Positional Release Techniques

Materials

• Text - 251 pages
• Multiple-choice test
• Certificate upon completion

Description

Positional release techniques are gentle manual treatments to relieve pain and discomfort, improving the overall health and functioning of the body by correcting imbalances of the musculoskeletal system. The advanced course covers all methods of spontaneous release by positioning. Theories and history of many different approaches are discussed and techniques are described in detail through illustrations and photographs. The associated online videos provide demonstrations of the techniques as well.

Also included in this continuing education course:

• comparisons of all major positional release methods, from strain/counterstrain to functional osteopathy and step-by-step use of these methods
• use with other manual approaches, such as Muscle Energy Techniques
• treatment of both muscle and joint problems
• various approaches: osteopathic palpation according to Gibbons and Tehan; positional release palpation according to McPartland and Goodridge; the tight-loose concept; Zink's concept of tissue preference and assessment, and Travell and Simon's model of trigger point facilitation
• characteristics of trigger points; the causes for trigger points and types of trigger points
• uses of positional release methods for post-operative conditions

Course Objectives

1. List, describe and compare the movement patterns of at least four of the positional release variations.
2. Compare and contrast the following approaches: osteopathic palpation according to Gibbons and Tehan; positional release palpation according to McPartland and Goodridge; the tight-loose concept; Zink’s concept of tissue preference and assessment, and Travell and Simon’s model of trigger point facilitation.
3. Compare the Proprioceptive Hypothesis with the Nociceptive Hypothesis and recognize the five major fascial chains described in Myer’s Anatomy Trains.
4. Describe the following in accordance with Jones’ SCS practice: positioning; prioritizing points for treatment; feedback, and fine-tuning the ease position.
5. Recognize the contraindications and cautions of SCS in at least three of the following areas: cervical flexion, suboccipital, lower cervical spine, upper thoracic spine and lumbar spine.
6. List the SCS guidelines and describe the key elements of assessment in the Spencer shoulder sequence.
7. Compare the key elements of Goodheart’s Coccygeal Lift Technique with Morrison’s Inguinal Lift Technique.
8. List and describe the characteristics of trigger points; the causes for trigger points, and at least three types of trigger points.
9. Explain the INIT hypothesis and describe the two INIT methods of treatment.
10. Recognize the possible uses of positional release methods for each of the following post-operative conditions: traumatized fascial structures, rib restrictions, lymphatic stasis and the side-effects and the advantages of using SCS in a hospital setting.
11. List the five major elements of Sutherland’s cranial hypothesis.
12. Describe Jone’s methodology of locating tender points on the cranium.
13. Compare the positional release methods for TMJ as proposed by: DiGiovanna, Upledger and Goodheart.
14. Compare Mulligan’s concepts and methods to Positional Release Techniques.
15. Describe the components of Mulligan’s Concept.
16. Compare and contrast the techniques, rules, protocols and common errors for each of the following methods: NAGs, SNAGs and MWMs.
17. Compare direct methods of taping to indirect methods of taping.
18. Describe the purpose and/or function of proprioceptive taping.

Course Reviews

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Instructors

Sharon Burch, MSN, RN, NCTMB

Sharon Burch holds a Masters Degree in Nursing and has been practicing as a nurse since 1974. She is currently a Registered Nurse in the state of Arkansas. Additionally, Ms. Burch studied under many of today's leaders in massage therapy and bodywork during the 1980s, became Nationally Certified through the NCBTMB in 1993 and holds a professional membership with the AMTA.

As founder of Health Positive!, Ms. Burch has created over 60 home study nursing and massage continuing education programs, performed over 65 public, live educational presentations, has written two published books, served as a member on the NCBTMB Continuing Education committee and was a founding member of the National Association of Nurse Massage Therapists.

Sharon is an instructor on many of the Institute's programs and has authored and co-authored various ethics courses and additional titles such as Touch for the Seriously Ill, Stress Reduction Through Bodywork, Staying Well – Naturally, Cardiopulmonary Health and Illness, Chronic Pain Management, Marketing Massage in Four Easy Steps, Preventing Medical Errors, HIV Update for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers, Understanding HIV, Massage for Edema and more.