Foundations in Myofascial Release Approach: The Upper Extremities

This course will teach you practical and effective strategies to implement Myofascial Release into your treatment repertoire for the upper extremities, a group of structures that are in constant need of attention from clients. Before watching this course, please ensure you have already viewed "Foundations in Myofascial Release Approach: Bridging the Gap", which sets the stage for a newer, more scientifically plausible and acceptable model of explanation of myofascial release. The upper extremities present a mixture of complex structures with varying diagnoses and etiologies. This course will provide simple, but effective ways to connect with your client's pain and symptoms and devise easy to understand treatment concepts to provide lasting changes. Interfacing with your client's body in ways you have not in the past, you will find ways to make your existing modalities more effective utilizing myofascial release.

Meet Your Instructor

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  Walt Fritz, PT

  Walt Fritz is a licensed physical therapist with a B.S. in Physical Therapy and B.A. in Community Mental Health from SUNY Buffalo. He has been a physical therapist since 1985 and has taught Myofascial Release continuing education since 1995. He is proud to now lead the Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars™, teaching therapists of all types across the country. Moving from the outdated explanatory models of myofascial release, Walt uses more accepted, plausible neurologically-based explanations for the changes seen in myofascial release practice. Walt also operates the Pain Relief Center, in Rochester, NY. Here he sees both local clients, as well as clients who travel from across the country with pain issues that have not resolved with other modalities.

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Chapters & Learning Objectives

1. 

   1. Introduction: Tissues In Distress

   This chapter introduces models of explanation for the mechanism or mechanisms behind the usefulness of myofascial release approach, including the mechanical/fascial model and the neurological model of explanation. Walt Fritz then explains the basics of the Foundations in Myofascial Release approach and a unique "tissues in distress" model, which combines aspects of the mechanical and neurological approaches.

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   2. Cross Handed Arm Stretch

   This chapter introduces models of explanation for the mechanism or mechanisms behind the usefulness of myofascial release approach, including the mechanical/fascial model and the neurological model of explanation. Walt Fritz then explains the basics of the Foundations in Myofascial Release approach and a unique "tissues in distress" model, which combines aspects of the mechanical and neurological approaches.

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   3. Arm Traction

   In this chapter, Walt Fritz will introduce the concept of arm traction, and discuss applications and variations of the technique.

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   4. Myofascial Release Stretch to The Elbow Region

   This chapter will focus on myofascial release stretches for the elbow, including important information on indications and technique modifications for this unique structure.

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5. 

   5. The Wrist and Hand Region

   In this chapter, Walt Fritz will provide background on common problems with the hand, including carpal tunnel, and discuss options for treating this delicate region.

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   6. Thumb Region

   In the final chapter of this course, Walt Fritz will take a closer look at techniques to address complaints of problems with the thumb, one of the most important and commonly distressed structures of the upper extremities.

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Completion Requirements

If approved for CE credit in your discipline and state, a minimum score of 70% is required for OT/OTA, Nurse, LTCA, and RT. A minimum score of 80% is required for SW. No minimum score is required for other disciplines unless otherwise specified within the course.