Course work combines theories of myofascial pain, its perpetuating factors, neuromuscular re-education, and hands-on experience of the treatment of myofascial pain and dysfunction. Students are exposed to the principles of running a successful myotherapy practice, and gain skills in communicating with other health professionals in the multidisciplinary treatment team.
The curriculum consists of the following Classes
Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology
First Quarter - 150 hours
This course provides a thorough understanding of the body. Knowledge of the body from the cellular level through the organism level provides the students with an understanding of the bodies ability to change and adapt, thus providing the future therapist with the scientific understanding of why hands-on treatment is effective in improving dysfunctional conditions.
All systems of the organism are covered with special emphasis on the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems as they relate to myofascial trigger point or any other hands on therapy. This understanding is extended to providing the student with the ability to palpate all aspects of anatomy on live models.
History & Principles of Myofascial Therapy
Second Quarter - 33 hours
This course will cover the history of myofascial therapy through the medical, chiropractic, osteopathic and alternative medicine fields. Perpetuating factors as well as pathophysiology of myofascial pain syndromes will be addressed in depth. The major emphasis in this course is to cover the first four chapters of Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction, Volume One by Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons
Fundamentals of Physical Evaluation & Palpation
Second Quarter - 33 hours
Before an appropriate treatment can be administered, it is imperative that the injured structure(s) be ascertained. This course is designed to train the student to distinguish between soft tissues of the body by developing the skills of palpation. Various orthopedic and neurological tests will assist the therapist in determining the existence of tissue injury and altered biomechanics.
Neurology
Second Quarter - 22 hours
This course covers clinical neurology. Students are trained to conduct a neurological examination to distinguish what type of injuries a patient may have prior to application of myofascial therapy. Students also learn about causes of neurologic dysfunction and how it relates to myofascial therapy.
Application of Myofascial Therapy
Second Quarter - 33 hours
Myofascial therapy will be performed by class members on one another. It will generally involve treating the areas covered in Fundamental of Physical Evaluation and Palpation class.
Literature Review
Second Quarter - 22 hours
This course focuses on the study of myofascial pain and dysfunction by studying the parallel development of the literature between various disciplines treating this condition. The goal of this course is to develop a therapist with a vast knowledge of the history and theory involved in our discipline. In turn, the student can draw from each of the myofascial traditions those elements which will make for the best therapist. This is primarily a reading and discussion course.
Alexander Technique & Movement Education
Second, Third and Fourth Quarters - 66 hours
This course teaches the student to instruct clients in proper movement techniques based on dance and movement education techniques. At the end of a treatment session, clients are instructed by the student/therapist to move in such a way that the muscles contract in proper sequence around the joints at which they create movement in order to keep the myofascial trigger point from being reactivated due to improper firing sequence of the muscles. This results in the removal of a potent perpetuating factor of myofascial trigger points and is an integral part of the treatment session. Students become familiar with their own body mechanics and learn proper movement, balance, and posture.
Advanced Principles of Myofascial Therapy
Third and Fourth Quarters 66 hours
The student will study Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual by Drs. Janet Travel and David Simons. Discussion of chapters will include review of the regional anatomy, typical referral patterns, action of each muscle and how trigger points in the region being studied are typically activated. Ergonomic considerations in the treatment of each muscle is also covered.
Applied Myofascial Therapy
Third and Fourth Quarters 110 hours
Muscles discussed in the previous class will be evaluated and treated. Emphasis will be on appropriate Trigger Point Pressure Release technique, post-isometric relaxation and movement reeducation of the affected musculature. This is followed by various techniques to address other soft tissue and joint dysfunction that perpetuate these myofascial trigger points
Student Clinic
Third and Fourth Quarters 66 hours
The student clinic involves student treatment of outside patients to gain experience in treating a variety of disorders. Students are encouraged to use Business Skills training to market and operate the clinic.
Business Skills
Third and Fourth Quarters 44 hours
The basic skills needed to build a successful Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy practice are discussed. Topics include billing and reporting, marketing, business and financial planning, ethics and professionalism and presentation skills.
Student Project
Third and Fourth Quarters 5 hours
The student project is an independent study by each student to allow them to gain experience in the business world. Information gained by the student will be utilized to assist in preparation of a complete business plan before graduation.
