Energy Based Methods

I just taught a class on  incorporating energy based methods into massage.  Every time I teach this class I wonder why this area continues to be controversial.  I think it is the mystical factor when in reality there is no mystery at all.  " Energy work" is different than spirituality but the two are often interconnected. To understand the plausibility of energy methods it is necessary to understand more about physics.

Here is my point. Machines that use energy waves are being studied. Results are mixed. No one questions that humans have electrical fields. I think the big question is if humans can purposefully direct their energy fields.  Here is what I suggest- approach each client with  the energy of compassion, respect and  intent to help using solid massage application. Don't mix up your spirituality with your massage and respect each clients spirituality as sacred spaced. Keep an open mind -who knows what technological advances will be able to figure out.

This is taken directly of the NIH web site.
Some CAM practices involve manipulation of various energy fields to affect health. Such fields may be characterized as veritable (measurable) or putative (yet to be measured). Practices based on veritable forms of energy include those involving electromagnetic fields (e.g., magnet therapy and light therapy). Practices based on putative energy fields (also called biofields) generally reflect the concept that human beings are infused with subtle forms of energy; qi gong, Reiki., and healing touch are examples of such practices. The 2007 NHIS found relatively low use of putative energy therapies. Only 0.5 percent of adults and 0.2 percent of children had used energy healing/Reiki (the survey defined energy healing as the channeling of healing energy through the hands of a practitioner into the client's body).
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/
When I was looking for some sort of current "energy healing" used in the health care world I found Pulsed RadioFrequency. Pulsed RadioFrequency (PRF) is a relatively new technique derived from a well established and proven intervention, thermal radiofrequency (RF). Both procedures are used in the treatment of chronic pain. Unlike RF treatment, PRF does no direct damage to the nerve. During PRF treatment, electrical energy is applied with a small needle to the affected nerve using a pulsed time cycle that delivers short bursts of RF current, any frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that then is able to propagate through space. Many wireless technologies are based on RF field propagation.
These frequencies make up part of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum:

• Ultra-low frequency (ULF) -- 0-3 Hz
• Extremely low frequency (ELF) -- 3 Hz - 3 kHz
• Very low frequency (VLF) -- 3kHz - 30 kHz
• Low frequency (LF) -- 30 kHz - 300 kHz
• Medium frequency (MF) -- 300 kHz - 3 MHz
• High frequency (HF) -- 3MHz - 30 MHz
• Very high frequency (VHF) -- 30 MHz - 300 MHz
• Ultra-high frequency (UHF)-- 300MHz - 3 GHz
• Super high frequency (SHF) -- 3GHz - 30 GHz
• Extremely high frequency (EHF) -- 30GHz - 300 GHz

here are some links off pubmed

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15750367
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15025891
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15025885

Believe

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20440207
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18721175
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12535508
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22008239
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21116663
other links
http://www.chalicebridge.com/Oschman&Daily/OschmansOnTheirBook.html

Essential Oils

At this time of year, I usually have a desire to start creating some essential oils. Of course, my favorite would be the oil made from my Great Grandmothers rose bush. Those whom are not familiar with rose oil would be amazed at all the benefits that are found in it. When I think it was made from my Grandmothers rose bush it makes it all the more special. The beauty of a red rose bush and the smell is something you always remember. I need to find a picture of my Grandmas rose bush and scan it in and post. What sweet smelling memories.

It is November

Where has the 2011 year gone! 2012 is almost here and many feel as if great change is in store for all of us. Some are afraid but not me. I am really excited about the possibilities.  I hope for opportunities for each of us to determine what is really important. Many have already experienced huge economic changes and we are learning how to live lighter on the planet and be content with less. Less is more is not only wisdom for massage application but also for an approach to life. I have always played a mind game with myself about what is the smallest space I could happily live in.  I have it down to about a 12x12 ish space so long as I have windows and sunshine.  I have played with what is the least amount of water I need to stay clean, keep my environment clean and stay healthy. You would be surprised how far a gallon of water a day can go. Since this blog is meant to be an exploration of massage therapy, you may be wondering what this has to do with massage? We need fewer organizations overlapping services, fewer names for the same basic massage methods, and sustainable massage fees for clients and realistic wages for massage therapists.  While at the AMTA convention in Portland I had a very interesting conversation with a Doctor in a position with a major health care delivery organization about limitations for employment of massage therapists. Not surprisingly cost was the major factor and I asked what wage/salary would be able to be absorbed by the organization without reliance on insurance reimbursement.  Then I explain what follows below from my textbook "Clinical Massage in the Health Care Setting". His response was that if this was widely known and properly implemented it could greatly increase the use of massage therapists in health care. So yup 2012 may very well usher in a time of reality checks and I think our profession needs one.


.

Pay Scales for Therapeutic Massage in the Health Care Environment

Comparing the pay scales of similar careers in the health care field is the best way to determine the pay scales for massage therapists. The emergency medical technician (EMT) provides a good example. The EMT has a similar level of education and comparable requirements in the health care setting. The basic responsibilities of an EMT are to:

· Have a high school diploma, successfully complete EMT training, register with the EMT national registry, obtain licensure from the state emergency medical services (EMS) authority, and have 2 to 4 years of related experience

· Respond to an emergency call, assesses the situation, obtain a basic medical history, perform a physical examination of the patient, and provide emergency medical care at the scene and during transit to the hospital

· Use medical equipment to treat patients and ascertain the extent of their injuries or illness

· Communicate with the medical facility receiving the patient about the patient’s condition, status, and arrival time

· Be familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures in a particular field

· Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and perform a variety of tasks

· Work under the supervision of a manager

The annual salary for an EMT can range from $23,000 to $30,000.

A comparison of educational requirements for health professionals shows that those who provide direct, hands-on care to patients usually have an associate’s degree (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Other health professions that have training programs similar to those for massage include phlebotomist, certified nurse’s aide, dental assistant, and occupational therapy assistant. Based on these data, the annual entry level salary for massage therapy probably will range from $22,000 to $30,000. In addition, typical benefits packages, including health care, are offered. If a massage therapist has an associate’s degree or higher or previous health care experience, or is dually trained (e.g., is a licensed practical nurse [LPN]), the pay rate may be as high as $35,000 a year.

Kitty wisdom.

If you are interested in providing massage in health care then I strongly suggest you take this to heart and cross train as a Certified Nurse Assistant which will provide necessary skills to work successfully in hospitals and other health care environments.

Keep it simple

I presented at the Michigan Association of Chiropractors conference this past weekend. The topics were career longevity, ethics and head and neck pain. Attendance was good- about 30 massage therapists who all work with Chiropractors.  Two past graduates from Health Enrichment Center who have gone on to become Chiropractors were there and took the time to come in and say Hi.  That meant a lot to me.  There were past graduates from HEC in the class as well. That was fun. 

Interesting national trends emerged during discussion in class.  There was confirmation that the $40-50 fee for massage was found to be sustainable both for insurance unit billing or cash for services.  It is necessary to document clearly and concisely in the chiropractic environment  and people are seeking specific outcomes from massage.  

I was very pleased to  have quite a few of the DR.'s stop by and listen to the content and observe the demonstrations. I asked them to comment on what they felt were important skills for a massage therapist to have to work effectively and the ability to communicate was top of the list.  Body mechanics concerns topped the list for issues that would affect career longevity.  This is also an ongoing concern for me that massage therapists are hurting themselves while helping others.  Here are a few simple suggestions to make performing massage easier and safer for the massage therapist:

Raise the massage table.  Just try it OK.  Bring the table height up so you don't bend over.  The beginning point for table height is one half of your body height.  So if you are 5'8" or 68 inches the table should be 32 inches high. If your legs are longer than come up one more notch.

Use your forearm.  This is nothing new. Doing massage with the forearm was presented in the very first edition of my Fundamentals of Therapeutic massage book 15 years ago.  If you don't feel comfortable with forearms than get the most current edition of the Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic massage book and use the DVD that comes with the book to learn how. The DVD will also show you how to work with the client in many different positions that maximize forearm massage application.  Draping techniques are presented for side lying draping.

DO NOT USE YOUR THUMBS - Not only will you hurt your thumbs but your wrist, elbow,shoulder and low back as well.

Where rubber soled shoes and avoid stools or chairs with wheels unless the wheels lock.

Yep it's torn

So, I had a MRI and I do have a torn ACL MCL.  I'm in a brace seeing athletes, etc and thank goodness it's not painful anymore. I'm still unstable and have found that this is a great way to really learn about a  knee injury. Ha-ha. 

ouch

I get it. I now know from experience how it feels to really hurt your knee. Ended up in the emergency room after falling. I work with client's knees all the time.  Many actually consider me a massage expert on knees. Football and basketball players hurt knees a lot. I also now understand plantar fascitis. Uck been dealing with that for over a year. The pain is not really my problem but the limitations the condition causes really are a pain.  I have had client's tell me that their knee feels like it will buckle- now I know what they mean.  I am much more compassionate about foot pain in others since I had foot pain.  In the beginning most of the knee pain was not in my knee  but everywhere else in my leg and it was the pain that protects. 

The brace is a big help but makes moving strange. I quickly learned that I could not get up from the floor without help.  Right now I won't even get on the floor.  I am afraid to fall. I have fell a lot in my life physically, mentally and spiritually but did not stay down however often did use a brace.  Not all braces are created equal.  The one in the picture is generic, inexpensive and given to me at the hospital emergency room.  One of the football players gave me a really really specific brace and I was able to maintain regular client schedule using it which was 12 clients in two days.  I was really tired because of the extra effort. Now the metaphor relationship.

The summit meeting in St Louis was very productive as reported by those in attendance and I believe them. However, since I  was not there the experience is like one of my client's explaining about a knee injury and actually experiencing a knee injury.  I also know that the dreams generated at the meeting will take time to become reality. A significant knee injury requires a fully year of concentrated healing and rehab.  if anything is going to come from that historic and important gathering all of us need be supportive of the people, compassionate about the intention and demanding of concrete results.   I need to see a unified position with action. To all out there reading this- the required changes are going to be an inconvenience but this profession cannot tolerate the status quo any longer. It will be messy, frustrating and hurt because the system  is injured just like my knee. Lets stop bickering in this profession. Everyone needs to support the other part so the organizations better identify ways to work together instead of compete. We need to heal and return to function and while my knee was not broken there is significant damage and in the massage profession we also have experienced damage by not clearly defining organizational roles and working together.  All massage therapists, students, schools, teachers, clients and other stake holders need to provide support yet demand results.  We all will have to bend so we don't break and a sense of humor helps.

 http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=534871590&gid=2745947&type=member&item=72109225&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eafmte%2Eorg%2Fnews&urlhash=H93s&goback=%2Egde_2745947_member_72109225

ACRONYMS

I was working with a football player- I spend a lot of my professional time working with athletes- and he began asking questions about different types of methods. Specifically the questions involved Graston Technique, ART, MAT and NMT. The discussion expanded and as I, for the umpteenth time, explained these and other methods commonly used by athletes. I also find myself explaining the variety of soft tissue methods to massage students, practicing massage therapists, and the general public.  Naming of methods typically takes two forms- after the developer such as Rolfing and Trager and an acronyms or the use of the first letter of the words to create an abbreviation that can actually become a recognized word itself like RADAR.  Check out here how many names are out there for massage. http://massagenerd.com/therapies_a_massage.php

 As this particular athlete and I continued to discuss the various methods I found myself more and more frustrated and began to sound like I was standing on a soap box and preaching to the masses about the confusion in the massage community.  This particular individual asks a lot of questions and is quite knowledgeable about massage.  He picked up on my attitude which probably was not the best display of professional ethics on my part. Dispensing information in response to questions is fine.  Displaying an attitude- not so good.  I mentioned that my students tease me about going on the road with the “Fritzing “method. We both chuckled and then the whole conversation became ridiculous as we were making up acronyms for massage and bodywork methods. Later I looked up some of the current acronyms used in massage and bodywork on http://www.acronymfinder.com.  Grief- there was over 250 meanings each for MAT and ART.  I looked up FRITZING and thank goodness it was not there although FRITS was.  One the football player and I came up with was BARF method.    – Body assisted resisted functional method. We also came up with FART  - Fritz  activated resonance technique.    Well at that point it was time for the massage to be over and by the time we stopped laughing his breathing had improved as well.  Wow a new method-laughter assisted  breathing or  LAB method. I told him I would have to blog about this.

 So just to see what would happen I put BARF and FART into a search and look what came up.

BARF for Beginners - Most Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for the newcomer on the popular raw diet, BARF, an acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones And Raw Food.

http://www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm

http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/yucky/fart.html

FART: Find And Replace Text

Find And Replace Text command line utility. New & improved version of the well- known grep command, with advanced features such as: case-adaption of the ...

http://fart-it.sourceforge.net/

I do have some pet peeves however that are valid.  It is confusing when there are so many different names for fundamentally similar soft tissue methods.  Throughout history the same stuff  keep showing up cuz the same stuff works.  Why do we need to call it something different and act like it is new or unique?.  Following are some explanations of current methods and mechanisms I often hear about.  As I researched each, the common element I found is extensive (and often expensive) expanded training concentrating on anatomy and the method application.  This is a good thing. The more we understand the body, the better massage therapists we will be. I strongly encourage all to get Gil’s 4 dissection DVDs and watch them over and over. Gil Hedley has reference materials that explore the human form through anatomy education and in the laboratory at www.integralanatomy.com and www.somanautics.com.

I have included links so you can check things out for yourself.  In any type of education it is important to be an educated and informed consumer. 

Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.  Taken from http://www.grastontechnique.com/.  I have not taken this training but have seen it done multiple times.  I am sure there are elements of benefit and there is a historical record of tissue scraping methods. For example during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD) gua sha  coin scraping sometimes with a spoon or other metal object was described and is still practiced today.  The more generic term used currently is  instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and there are some studies on pubmed.

ART is a movement based massage system designed to accurately locate the cause of soft tissue discomforts and effectively resolving (or greatly improving) overuse and strain/sprain http://www.activerelease.com/  I get questions about this method  a lot. Again, I have not specifically trained in ART but many of the athletes I work with discuss it and the benefits. At the same time  they tell me that I do the same thing.  As I was researching this method for the blog I found reference to an author Jane Johnson who has written a couple of books on being Soft Tissue Release.  Following is the description I read on Amazon which I thought was really good ….is a clear, concise, and practical book that guides you in understanding and applying the three types of soft tissue release (STR): passive (clients do not help), active assisted (clients and therapists work together), and active (clients do it on their own). 

Dalton's Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques  MAT combine modalities from: Myofascial Release, Rolfing®, Neuromuscular Therapy, Assisted Stretching, and Dalton's joint-capsule and receptor-recoil routines.  http://erikdalton.com/

Greg Roskopf  has also developed a method he calls Muscle Activation  Technique  MAT http://www.muscleactivation.com/founder.html so when people ask me about the MAT method I am not sure what they are talking about.

James Waslaski’s Orthopedic Massage involves therapeutic assessment, manipulation and movement of locomotor soft tissues to reduce or eliminate pain and dysfunction. A unique multidisciplinary approach is utilized to restore structural balance throughout the body. The primary modalities taught include functional assessment, myofascial release, cross fiber gliding strokes, neuromuscular therapy, scar tissue mobilization techniques, p.n.f. stretching, neuromuscular re-education, strengthening, and specific client home care protocols. James WaslaskiOrthopedic massage continuing education provider. http://www.orthomassage.net/

Whitney Lowe’s Orthopedic Massage system is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary system based on 4 principles created by Lowe. The system, while innovative, is research and outcome-based. http://www.omeri.com/massage/

Lowe’s Four Primary Components of Orthopedic Massage

Orthopedic Assessment

Matching the Physiology of the Injury With the Physiological Effects of Treatment

Treatment Adaptability

Understanding the Rehabilitation Protocol

This sounds really good to me.

So what is the difference between the two mentioned orthopedic massage approaches?  My response is there should not be much of a difference. The teachers may be different but the content?

Let’s not forget my mentor  Dr. Leon Chaitow and METs (Muscle Energy Techniques) and NMT Neuromuscular Techniques  http://nmtcenter.com/history/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6ay9Di10kg

http://chaitowschat-leon.blogspot.com/ http://www.leonchaitow.com/index.htm

Dr. Chaitow  is the best integrator of information on soft tissue methods and research on the planet right now-( yes I am biased)

Judy Delany and Leon Chaitow worked together to create two integrated textbooks, Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Vol. 1- The Upper Body, Vol. 2 published by Elsevier. http://nmtcenter.com/

As a side note The Canadian Touch Research Center has named Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O.,  its Ashley Montagu Award. The award is given every other year to a distinguished member of the massage and bodywork profession "whose devotion leads to the advancement of touch in the world."

The Mulligan Concept is another soft tissue method that Dr. Leon Chaitow first introduced to me. http://www.bmulligan.com/

Brian Mulligan's concept of mobilizations with movement (MWMS) in the extremities and sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGS) in the spine are therapist-applied passive  physiological movements and accessory techniques in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

There must be a million connective tissue methods out there now.

Current research is validating that Ida Rolf had it right but where did she learn it?

http://www.rolf.org/about/history  She was intrigued with and explored many forms of alternative healing including homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic and yoga. The notion that proper alignment, physiologic function and anatomical structure are related. Structural Integration was her term. Others called it Rolfing.    Information passed on by Ida Rolf influenced many teachers of today as well as many methods that target fascia. One of my favorites is Tom Myers, Certified Rolfer. You can learn about the role of connective tissues and the fascial network in the human body at www.anatomytrains.net Thomas Myers studied directly with Drs. Ida Rolf, Moshe Feldenkrais, and Buckminster Fuller. He has also studied less extensively with movement teachers Judith Aston, Emilie Conrad, and in the martial arts. His work is influenced by cranial, visceral, and intrinsic movement studies he made with European schools of osteopathy.

Others influenced by Ida Rolf are:

Jeffrey Maitland, Ph.D.
http://www.jeffreymaitland.com/bio/index.html  Certified Advanced Rolfer® and Advanced Instructor, is one of seven Advanced Rolfing® instructors who teaches Rolfers and other healthcare professionals in the United States, Europe and Brazil

Robert Schleip, PhD and Rolf Institute faculty, offers the latest research on fascia and its implications for Rolfing SI at www.fasciaresearch.com and www.somatics.de

I learned from John Barnes and others http://www.myofascialrelease.com/fascia_massage/public/default.asp

Now this is important.  I was fortunate to be at the first conference.

The Third International Fascia Research Congress taking place in Vancouver, B.C., Canada will deliver the same high level of scientific presentations previously set in the second conference held at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. These series of international conferences, dedicated to the newly emerging field of "Fascia Studies", continue to build upon the objectives set out at the First International Fascia Research Congress in Boston in 2007. For a complete overview of the 2 previous Congresses please purchase our DVD and proceeding book here. The 2012 Fascia Congress will, as always, center on the latest and best research on the human fasciae. Join us in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on March 28-30, 2012 http://www.fasciacongress.org/  The 2012 Fascia Congress will, as always, center on the latest and best research on the human fasciae. Join us in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on March 28-30, 2012 http://www.fasciacongress.org/  The 2012 Fascia Congress will, as always, center on the latest and best research on the human fasciae. Join us in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on March 28-30, 2012 http://www.fasciacongress.org/

Study the credentials of those individuals serving on the scientific committee for this conference.

The Scientific Committee of Third International Fascia Research Congress has the overall responsibility for the scientific content of the Congress.
The representatives on the committee are listed below. Click on Bios and Pubs for short biography and/or related publications.

Geoffrey Bove, DC, PhD | Chair
Associate Professor at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Biddeford, Maine

Bio and Pubs

Michael Kuchera, DO
Director, the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Research and Human Performance & Biomechanics Laboratory, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Bio and Pubs

Robert Schleip, PhD
Certified Advanced Rolfer® and Feldenkrais Practitioner, Faculty member of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration
Bio and Pubs

Leon Chaitow ND, DO
Honorary Fellow University of Westminster, London. Editor, Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies
Bio and Pubs

Brian Degenhardt, D.O.
Bio and Pubs

Thomas Findley, MD, PhD
VA Medical Center and University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey (UMDNJ), Newark, NJ

Bio and Pubs

Bodhi Haraldsson, RMT

Bio and Pubs

Paul Hodges, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia
Bio and Pubs

---

Peter Huijing, PhD
Faculteit Bewegingswetenschappen, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dr. Peter Huijing, a physiologist and keynote presenter from the first fascia conference, is the recipient of the prestigious Muybridge Award for his work on fascial connections and force transmission within muscle tissue and between muscles.

Bio and Pubs

Janet Kahn, Ph.D.
Executive Director of the Integrated Healthcare Policy Consortium; research assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont; and faculty preceptor in the Fellowship in Complementary and Alternative and General Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Bio and Pubs

Helene M. Langevin MD
College of Medicine, University of Vermont
She currently is a Research Associate Professor of Neurology, Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Vermont and is the Principal Investigator of two NIH-funded studies investigating the role of connective tissue in chronic pain, acupuncture and manual therapies.

Bio and Pubs

Diane Lee, BSR, FCAMPT, CGIMS
College of Medicine, University of Vermont
Diane is well known both nationally and internationally for her clinical work on thoracic, lumbar and pelvic disability and pain

Bio and Pubs

Joel G. Pickar, D.C., Ph.D.
Professor, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Davenport, IA
Dr. Pickar’s research laboratory is currently studying neurophysiological issues related to the vertebral column and to chiropractic manipulation. He serves on the Advisory Editorial Board for The Spine Journal and is a past member of the NIH Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Bio and Pubs

Peter Ruben Ph.D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University.
Dr. Ruben's research focuses on the molecular and biophysical properties of voltage-gated sodium channels, proteins that give rise to electrical activity in nerves, muscles, and heart cells.

Bio and Pubs

Dr. Moshe Solomonow PhD, MD (Hon)
Director of Bioengineering, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Colorado, Denver, CO<
Under his leadership, technology was developed for several translational projects related to; Myoelectric control of upper limb prosthetics for amputees; Electronic walking orthosis for paraplegics; Smart orthosis for Anterior Cruciate Ligament deficient patients; and smart braces for individuals with low back pain.

Bio and Pubs

---

Carla Stecco, MD
Assistant Professor of Human Anatomy and Movement Sciences at the University of Padova
Carla Stecco, MD - Orthopedist, Assistant Professor of Human Anatomy and Movement Sciences at the University of Padova. Founder Member of the Fascial Manipulation Association. Member of the Italian Society of Anatomy and Histology and of the Association Française des Morphologistes. Scientific activity devoted to the study of the anatomy of the human fasciae from a macroscopical, histological and physiopathological point of view. She personally made over 100 cadaver dissections for research

Bio and Pubs

Matthew Stewart, MOst

Bio and Pubs

Andry Vleeming, PhD
Director, Spine and Joint Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Dr Vleeming is chairman of the world congress on low back pain for the office of continuing education of the medical faculty of the University of California San Diego

Bio and Pubs

The conference is  March 2012 and a modified agenda follows.  I will be there.

Wednesday, March 28

Keynote

Mary Francis Barbe, PhD
Temple University School of Medicine, USA
Changes in Fascia Related to Repetitive Motion Disorders

Keynote

Michael Kjaer, MD, DMSc
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Adaption of tendinous connective tissues to exercise.

Panel-Scars and Adhesion Panel
Geoffrey Bove, DC, PhD - moderator

Keynote

Albert J. Banes, PhD
University of North Carolina School of Medicine, USA
Mechanical Loading & Fascial Changes – Tendon Focus

Thursday, March 29

Keynote

Rolf K. Reed, PhD
University of Bergen, Norway
Fluid Dynamics

Panel-Fluid Dynamics: Clinical Implications
Michael L. Kuchera, DO, FAAO - moderator

Keynote

Gerald H. Pollack, PhD
University of Washington, USA
Interfacial Fluid: The Secret Life of Water

Keynote

Karen J. Sherman, PhD, MPH
Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, USA
Developing Clinical Trials for Bodywork and Massage: A Guide for the Perplexed

Friday, March 30

Keynote

Carla Stecco, MD
University of Padova, Italy
Fascial Anatomy Overview

Panel- Fascial Imaging Techniques
Leon Chaitow ND DO - moderator

Keynote

Jay P. Shah, MD
National Institutes of Health, Maryland, USA
Ultrasound and Microanalytical Techniques Identify Objective
Abnormalities in Hard, Painful Myofascial Trigger Points

Panel-Art and Science/Research and Practice –
Mechanisms to Improve Communication to Promote Translation
Brian F. Degenhardt, DO. - moderator

Closing Remarks

WOW – I did not see any acronyms- did you?

I have to mention Dr. David Geurvitch, a very important and special teacher of mine. A Soviet Union trained military physician he came to teach at HEC (Health Enrichment Center) under political asylum when there was tremendous turmoil in Russia in the 1990’s.   Dr. Chaitow was teaching a workshop at the school that Dr. Geurvitch attended.  Dr. Geurvitch whispered to me,” This I know. Nothing new. “