Our Focus on Fascia classes are based on the concepts of the John F. Barnes style of Myofascial Release (MFR) which is a very effective hands-on technique that provides stretching, compression and sustained pressure into restricted areas of fascia (connective tissue) in the body to eliminate pain and restore motion. MFR is a form of structural bodywork, which works on the body as a whole to allow the fascial system to return to its correct position, length and function.
SUPPLIES: Please bring the following for all classes:
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- Set of twin sheets
- Shorts
- Tank-type top for women
- Water
INSTRUCTORS:
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- Frances Nicolais, CMT
- Tom Hambright, CMT
- Tabitha Hersey, CMT
- Kathy Murillo, OT
COST: At the Southern California locations, classes are approximately $25-$30 per CE hour, plus minimal fee for handouts and sanitation supplies. Six students are required for a class. Individual private tutoring is available for $40 per hour. Costs may vary for other locations, and include travel expenses.
SCHEDULE: Classes are currently licensed and scheduled at Hands on Healing Institute and Kali Institute. To license and schedule at your facility, please email us.
It is the nature of myofascial release, a holistic healing practice, to bring physical emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances into balance. Memories and emotions may surface during the course of any class. This is, like in massage or any other healing practice, part of the session and training.
All trademarks on the Site and materials used in these classes are trademarks of FOF or its licensor which are reserved. The trademarks and other intellectual property of FOF and its licensors may not be used without prior written consent of FOF or its licensor. Notwithstanding, no FOF trademark, patent, copyright may be used in connection with any product or service that is not FOF or not authorized by FOF if it disparages or discredits FOF.
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Focus on Fascia: Myofascial Stretching
7 CE hours
Class description:
This class will provide students with the fundamentals of fascial stretching for both themselves and to share with their clients. Students will learn and feel how to find the fascial barrier and waiting for the body to release on it’s own, restoring it to it’s proper length and function. Students will also learn how to use fascia balls, chairs, walls and props to enhance their releases, as well as their client’s. Simple dialoging will be introduced, practiced and experienced.
Note: This class is open to the public and can be helpful for those suffering from Fibromyalgia
(No prerequisite needed)
Introduction to Myofascial Anatomy
6-8 CE Hours
Course description:
Students will develop a greater understanding of the structure and function of Myofascial connective tissue through Introduction to Fascial Anatomy, a multi-leveled, fun and interesting class. Introduction to Fascial Anatomy will prepare students for the Focus on Fascia (Myofascial Release) track.
The class will watch Lesson #1 on Sean Reihl’s Beginning Myofascial Release video and practice self-fascial movement techniques. This is a dynamic video and describes our beginnings as pure fascial entities.
Students will receive an introduction to the anatomy trains and practice body readings to evaluate fascial restrictions. These fascial readings are fascinating tools to determine where someone’s true problems originate. Students will practice simple arm pulls to feel the fascial barrier, and get to experience group unwindings. And if time allows, students will be able to end this class learning some self-releasing techniques for their own fascia.
OR
Introduction to Myofascial Modalities (more in-depth introduction)
20 CE Hours
Course description:
This class explores the fascinating world of fascia by helping students understand the structure and function of myofascial connective tissue, review of anatomy trains, purpose and function of postural analysis and assessment, how to feel for the fascial barrier, how trauma effects fascia, explanation and sampling of the emotional component of the fascia.
The class will watch Lesson #1 on Sean Reihl’s Beginning Myofascial Release video and practice self-fascial movement techniques. This is a dynamic video and describes our beginnings as pure fascial entities.
Course includes hands-on introductions to the most common forms of fascia work that can be easily incorporated into any massage. These include Skin Rolling, Deep Mobilization, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofasical Release, Unwinding and Oscillations. This course is one of the prerequisites for the advanced electives in the Focus on Fascia (Myofascial Release) track.
OR
Any of the following John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Seminars:
- MFR1
- MFR: Fascial Pelvis
- Myofascial Mobilization
OR
We offer a home study course for $50 (no CEUs) which includes:
- Watch Beginning Myofascial Release, Part 1 video, Section 1 only.
- Read handout, “Introduction to Fascial Anatomy”.
- Receive MFR session from a John F. Barnes trained therapist (additional cost).
- Complete quiz/homework and return to instructor.
Any of the above courses are the prerequisite for:
- All Focus on Fascia courses
- Deep Mobilization
- Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
- Skin Rolling/Pulling
- Fascia Fitness Fusion
- Chair Massage III
(May be waived if student has previous similar training)
Prerequisite Options (any of these choices):
- Intro to Myofascial Anatomy (6-8 hours)
- Intro to Myofascial Modalities (20 hours)
- Any of the following JF Barnes Myofascial Release Seminars:
- MFR1
- MFR: Fascial Pelvis
- Myofascial Mobilization
- Home Study course (approximately 4-5 hours)
Focus on Fascia: Deep Mobilization
21 CE hours
Course description:
This class will delve into soft tissue mobilization techniques, similar to structural integration. Deep mobilization can also be described as a cross between deep tissue and myofascial release, where you sink deep into the superficial fascia, down to the fascial barrier, and move slowly through the restrictions, releasing the interwoven web of fascia, and allowing the imbalances in the body to free themselves through systemic restructuring. Students with learn this delicate, but deep technique to address the structural imbalances that we all struggle with.
Focus on Fascia: Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
21 CE hours
Course description:
This course will explore the myofascial trigger point phenomena and give the therapist an in-depth history and understanding of the restrictions caused by trigger points, the myofascial system and how they work together. With a hands-on approach, each therapist will be given the opportunity to establish a feel for trigger points and the fascia system, and how they completely connect our physical bodies from our head to our toes, all the way down to the cellular level. Students will learn the many ways to find trigger points, how to use Ischemic Muscle Pressure (ISP) techniques, the different categories of trigger points, Pin & Stretch techniques, sub-groups of trigger points, ISP on compressed or stretched muscles, directionality, and double ISP
Recommended Reading:
- Trail Guide to the Body’s Quick Reference to Trigger Points by Andrew Biel (April 2012)
- The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition (Jul 2004) by Clair Davies, Amber Davies, and David G. Simons
Focus on Fascia: Muscle Energy
7 CE hours
Course description:
This class goes deep into the benefits of using muscle energy techniques as a true fascial healing practice. Muscle energy is a direct manipulative procedure that uses voluntary contraction of client’s muscles against a distinctly controlled counterforce from a precise position and in a specific direction. It is considered an active technique with the client participating, as opposed to a passive technique with just the therapist working. Muscle energy works both with “stretching” and “strengthening” the muscle groups, which allows for powerful healing of the entire body from chronic conditions.
Focus on Fascia: Postural Assessment
7 CE hours
Course description:
This class is for the therapist who wants to learn more about in-depth postural assessment. The term “posture” describes the relationships among various parts of the body, their anatomical arrangement and how well they do or do not fit together. This class will go through each body part, step-by-step, to guide therapists towards an understanding which tissues to address to help release the imbalanced area and allow the body to shift into optimum health. Included will be workshops on how to determine locked long and locked short muscle groups, the relationship of posture, body and mind, and how to treat holistically with simple pressure techniques.
Focus on Fascia: Skin Rolling/Pulling
9 CE hours
Course description:
This class is a good introduction to working with the superficial fascia throughout the entire body in a very simple manner. Skin rolling is a form of osteopathy that can be easily learned and used as a stand-alone modality, or incorporated with any other structural massage style, whether deep tissue, MFR, etc. Students will learn when to roll, when to hold, when to pull, when to twist, and when to bend. Students will go through the axial body during the first half of the class, then the Appendicular body during the last half of the class.
NOTE: Please be sure your body is free of any lotions for this class.
Focus on Fascia: Sports/Fitness Fusion
21 CE hours
Course description:
This class is an eclectic combination of bodywork styles based on structural integration techniques (Myofascial Release/Trigger Points/Muscle Energy) and Asian traditions (Shiatsu/Thai). Similar to physical therapy concepts, Fitness Fusion is a simple “whole-body approach” that helps to increase freedom of movement, reduce postural imbalances and relieve chronic areas of tension and injury developed through everyday life or basic non-sports related workouts. Learn how to safely use your own thumbs, forearms, elbows, legs and feet to enhance the client’s experience, while educating them on the benefits of client participation, such as deep breathing, softening, and contract/relax. Perfect for athletic (gyms and Yoga/Pilates studios) and medical environments, where clients can wear workout clothes or other loose clothing, although this style can be performed through the towel or sheet and on dry skin. Sports/Fitness Fusion.
Prerequisite Options (any of these choices):
- Intro to Myofascial Anatomy (6-8 hours)
- Intro to Myofascial Modalities (20 hours)
- Any of the following JF Barnes Myofascial Release Seminars:
- MFR1
- MFR: Fascial Pelvis
- Myofascial Mobilization
- Home Study course (approximately 4-5 hours)
Focus on Fascia I: Full Body Techniques
21 CE hours
Course description:
This course will introduce students to the concepts and definitions of Myofascial Release (MFR). Students will receive training in body mechanics and truly learn how to hold MFR techniques without stressing their body, reaching into the deeper layers of fascia. Students will learn three “staples” of MFR: arm pulls, leg pulls, and cross-handed techniques; as well as basic sets of techniques for the pelvic, shoulder and cervical areas, including both a gentle and direct psoas release. They will learn how to apply these basic MFR techniques to relieve both the client’s complaints and the underlying structural imbalance, and be able to start full body MFR sessions immediately upon completion of this class. Topics will also include boundary setting with clients, marketing and how to transition and/or develop your practice. This class is now the prerequisite for all other Focus on Fascia classes.
Prerequisite: See above.
Prerequisite for: FOF II – IV, and Region/Condition Specific courses
Focus on Fascia II: Deepen Your Awareness
21 CE hours
Course description:
This class expands the knowledge and techniques learned so far, while gaining insight on how to deepen the connection with clients and the students themselves. Students will increase their proprioceptive touch for this modality, while expanding the energy flow needed for great healing change. Students will be introduced to some powerful inner-oral Craniosacral techniques (gloves provided) in the MFR style. Group postural analysis will be included, as well as all four transverse plane releases, and a deeper awareness of using oscillations as a diagnostic tool. This class will help students develop a more sensitive touch and improve their ability “read” the client with their hands, strengthening their confidence and pulling it all together for a successful practice!
Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia I, and one or more of the following:
- Focus on Fascia: Pelvic Girdle/Low Back
- Focus on Fascia: Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff
- Focus on Fascia: Neck Pain/Headaches/Sinus
Focus on Fascia III: Giant Leap Forward
21 CE hours
Course description:
By this time, students will have a vast working knowledge of the fascia system and how to release it on both the superficial and deeper levels. This class will expand on the concept and touch of myofasical release, including using alternate starting positions (such as sitting, standing and side-lying) for fascia release. Students will learn how to use energetic touch to determine fascial restrictions. Dialoging from the Unwinding class will be reviewed and practiced, so students will be asked to go further in their emotional growth to give them the comfort to take their clients where they need to go. Part of this class will be held in a local outdoor park. There will be a “final” practical which will allow the students to work on the public.
Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia II, ALL Region Specific Fascia Classes and FOF: Unwinding or Advanced Skills Fascia Retreat
Focus on Fascia IV: Advanced Techniques
14 CE hours
Course description:
This advanced class takes the students even further and deeper into the MFR concept. Students will learn to think outside the box of techniques they have been taught, and use the concept of MFR to develop their own “twist” to the techniques they have learned, as well as learn very advanced concepts and complex techniques for those clients who just need a little more. This also includes adding in props and tools to enhance the concept of MFR, often adding gravity and a “third” hand to increase the effectiveness of the release. Props and tools used may include but are not limited to fascia balls, still point inducers, CranioCradles, massage balls, sacral wedges, sacral blocks, sink plungers, and DaVinci tools. A list of the required items and how to purchase them if you don’t already have them, will be provided prior to class.
Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia III
Prerequisite Options (any of these choices):
- Focus on Fascia 1-Full Body Techniques (21 hours)
- JF Barnes MFR1 Seminar (20 hours)
- Plus any other prerequisites listed below
Focus on Fascia: Advanced Skills Fascia Retreats
13 CE hours
Course description:
This supervised practice introduces students to various concepts to improve their proprioceptive touch of the fascia system, in various individual and group settings.
For more information including cost: www.fasciaretreats.com
Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia 1, JFB MFR1 or other MFR based course approved by instructor.
Focus on Fascia: Mentoring Program
6 hours
Course description:
If you are an MFR Therapist in training and have completed Focus on Fascia I, we partner with the Myofascial Release Center in Glendale to offer a mentoring program that includes five 1-hour shadowing sessions with clients (upon client approval) and a Senior Staff Therapist. Clients and therapists offer feedback to improve your understanding and techniques. Once the 5 shadowing sessions are complete, you will provide one hands-on sessions to one of the Senior Staff Therapist for additional evaluation. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia 1, JFB MFR1 or other MFR based course approved by instructor.
Focus on Fascia: Internship Program
5 hours
Course description:
If you are an MFR Therapist in training and have completed Focus on Fascia I and at least one Mentoring Program, we partner with the Myofascial Release Center in Glendale to also offer a internship program where you have the opportunity to work on our clients privately at a discounted rate with written evaluations provided by the client. Internship includes five 1-hour sessions. May be repeated.
Prerequisites: Mentoring Program
Focus on Fascia: MFR & Aromatherapy
7 CE hours
Course description:
Essential Oils and Myofascial Release both work with the body as a whole, so when utilized together, can create an amazing healing opportunity for your clients. We will be using simple Myofascial Release techniques learned in your intro classes and FOF1 combined with your favorite essential oils! Suggested oils: Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Bergamot, Ginger, Clary Sage, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, but if you have a particular oil that resonates with you, feel free to bring that oil. Particular blends for certain conditions may be introduced.
Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia I OR JFB MFR1 & Aromatherapy I
Focus on Fascia: Oscillations
14 CE hours
Course description:
Utilizing gentle, non-intrusive, natural movements, oscillations can help release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity. These patterns may have developed in response to accidents, illnesses, or any kind of physical or emotional trauma, including the stress of everyday life. This class teaches the student to move clients in ways they naturally move, and with a quality of touch and movement such that the recipient experiences the feeling of moving that effortlessly and freely on his/her own. The movements are never forced so that there is no induced pain or discomfort to the client.
Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia I or JFB MFR1
Focus on Fascia: Visceral Release for Digestion
14 CE hours
Course description:
This class will introduce the students to the concept of visceral manipulation for the digestive organs accessed through the abdomen. Since fascia interpenetrates organs as well as muscle tissue, restrictions in the organs often trigger dysfunctions not only in the organs, but elsewhere in the body. Students will learn how to feel for fascial restrictions in the stomach, liver, gall bladder and intestines, and how to gently release these restrictions so these organs can naturally heal themselves and return to their proper working order.
Prerequisite: FOF II or JFB MFR2
Focus on Fascia: Unwinding
14 CE hours
Course description:
This class in the Focus on Fascia series will spotlight and enhance the unwinding process of our bodies – one of the most integral parts of authentic healing. Students will learn:
- How to use gravity to encourage unwinding
- Gentle, regional unwinding for joints
- Sacrum unwinding
- Subtle internal unwinding
- Dural tube (spinal) unwinding
- Self-unwinding of extremities and neck
- Simple dialoging techniques
- Full body unwinding from seated, supine and standing positions with partners and groups
Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia I or JFB MFR1
Prerequisite for: Focus on Fascia: Dialoging
Focus on Fascia: Dialoging
14 CE hours
Course description:
Dialoging with clients is a tricky business. We must not lead, but listen. This class will fine tune the introduction you received in the Unwinding class, but teaching you how to listen and hear beyond the words, as well as hearing beyond the silence. Dialoging is not directing, but gently guiding with curiosity, leaving your own agenda and will out of the mix. Students will get the opportunity to practice their new dialoging skills with simple hands-on techniques learned in FOF1.
Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia I and FOF: Unwinding or JFB MFR Unwinding
Prerequisite Options (any of these choices):
- FOF1-Full Body Techniques
- JF Barnes MFR1
- Plus others listed below
Focus on Fascia: Pelvic Girdle/Low Back
14 CE hours
Course description:
This class spotlights the lower body, primarily the pelvic girdle – our center of gravity/our “basin”. As the majority of fascial restrictions originate in the pelvic girdle, this class will focus on releasing fascia centered on the core, relieving low back pain, sciatic pain, etc. You will learn how to look for and relieve upslips and downslips, anterior and posterior rotations, hip and SI joint releases, sacral releases, and IT bands. This class is imperative for therapists, as relieving the pelvic girdle will often relieve pain symptoms in the remainder of the body.
Additional Required materials: Sacral blocks or a pair of tennis shoes
Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia I or JF Barnes MFR1
Prerequisite for: FOF Plantar Fasciitis & FOF Scoliosis
Focus on Fascia: Plantar Fasciitis
7 CE hours
Course description:
This class in the Focus on Fascia series will be geared toward understanding the causes and imbalances in the body which lead toward Plantar Fasciitis. Students have already learned how to check and treat the pelvic girdle for the source of this imbalance; and this class will teach them how to address the specific pains associated with Plantar Fasciitis, which often are found in the calves and ankles.
Prerequisites:
- Focus on Fascia I & FOF Pelvic Girdle/Low Back OR JFB Fascial Pelvis
Focus on Fascia: Scoliosis
14 CE hours
Course description:
This class in the Focus on Fascia series will be geared toward understanding the causes and imbalances in the body which lead toward Scoliosis. Students have already learned how to check and treat the pelvic girdle for the source of this imbalance; and this class will teach them how to work directly with the spine to relieve the pain and restrictions caused by scoliosis.
Prerequisites:
- Focus on Fascia I & FOF Pelvic Girdle/Low Back OR JFB Fascial Pelvis
Focus on Fascia: Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff
14 CE hours
Course description:
This class in the Focus on Fascia series will spotlight the shoulder girdle and how to determine fascial restrictions that tend to cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder. Students will learn to use range of motion diagnosis for rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder, and then learn myofascial release techniques to free the client from these restrictions. Students will also learn to release restricted fascia to reduce the common forward shoulder rotation.
Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia I or JFB Cervical Thoracic
Prerequisite for: FOF Carpal Tunnel and FOF Breast Care
Focus on Fascia: Breast Care
7 CE hours
Course description:
This very special class in our Focus on Fascia series is designed for therapists who wish to treat women who are recovering or recovered from breast cancer, or have a history of breast cancer in their family. Restricted fascia has the same properties and looks identical to dysphasia under a microscope. Myofascial release has been widely used to create space and freedom in our cells and this class will offer techniques that release the fascia around the thoracic area, allowing for restored health to the specific area. This class will also address common issues with breast implants. This class is open to all therapists; however, male therapists must bring their own female body for practice.
Prerequisites:
- Focus on Fascia I & FOF Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff OR JFB Cervical Thoracic
Note: Aromatherapy Blend for Breast Care oil can be purchased from Hands on Healing Institute.
IMPORTANT: If you intend to work with clients who have been diagnosed with cancer, you must consult with their doctor and get permission. Use of essential oil, herbs and any alternative treatments can interfere with medications, radiation or chemotherapy. In all cases, essential oils should only be used before or after and not during radiation or chemotherapy treatments. If your client is not using western medicine you should obtain a signed waiver before proceeding.
Focus on Fascia: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/RSIs
7 CE hours
Course description:
This class in the Focus on Fascia series will discuss the various causes of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, including the meridian, nerve and fascial anatomy of the entire path from wrist to neck. Special myofascial release techniques to release the restrictions on this path will be taught, including specific neck releases, myofascial trigger points on the arm and transverse joint releases.
Prerequisites:
- Focus on Fascia I & FOF Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff OR JFB Cervical Thoracic
Focus on Fascia: Neck Pain/Headaches/Sinus
14 CE hours
Course description:
This class focuses on releasing the many fascial restrictions and trigger points that contribute to chronic neck pain. We will also learn about the organic nature of headaches, how to determine and locate their origin, and simple ways to prevent them, including use of the Still Point Inducer. We will also work with sinus conditions and inflammation, often exacerbated by fascial restrictions in the neck and head. A brief lecture on herbs and use of Eucalyptus Essential Oil for allergy relief will be taught.
Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia I or JF Barnes MFR1
Prerequisite for: FOF: TMJ Conditions
Note: Eucalyptus Essential Oil can be purchased from Hands on Healing Institute.
Focus on Fascia: TMJ Conditions
7 CE hours
Course description:
This class in the Focus on Fascia series will be geared toward understanding the causes and symptoms of TMJ (Temporomandibular joint diseases and disorders). Students will learn how to search for any underlying imbalances in the corresponding pelvic area; then address the pain and dysfunction associated with TMJ Syndrome. Techniques included will be myofascial trigger point release for the jaw and neck areas, and intra-oral releases including the pterygoids. Sterile latex gloves will be provided.
Prerequisites:
- Focus on Fascia I & FOF Neck Pain/Headaches/Sinus OR JFB Cervical Thoracic
Prerequisite Options (either of these choices):
- FOF1-Full Body Techniques
- JF Barnes MFR1
Focus on Fascia: Arthritis/Joint Pain
7 CE hours
Course description:
This class in the Focus on Fascia series will explore the role of Osteopathy used for relief from arthritis. Students will learn to use myofascial release treatments aimed at improving mobility and reducing inflammatory processes by using gentle, manual osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments. Home treatments will also be explored, such as exercises to improve the way the joints work and reduce muscle spasm, as well as performing exercises in warm water or salt baths and using essential oils.
Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia 1 or JF Barnes MFR1
Note: Ginger Essential Oil can be purchased from Hands on Healing Institute.
Focus on Fascia: Fibromyalgia
7 CE hours
Course description:
This class in the Focus on Fascia series will discuss the various studies on Fibromyalgia, also called Myofascial Pain Syndrome, etc. Fibromyalgia is a disorder of central processing with neuroendocrine/neurotransmitter dysregulation, which often includes low levels of blood flow to the thalamus region of the brain, low levels of serotonin and tryptophan, and abnormalities in cytokine function, all creating a chronic, pain-sensitive, systemic condition. Students will learn how to release fascial restrictions with a lighter touch required by the low pain tolerance in Fibromyalgia patients.
Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia 1 or JF Barnes MFR1
Focus on Fascia: MFR & Pregnancy
7 CE hours
Course description:
The class will include the most common Myofascial Release techniques that are most beneficial during pregnancy, especially once the client is most comfortable in side-lying positions (with bolsters). During the first trimester (and early in the second trimester), other than a few contraindications, most Myofascial Release techniques are very beneficial for the client. After that, modifying many Myofascial Release techniques to side-lying will help client tremendously. Introduction to unwinding the womb will be included.
Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia 1 or JF Barnes MFR1 AND any Pregnancy class
Focus on Fascia: Scar Tissue
7 CE hours
Course description:
Since untreated scar tissue can eventually be the cause of full systemic imbalances, this class in the Focus on Fascia series is another one imperative to therapists who want to understand the full body connection of fascia. Students will be taught specific myofascial release techniques that can release scar tissue on the cellular level, as well as skin rolling which is often the first step to releasing the deeper fascia in the scarred area. Students will also learn to release the navel, our original scar, and practice adding Essential oil for further release.
Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia 1 or JF Barnes MFR1
Note: Aromatherapy blend for Scar Tissue Essential Oil blend can be purchased from Hands on Healing Institute.