Myofascial Release manual
1
383 t - Myofascial Release Manual by Carol J Manheim. Slack Incorporated, New Jersey, 1994 (ISBN 1 5 5642 24 1 5). Illus. 185 pages, wire bound. 2nd edition. $38. This book is a good introduction to the concept of myofascial release @DO, defined as ‘a highly interactive stretching technique that requires feedback from the patient’s body. . . . It is the philosophic base which separates MR from other stretching techniques.’ An updating of the first edition, the purpose is to teach the techniques of MR as a mechanical skill. This is done very well, first by explaining the sensations that will be felt by therapists and also patients’ reactions to the release. A large part of the treatment is that the therapists work with rather than on the patients, allowing them to be equal in the treatment process. The therapists wait for ‘guidance from the patients’ bodies’ rather than planning treatments ahead step by step. The book follows an organised and logical layout sharing single- therapist, multi-therapist and then advanced techniques (including .three-dimensional treatments, trigger points and dural tube releases). At the end of the book is a very thorough assessment that Ms Manheim uses; however, it is a little repetitive and could have been condensed. Throughout the book there are a great many photographs illustrating the different techniques, useful for those who have no knowledge of these - again they could have been reduced. Also from some of the photographs you would have to choose your patients extremely carefully! The exact mechanism by which MR works is still unknown - the book does clearly state this but some people may be dubious about reading a book for which there is no concrete or scientific basis although M is known to have very good effects clinically. The author also states that MR is a ‘very safe technique which prevents inadvertent overstretching of the soft tissues of the body when the techniques are applied properly’ - but what is properly? I feel the book is relevant to physiotherapiste as an adjunct to our many different techniques, along ‘utterly exhausted’ after hydro- therapy. Physiotherapists may take exception to this statement! It is a readable book, but a trifle unabalanced. The exercise section is hopelessly short and unenthusiastic; it makes no mention of muscle strengthening, nor of the vital role that exercise plays in the overall care of these clients. This would have been an excellent opportunity to target those patients who are anxious to try alternative therapies for their condition. The document appears to rely mainly on passive therapies, and patients with chronic ioint disease often have a ~~~ ~ similar lines to connective tissue massage and therefore aimed at those with a greater interest in soR tissue mobilisations. It is very readable and easy to flick through, especially with a wire-o- binding making it impossible to damage the spine (so long as the holes do not rip over time). It would be beneficial to have in a department for reference to different stretches and with good photographs illustrat- ing those stretches. St6phani8 Cain MCSP ~~~~~ ~ Arthritis and Rheumatlsm: A self-help guide COmbinlnQ The a baU and soeLtjoint orthodox aid complementii chaptern and is written in an easy approach to health style in fairly large print. There are byHesnain waliii8ndAndraeffim‘ tables and clear charts and Headway, Ho&wamlStougMm, London, 1994 (ISBN 0 340 60563 4). Illus. 122 diagrams. The content Readers of ‘Arihritis and Rheumatism’ d’*-essentiol~ a~i*iaameehnniecll ahice Bone is a living tissue made up of desire td initiate and participate in an activity of their own volition, a h,-m ofDm&in which bin& calcium. One recommended their m&nes& andphosphorus Somejoi& are like a hinge (knee and elbow, above) while others are like a ball and socket fiip and shoulder, top right ) physiotherapist or alternative therapist! Jill Lloyd BA MCSP
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Transcript of Myofascial Release manual
383
t
- Myofascial Release Manual by Carol J Manheim. Slack Incorporated, New Jersey, 1994 (ISBN 1 5 5642 24 1 5). Illus. 185 pages, wire bound. 2nd edition. $38.
This book is a good introduction to the concept of myofascial release @DO, defined as ‘a highly interactive stretching technique that requires feedback from the patient’s body. . . . It is the philosophic base which separates MR from other stretching techniques.’
An updating of the first edition, the purpose is to teach the techniques of M R as a mechanical skill. This is done very well, first by explaining the sensations that will be felt by therapists and also patients’ reactions to the release. A large part of the treatment i s tha t the therapists work with rather than on the patients, allowing them to be equal in the treatment process. The therapists wait for ‘guidance from the patients’ bodies’ rather than planning treatments ahead step by step.
The book follows an organised and logical layout sharing single- therapist, multi-therapist and then advanced techniques (including .three-dimensional treatments, trigger points and dural tube releases).
At the end of the book is a very thorough assessment tha t Ms Manheim uses; however, it is a little repetitive and could have been condensed.
Throughout the book there are a great many photographs illustrating the different techniques, useful for those who have no knowledge of these - again they could have been reduced. Also from some of the photographs you would have to choose your patients extremely carefully!
The exact mechanism by which M R works is still unknown - the book does clearly state this but some people may be dubious about reading a book for which there is no concrete or scientific basis although M is known to have very good effects clinically. The author also states that M R is a ‘very safe technique which prevents inadvertent overstretching of the soft tissues of the body when the techniques are applied properly’ - but what is properly?
I feel the book is relevant to physiotherapiste as an adjunct to our many different techniques, along
‘utterly exhausted’ after hydro- therapy. Physiotherapists may take exception to this statement!
It is a readable book, but a trifle unabalanced. The exercise section is hopelessly short and unenthusiastic; it makes no mention of muscle strengthening, nor of the vital role that exercise plays in the overall care of these clients.
This would have been an excellent opportunity to target those patients who are anxious to try alternative therapies for their condition. The document appears to rely mainly on passive therapies, and patients with chronic ioint disease often have a
~~~ ~
similar lines to connective tissue massage and therefore aimed at those with a greater interest in soR tissue mobilisations.
It is very readable and easy to flick through, especially with a wire-o- binding making it impossible to damage the spine (so long as the holes do not rip over time). It would be beneficial to have in a department for reference to different stretches and with good photographs illustrat- ing those stretches.
St6phani8 Cain MCSP ~~~~~ ~
Arthritis and Rheumatlsm: A self-help guide COmbinlnQ The a baU and soeLtjoint orthodox a i d complementii chaptern and is written in an easy approach to health style in fairly large print. There are byHesnain waliii8ndAndraeffim‘ tables and clear charts and Headway, Ho&wamlStougMm, London, 1994 (ISBN 0 340 60563 4). Illus. 122 diagrams. The content
Readers of ‘Arihritis and Rheumatism’ d’*-essentiol~ a~i*iaameehnniecll ahice Bone is a living tissue made up of
desire td initiate and participate in an activity of their own volition,
a h,-m ofDm&in which bin& calcium. One recommended their m&nes& andphosphorus Somejoi& are like a hinge (knee and elbow, above) while others are like a ball and socket f i ip and shoulder, top right )
physiotherapist or alternative therapist!
Jill Lloyd BA MCSP
