, wouldn't you say?

 

Permalink Reply by Stephen Jeffrey on June 23, 2011 at 3:48am

I used to get confused and even anoyed by those punting "their" methods as the be all and only way to treat and get good results.

I now see my work as a near complete jigsaw with only a few bits missing (this is what drives me to keep learning) so now when I go on a course I am not looking to make and master a whole new jigsaw I am looking for those missing pieces that fit perfectly into the (jigsaw) work I already do.

 

Their are some great names out there (especially in the USA) to learn from  MFR etc etc but ultimately I am Jeffreying and you are Fritzing :) 

 

   

 

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Permalink Reply by Walt Fritz, PT on June 23, 2011 at 12:28pm

Stephen, I used to buy into one particular method as being the be-all-end-all method. I prefer Fritzing now

Permalink Reply by Stephen Jeffrey on June 28, 2011 at 9:54am

I'm going to have to reveiw my thoughts on duration/time if Fritzing means 10 mins.

I wish you were just up the road, I would definately pop in for some Fritzing:)

Permalink Reply by Walt Fritz, PT on June 28, 2011 at 11:11am

Low load, long duration work is the focus of what I do and teach. As I've mentioned in previous posts, the umbrella of myofascial release is wide. All types have good effect, though the method may appear different.

 

May be no roads connect us, but there is always a plane!

 

Cheers,

 

Walt