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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

3 course levels

Treatment of the Myofascial Body

2 course levels

Manual Therapy for the Cranium

Learn how this approach to treatment can be a valuable addition to your practice.

Have you ever had a clinical case you believe to be of primary nociceptive pain, but no matter what you have tried in your tool-kit (joint mobilisation or manipulation, mobilising the neural system, stabilisation and strengthening programs), it hasn’t had the effect you were hoping for?

Or perhaps you have had patients complain of multiple areas of pain that don’t correspond to the paradigms that we are familiar with. Do you have the feeling that you`re missing something?
This « something else » may be the fascia.

FIND OUT MORE

Learn how this approach to treatment can be a valuable addition to your practice.

Are you having difficulty treating patients who complain of headaches?

Do you treat post-concussion patients and have plateaued with your treatment approach?

Have you tried the cervical mobilization and stabilization programs but have hit a plateau. Or perhaps your patient’s condition is too irritable and he/she is unable to tolerate much ‘hands-on’ therapy?

What about your spinal patients with pain from head to sacrum? Do you sense that there may be a connection?

The missing link may very well be the cranio-sacral system. We have learned to assess and treat the mobility of the neural system, but what about beyond occiput/C1 and into the cranium?

The mobility of this system is also vital for patients complaining of TMJ symptoms. After all, the temporal bone is part of this joint!

FIND OUT MORE

3 LEVELS

Treatment of the Myofascial Body

Fascia has become the new buzzword in the field of rehabilitation and movement re-education.

Until recently its contribution to musculoskeletal dysfunction had been underestimated. We know now that fascia plays an important role in health, wellbeing and mobility. It transmits the power of the muscles, communicates with the nervous system and serves as a sense organ. Fascia is innervated, making it a potential pain generator and has strong mechanical presence that can restrict mobility if not addressed.

I.

Theory Course

II.

Mobilisation of the Myofascial System (MMS) Courses

III.

Combined Mobilisation of the Myofascial System (MMS) Courses and Structural Myofascial Therapy (SMFT®)

Many different groups of professionals are now exploring the world of fascia, as evidenced by the explosion of research in this field. However, many physical therapists are still unfamiliar with fascia and continue to think of it as the ‘dead packing material’ that is pushed aside during dissections in order to visualize the ‘important stuff’ like muscles and nerves. It is much more than a passive tension transmitter; fascia is a dynamic and an important communicator among the various systems of the body.  Because of this, a pull on one corner of the connective tissue framework exerts a pull throughout the structure, affecting muscles, bone, nerve, blood vessels, glands and organs. An increase in tension of one of the members results in increased tension in members throughout the structure, even ones on the opposite side. Small kinks in myofascial force transmission such as those provided by scars or adhesions have surprising functional consequences, often at some distance from the site.

 

Physical therapists with their varied skill-set in manual therapy techniques are well-placed to take on this important tissue. Mobilization of the Myofascial System aims to help them to do that.

Mobilization of the Myofascial System (MMS), the technique taught in these courses, has its origins in manual physical therapy for the articular, muscular and neural systems. Tom Myers’ book Anatomy Trains, which examines the myofascial meridians for manual and movement therapists, has been the framework and inspiration for the development of MMS.

Regardless of the pathway taken to learn the treatment approach for the myofascial system, the participants will no doubt learn to appreciate how myofascial dysfunctions can affect the client’s range of motion, motor control, and global function.

1. MMS Techniques

MMS techniques, developed and taught by Doreen Killens. The curriculum consists of 1 online theory course and 3 in-person, practical courses, each 2 days duration

  • Theory course (online – 4 hours duration)
  • Lower Quadrant course
  • Upper Quadrant course
  • Advanced course – integration of the quadrants
Pre-requisites:
Lower and Upper quadrant courses: Theory course (once only)
Advanced Course: BOTH Lower and Upper Quadrant courses

2. A combination of 2 complementary approaches to the treatment of the myofascial body

MMS techniques taught by Doreen Killens and Structural Myofascial Therapy (SMFT®), developed and taught by BetsyAnn Baron, Structural Integrator. Structural Myofascial Therapy is a treatment approach used in massage therapy that consists of a series of deep manual techniques coupled with Postural Somatic Awareness.

This combined curriculum consists of 1 online theory course and 3 in-person, practical courses, each 3 days duration (as opposed to 2 days duration for only MMS techniques)

  • Theory course (online 5 hours duration)
  • Lower Quadrant course
  • Upper Quadrant course
  • Advanced course – Integration of the quadrants
Pre-requisites:
Lower and Upper quadrant courses: Theory course (once only)
Advanced Course: BOTH Lower and Upper Quadrant courses

Who should attend these courses?

Physiotherapists who have acquired some basic skills in manual therapy and wish to learn more about advanced techniques in mobilization of the myofascial system.
Osteopaths who want to learn a different way to work with the fascia.

 

Treatment of the Myofascial Body

3 LEVELS

I. THEORY COURSE

THEORY COURSE

4-hour duration for MMS approach only and 5-hour duration for combined MMS and SMFT® approaches:

  • Myofascial Techniques / History / Schools of Thought
  • Definitions of fascia
  • Fascial Anatomy
  • Roles of fascia
  • Fascial connections – Serge Paoletti
  • Concept of Tensegrity –effects on fascia
  • Anatomy Trains Lines – Tom Myers
  • Fascia and acupuncture
  • Characteristics of Myofascial pain
  • Pathophysiology of fascial dysfunctions
  • Changing fascia – what is really happening?
  • Indications / Contra-indications
  • Research on Fascia

For those participants wanting to learn both MMS and SMFT®, in addition you will learn:

  • Structural Myofascial Therapy (SMFT ®) – definition and objectives
  • Postural Somatic Awareness

II. MOBILISATION OF THE MYOFASCIAL SYSTEM (MMS) COURSES

LOWER QUADRANT COURSE (MMS only)

This 2-day course is designed to provide participants with the tools to assess and treat the myofascial system of the Lower Quadrant.

This evidence informed course will outline how to identify and treat fascial restrictions. The techniques demonstrated are derived from manual therapy for the fascia (Mobilisation of the Myofascial System (MMS) This approach will allow the participants to appreciate how these myofascial dysfunctions can affect the client’s range of motion, motor control, and global function.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Apply the anatomy and physiology of the myofascial system to
    a treatment approach for the myofascial body.
  • Understand the concepts of treatment for MMS and how this
    approach may be integrated into the other methods normally
    used by manual therapists.
  • Apply techniques for assessing and improving the mobility of
    the myofascial system for the Lower Quadrant (including the
    following areas)
  • MMS techniques for the Thoraco-lumbar fascia
  • MMS techniques for the femoral nerve
  • MMS techniques for the lateral sacral border and the
    sacrotuberous ligament
  • SMFT®) techniques for the sacral region
  • MMS techniques for posterior, anterior, medial and
    lateral thigh and leg
  • MMS techniques for the foot and lower leg
  • Release with Awareness (RWA) techniques for the foot and lower leg
  • MMS techniques for the Quadriceps
  • MMS techniques for the Iliacus
  • SMFT® techniques for the lateral line
  • MMS techniques to balance the dura at the cranium
  • Prescribe the appropriate exercises to maintain fascial mobility
  • Learn appropriate charting for these approaches to Rx.
  • Use this treatment approach safely.

UPPER QUADRANT COURSE (MMS only)

This 2-day course is designed to provide participants with the tools to assess and treat the myofascial system of the Upper Quadrant.
This evidence informed course will outline how to identify and treat fascial restrictions. The techniques demonstrated are derived from manual therapy for the fascia (Mobilisation of the Myofascial System (MMS) This approach will allow participants to appreciate the implications that myofascial system dysfunctions can have on joint amplitude, motor control, neurophysiology and overall client functioning.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Apply the anatomy and physiology of the myofascial system to a treatment approach for the myofascial body.
  • Understand the concepts of treatment for MMS and how this approach may be integrated into the other methods normally used by manual therapists.

 

  • Apply techniques for assessing and improving the mobility of the myofascial system for the Upper Quadrant (including the following areas)
    o MMS techniques for the cervical spine, both posteriorly and anteriorly
    o MMS techniques for the cervico-thoracic region
    o MMS techniques for the cranio-vertebral region, in relation to the superficial front line and the posterior line
    o MMS techniques for the TMJ muscles in relation to the lateral line of fascia  and the deep front line of fascia
    o MMS techniques in relation to the ULNT’S
    o MMS techniques for the clavicular region
    o MMS techniques for the Upper extremity
    o MMS techniques for the hyoid region

 

  • Use this treatment approach safely.

ADVANCED COURSE – INTEGRATING THE QUADRANTS (MMS only)

This 2-day course is designed to integrate the upper and the lower quadrants of the body. More advanced techniques will be taught to resolve the restrictions that lie deep within the myofascial system (in particular the Deep Front Line of fascia). The result is a more flexible and fluid neuro-musculo-skeletal system and a more efficient flow of energy throughout the body.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this course the participants will be able to use

  • Myofascial techniques for the whole body: techniques that connect the upper and lower quadrants of the body to form an integrated whole.
  • Advanced techniques specific to the deep anterior line, which affect the following problems: headaches, TMJ, anterior cervical area, diaphragm, pelvic floor (external techniques), Quadratus Lumborum, anterior sacral fascia, coccyx
  • MMS techniques for the spiral line of fascia
  • MMS techniques for the shoulder girdle
  • Techniques that connect the anteroposterior fascia of the rib cage and the cervical region
  • Specific techniques for arm lines (DBAL, DFAL)
  • MMS techniques for mobility of the dura
  • Dural balancing techniques
  • The art of working with the fascial system

Prerequisite for this course is to have taken BOTH the Upper and the Lower Quadrant courses.

III. COMBINED MOBILISATION OF THE MYOFASCIAL SYSTEM (MMS) AND STRUCTURAL MYOFASCIAL THERAPY (SMFT®)

LOWER QUADRANT COURSE (combined approach)

This 3-day course is designed to provide participants with the tools to assess and treat the myofascial system of the Lower Quadrant.

This evidence informed course will outline how to identify and treat fascial restrictions. The techniques demonstrated are derived from manual therapy for the fascia (Mobilisation of the Myofascial System (MMS) and Structural Myofascial Therapy (SMFT®), a treatment approach used in massage therapy that consists of a series of deep manual techniques coupled with Postural Awareness. This combined approach will allow the participants to appreciate how these myofascial dysfunctions can affect the client’s range of motion, motor control, and global function.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Apply the anatomy and physiology of the myofascial system to a treatment approach for the myofascial body.
  • Understand the concepts of treatment for MMS and how this approach may be integrated into the other methods normally used by manual therapists.
  • Understand the concepts and tools for treatment with SMFT®.
  • Understand Postural somatic awareness and body reading.
  • Apply techniques for assessing and improving the mobility of the myofascial system for the Lower Quadrant (including the following areas):
    1. MMS techniques for the Thoraco-lumbar fascia
    2. SMFT® techniques for the back, gluteal region and hip external rotators
    3. MMS techniques for the femoral nerve
    4. MMS and SMFT® techniques for the Sacrotuberous ligament
    5. MMS and SMFT® techniques for posterior, anterior, medial and lateral thigh and leg
    6. MMS and SMFT® techniques for the foot
    7. Release with Awareness (RWA) techniques for the foot and lower leg
    8. MMS techniques for the coccyx
    9. MMS techniques for the Iliacus
    10. MMS techniques to balance the dura at the cranium
    11. Integrate neuro-somatic postural awareness exercises with    manual techniques.
  • Prescribe the appropriate exercises to maintain fascial mobility.
  • Learn appropriate charting for these approaches to Rx.
  • Use this treatment approach safely.

UPPER QUADRANT COURSE (combined approach)

This 3-day course is designed to provide participants with the tools to assess and treat the myofascial system of the Upper Quadrant.

This evidence informed course will outline how to identify and treat fascial restrictions. The techniques demonstrated are derived from manual therapy for the fascia (Mobilisation of the Myofascial System (MMS) and Structural Myofascial Therapy (SMFT®), a treatment approach used in massage therapy that consists of a series of deep manual techniques coupled with Postural Awareness. This combined approach will allow participants to appreciate the implications that myofascial system dysfunctions can have on joint amplitude, motor control, neurophysiology and overall client functioning.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Apply the anatomy and physiology of the myofascial system to a treatment approach for the myofascial body.
  • Understand the concepts of treatment for MMS and how this approach may be integrated into the other methods normally used by manual therapists.
  • Understand the concepts and tools for treatment with SMFT®.
  • Apply techniques for assessing and improving the mobility of the myofascial system for the Upper Quadrant (including the following areas):
    • MMS and SMFT® techniques for the cervical spine, both posteriorly and anteriorly
    • SMFT® techniques for the back and scapula
    • MMS techniques for the cervico-thoracic region
    • MMS techniques and SMFT® techniques for the cranio-vertebral region, in relation to the anterior fascial lines, the posterior fascial line, the lateral line and the spiral line of fascia
    • MMS techniques in relation to the ULNT’S
    • MMS and SMFT® techniques for the clavicular region
    • MMS and SMFT® techniques for the Upper extremity
    • SMFT® techniques for the abdomen and sternal regions
    • MMS techniques for the hyoid region
    • SMFT® techniques for the epicranium and face
    • SMFT® Parasympathetic technique maneuvers
  • Integrate neuro-somatic postural awareness exercises with    manual techniques.
  • Use this treatment approach safely.

ADVANCED COURSE – INTEGRATING THE QUADRANTS (Combined Approach)

This 3-day course is designed to integrate the upper and the lower quadrants of the body. More advanced techniques will be taught to resolve the restrictions that lie deep within the myofascial system (in particular the Deep Front Line of fascia). The result is a more flexible and fluid neuro-musculo-skeletal system and a more efficient flow of energy throughout the body.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course the participants will be able to use:

  • Myofascial techniques for the whole body: techniques that connect the upper and lower quadrants of the body to form an integrated whole.
  • Advanced techniques specific to the deep anterior line, which affect the following problems: headaches, TMJ, anterior cervical area, hyoid muscles, diaphragm, pelvic floor (external techniques), anterior sacral fascia, coccyx and psoas
  • Techniques that connect the anteroposterior fascia of the rib cage and the cervical region
  • Specific techniques for arm lines (DBAL, DFAL)
  • Techniques of mobilisation of both the anterior and posterior dura
  • Dural balancing techniques
  • The art of working with the fascial system

Prerequisite for this course is to have taken BOTH the Upper and the Lower Quadrant courses.

Interested in bringing Fascia courses to your area?

Please contact me if you are interested in bringing this curriculum to your area.
Booking 2023 and beyond now.

CONTACT DOREEN

2 LEVELS

Manual Therapy for the Cranium

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

  • Are you having difficulty treating patients who complain of headaches?
  • Do you treat post-concussion patients and have plateaued with your treatment approach?
  • Have you tried the cervical mobilization and stabilization programs but have hit a plateau?
  • Or perhaps your patient’s condition is too irritable and he/she is unable to tolerate much ‘hands-on’ therapy?
  • What about your spinal patients with pain from head to sacrum? Do you sense that there may be a connection?
  • The missing link may very well be the cranio-sacral system. We have learned to assess and treat the mobility of the neural system, but what about beyond occiput/C1 and into the cranium?
  • The mobility of this system is also vital for patients complaining of TMJ symptoms. After all, the temporal bone is part of this joint!

  • MANUAL THERAPY FOR THE CRANIUM

    LEVEL 1

    General Course Objectives

    The objective of this 3-day course is to provide the participant with a solid basis in anatomy and physiology of the cranium and its related membranes for the diagnosis and treatment of problems in the cranio-sacral mechanism.

    By the end of the course, the participant will have a greater understanding of cranial function, and more in-depth skills for assessment and treatment of the Cranial Driver (Integrated Systems Model).

    Specific Objectives

    At the end of the course the participants will be able to:

    1. Understand the primary respiratory mechanism.
    2. Use cranial palpatory skills to form a differential diagnosis in the evaluation of the cranio-sacral system.
    3. Understand the possible dysfunctions within the cranio-sacral system and how they relate the Integrated Systems Model for Disability & Pain (ISM) (Diane Lee and LJ Lee).
    4. Apply the principles of manual therapy to dysfunctions of the cranium.
    5. Work with approaches to a number of common ailments such as TMJ dysfunction, head and neck pain and central nervous system disorders.
    6. Apply a simple, effective 7 – step protocol into practice.
    7. Use this treatment approach in a safe manner.

    Topics Covered

    • History of cranial approaches
    • Theoretical models
    • Indications / contra-indications
    • Anatomy of the cranium
    • Palpation of the cranium – active vs passive palpation
    • Reciprocal tension membrane system
    • Pathology related to cranial dysfunctions
    • Observation, assessment of the cranium
    • Understanding the movement of the cranium – global spheno-basilar flexion & extension
    • Initial treatments – opening the vault – Killens protocol
    • Principles of treatment
    • Spheno-basilar lesions – assessment & treatment
    • Articular lesions – assessment and treatment of sutures around the temporal bone
    • TMJ dysfunctions in relation to the cranium
    • External influences – dura, fascia
    • Current research in the cranial field

    LEVEL 2

    General Course Objectives

    The objective of this 4-day course is to provide the participant not only with a thorough revision of the material presented in the Level 1 Course, but also more specialized techniques for lesions of the sacrum, diaphragm, the face and the TMJ. The Level 1 course is the pre-requisite for this course.

    Specific Objectives

    At the end of the course the participants will be able to:

    1. Understand the anatomy of the cranium and its sutures, including the sutures of the face and maxillo-spheno-palatine complex.
    2. Demonstrate competence in the diagnosis of the 4 quadrant system.
    3. Demonstrate competence in the treatment approach of the cranio-sacral system via the dural membranes, fluid techniques and direct mobilizations of cranial sutures, including those of the face.
    4. Understand the influence of restrictions of the fascia / dural tissues on the cranio-sacral system.

    Topics Covered

    • Specific anatomy of the cranium in relation to the face
    • Review of the Killens protocol
    • Additional techniques for decompression of the basilar portion of the occiput
    • Review of spheno-basilar lesions
    • S/B Side-bend rotation lesion
    • Review of sutures of the temporal bone
    • Petro-jugular and petro-basilar temporal lesions
    • Greenman decompression technique
    • Fronto-sphenoid suture techniques
    • Coronal suture and bregma release
    • Fronto-nasal sutures
    • Zygomatic sutures
    • Maxillo-palatine complex – lesions of the maxillae, vomer, and palatine bones
    • Ethmoid and lacrimal lesions
    • TMJ dysfunctions in relation to the cranium – effect of hypertonic muscles of the TMJ, including the pharyngo-constrictor-buccinator complex,
    • Compression / decompression of the TMJ
    • Occlusal plaques, effect on cranium – assessment
    • Rx approach diaphragms, dura, fascia in relation to the cranium
    • Balancing the dura with the cranium
    • Mobility of Trigeminal nerve (V1)

    Interested in bringing Cranium courses to your area?

    Please contact me if you are interested in bringing this curriculum to your area.
    Booking 2023 and beyond now.

    CONTACT DOREEN

    EXpand your Horizons

    with Doreen Killens

    CONTACT DOREEN

    Change the way you understand the body!

    Empower yourself and your clients!

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