Static Manual Release: Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, Rhomboids and Pectoralis Minor

Static Manual Release: Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, Rhomboids and Pectoralis Minor is organized by Brookbush Institute.

Course Description:
This course describes static manual release techniques for the muscles of the scapula that are commonly assessed as over-active and prone to trigger point development. Unfortunately, it is easy to be confused by a large number of synonyms for the terms used for these techniques. For example, the techniques described in this course may be considered refinements of massage, massage therapy, therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, medical massage, sports massage, trigger point massage, static compression techniques, soft tissue mobilization, muscle inhibitory techniques, and manual therapy techniques. Even the term trigger point is referred to by a variety of synonyms including muscle knots, nodules, adhesions, over-active muscle fibers, hypertonic fascicles, spasms, and acute points of hyper-contractility, and the trigger point phenomenon is likely part of every reference to short muscles, muscle tightness, muscle tension, muscle spasm, upper back stiffness, and neck stiffness, etc. Part of the reason so many synonyms exist is the rich history of scientific inquiry, from multiple disciplines and cultures, that have contributed to our understanding of the techniques described in this course.  

Behavioral Objectives
• Describe the functional benefits (including impact on performance, occupation or daily tasks) that may be expected from implementing the intervention plan.
• Deduce/synthesize a hypothesis regarding the effect this technique will have on outcome measures and the appropriate test for re-assessment.
• Plan an efficient “flow” of techniques to optimize the amount of therapy in a session, averaging 1 technique/2 minutes of therapy
• Explain to a colleague in detail (4 steps or more) any of the techniques taught in the courses
• Use re-assessment to choose the most effective techniques for the individual (of the techniques taught in the course) for continued use in future sessions
• List 3 pathologies/dysfunctions correlated with trigger point development in the muscles included in this course
• Design an intervention plan including these techniques with the intent of affecting an objectively measured functional outcome.
• List 4 changes expected immediately following the application of ischemic compression
• Integrate the release techniques covered in this course into a plan of care
• Students will be prepared to pass a final exam by choosing from a list of potential answers to behavior-objective matched multiple-choice questions.