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The Changing Pioneers
Who are the pioneers in the field of Myofascial Release? Or better put, who are those that have created a shift in the way we view the body?
A look at the history of Myofascial Release, as well as the primary contributors, can be obtained on Wikipedia. But who represents the future?
I have a respect for the research and writings of Robert Schleip, Ph. D, who is a German fascia researcher and Rolfer. A case in point is his article, Fascial plasticity – a new neurobiological
explanation: Part 1. While acknowledging the hypothetical nature
of his work, he puts forth an explanation for the mechanism of fascial
work from the basis of neurobiology.
When I put my hands on a client and feel changes, I have always had a mental picture of what was occurring, based on my learning. Schleip takes these same sensations and frames them in a new way. Since current
research has failed to confirm the paradigm of mechanical explanation
that I was taught as a means of validating fascial release, his theory
draws from plausible explanations to come up with a logical framework.
Sacred cows, whether they be in Myofascial Release or Craniosacral
Therapy, can be changed.
So why does it matter? If what we are doing works, why should the explanation be so important? If Myofascial Release is to gain further credibility as an accepted modality, the science does matter. Will this
change how we work? Quite possibly; finding the mechanism for change may
lead to further advances in theory and technique.
Give Schleip's article a read and let me know your thoughts.
Walt Fritz, PT
Views: 181
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rick Johnson on
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Hi Walt. Thanks for this great paper. I need to read it again ( and again ? ) to really absorb it all but tell me , in your opinion, what's the bottom line? Would this paper suggest to you to start a session of myofascial release with some gentle cross hand stretches with the client passive and with for the autonomic ns to start changes, then proceed to more deep and aggressive strokes ala. Rolfing type deep strokes with a corresponding active client participation? Is that the takeaway message here? This is my quick understanding but I realize that's not a new thought ( go in soft and come out slow and easy ) . What's your take?
BTW I appreciate your web site. How do I access the "tips"? -
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Permalink Reply by Walt Fritz, PT on
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Rick,
I am not getting the sense that Schleip is making any sort of recommendation for sequencing therapy, at least that is how I read it. IMO, the deeper more aggressive strokes are usually not needed. As I understand Rolfing, it has moved away from strictly deep aggressive strokes and the line is somewhat blurred between it and Myofascial Release. Any Rolfers out there may want to clarify.
You can access past MFRmail Treatment Tips from the archives page of my website. Note that older Newsletters are listed on that page and newer ones are found by clicking the blue Archives bar at the top of the page. You can also sign up for the MFRmail Newsletter on that same page and get new Treatment Tips when they come out. -
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Permalink Reply by Janet on
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Joel, if we could only get our hands on the people who need to understand. Some will never approach a modality if they don't have the science behind it, and those people need to be reached for the sake of others who turn to them for help.
Joel Ronningen said:Walt
...Knowing why something happens may be advantageous if one has to explain it to someone coming at it from a left/rational brain approach, but feeling it will elicit much greater change!... -
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Permalink Reply by Stephen Jeffrey on
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Hi Walt, I think we are all pioneers, anyone who uses their intuition to adapt their techniques to best suit the clients specific requirements.
A willingness to listen to the teachings, to us, from our students and our "leaders in the industry" will keep us highly tuned in, and alert to, its exciting evolution.How we then best adapt this information/technique into our sessions (without having complete understanding of, or scientificaly researched proof ) is decided by the responce of the client. IMO
Hi Janet, in all my years of practice never have I been asked to produce scientific proof that what I do works?. Though I do realize its the people with the grant money that want to see the proof.
I've just done a weekend workshop with Robert Schleip and enjoyed it very much, :) -
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Stephen,
The only people who have asked me for proof that what I do works has been the insurance companies. That is why I developed the research page on my website.
Would you fill me/us in on Schleip's workshop? -
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Stephen, I was referring to those in universities who come out uninformed and without experiencing what we have. They are the ones that most people turn to and who are in positions to help so many people.
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Permalink Reply by Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB on
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Thanks so much, Walt, for this post about Robert Schleip, Ph. D, a German fascia researcher and Rolfer, and the topic of fascial plasticity.
Here's a YouTube video about Robert Schleip and Fascial Plasticity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y01_bpLMpqU
Ariana Vincent
Ariana Institute
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Is this the information you are referring to regarding research?
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Walt Fritz, PT said:Stephen,
The only people who have asked me for proof that what I do works has been the insurance companies. That is why I developed the research page on my website.
Would you fill me/us in on Schleip's workshop? -
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Ariana,
Thanks for posting this video: I've not seen it yet.
Walt -
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Hi Walt, everyone
just been reveiwing the funds I spent 2010 on CPD (CEU) and Robert Shclieps workshop was by far the best.
I''ve struggled for 1 hr now to write/explain why this particular workshop outshines the rest, all I can say is, if you get the chance, then do it, you won't be dissappointed.
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Stephen,
Which seminar was this?
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Walt Fritz, PT said:Stephen,
Which seminar was this?
It was entitled fasinating Fascia, Ive been trying to find any USA workshop listings but can't find any at presnt. It looks like he is busy eleswhere = http://www.somatics.de/Veranstalt.htm I will keep looking.
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