Instrument-Assisted Myofascial Therapy: Principles and Clinical Applications provides a complete overview of this effective therapy (IAMT) based on the authors' own clinical experience of using instruments to treat myofascial lesions. The text combines the latest scientific evidence and theory with practical guidelines. The authors describe the use of various IAMT techniques which the reader will be able to easily integrate into daily clinical practice. The text progresses from didactic to practical information of relevance for a variety of clinicians: - Anatomy of the myofascial system and its role in pain/dysfunction and treatments - Science and theory of IAMT including history, types, and research on mechanisms of action and outcomes - Practical application of IAMT Practice: an overview of techniques specific to tissue type (scars, tendons, muscles) - Integration of IATM in clinical practice including clinical decision making (in diagnosis and treatment), indications, contraindications, and adjunct treatments The text is intended to provide a guide for using myofascial instruments in daily practice. The reader will easily learn how to use IATM to enhance patient outcomes and to use it in a fashion which protects their own joints! Procedures are explained and demonstrated using a clear and practical approach. Full-color photographs illustrate the use of the therapy in these commonly-treated areas: Cervical spine and head, Shoulder, Elbow, wrist and hand, Thoracic spine and chest, Lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint, Hip and pelvis, Knee, Ankle and foot. Treatment protocols are provided which can be easily applied by the therapist for use with a variety of diagnoses relating to the same structures by using a standardised and precise approach. A treatment protocol is first presented on a specific structure that is commonly treated. The specific instrument is to be used is described first, then the entire treatment is explained in detail. from the starting position of the therapist and patient. Treatment progressions are then listed, as well as possible treatment options within the Myofascial Connective System (MCS). Beginning with the primarily treated structure, 'myofascial junctions' are discussed; first regionally in a distal and proximal direction, and then within a functional myofascial chain. This unique approach greatly simplifies the various IATM procedures for the reader to easily implement in practice. Readers will learn an integrated approach to IATM in a variety of clinical practice settings. Clinicians seeing post-operative patients will benefit from a chapter dedicated to the treatment of scars. Numerous case studies and the integration of other myofascial techniques (Cupping, Flossing/Mobility Bands, Kinesiology Taping and Fascial Fitness) complete the book. Instrument-Assisted Myofascial Therapy - principles and clinical applications is the result of years of professional practice with IATM while evaluating patient outcomes. The concept is based on scientific evidence and has been developed in close collaboration with leading scientists and practitioners in the field of myofascial therapy. The text provides a pragmatic, evidence-informed approach to IATM practice.

Presented in a step-by-step format, this book equips readers with the skills needed to effectively deliver this physiotherapy technique to their clients. Describing the passive, active-assisted and active methods of using Soft Tissue Release, this book will be of use to both practising and studying therapists.

This second edition of this very successful book includes chapters written by experts in the methods of manual treatment and provides step-by-step instructions on how to examine your patient using a logical sequence of passive, contractile, and special tests, and how to relate findings to biomechanical problems and lesions. Included are hundreds of diagrams, photographs, illustrations, and summary charts. In this second edition, chapters from the first edition have been thoroughly revised and updated and new material has been added on Myofascial Release, Somatics, Post-Facilitation Stretch, Friction Massage, Hypo- and Hyperpronation of the Foot, Strain and Counter Strain, Gait, the Extremities, and the Spine.

This Second Edition presents introductory general information on all trigger points and also detailed descriptions of single muscle syndromes for the upper half of the body. It includes 107 new drawings, a number of trigger point release techniques in addition to spray and stretch, and a new chapter on intercostal muscles and diaphragm.

'Sometimes called coining, spooning or scraping, Gua sha is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface that intentionally creates 'transitory therapeutic petechiae' representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis.' Gua sha has been used for centuries in Asia, in Asian immigrant communities and by acupuncturists and practitioners of traditional East Asian medicine worldwide. With the expansion of traditional East Asian medicine, Gua sha has been used over broad geographic areas and by millions of people. It is valuable in the treatment of pain and for functional problems with impaired movement, the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many acute or chronic disorders. Research has demonstrated Gua sha radically increases surface microperfusion that stimulates immune and anti-inflammatory responses that persist for days after treatment. The second edition expands on the history of Gua sha and similar techniques used in early Western Medicine, detailing traditional theory, purpose and application and illuminated by science that focuses its relevance to modern clinical practice as well as scholarly inquiry. This book brings the technique alive for practitioners, with clear discussion of how to do it – including correct technique, appropriate application, individualization of treatment – and when to use it, with over 50 case examples, and superb color photographs and line drawings that demonstrate the technique. NEW TO THIS EDITION • New chapter on immediate and significant Tongue changes as a direct result of Gua sha • Research and biomechanisms • Literature review from Chinese language as well as English language medical journal database • New case studies • Over 30 color photographs New chapter on immediate and significant Tongue changes as a direct result of Gua sha Research and biomechanisms Literature review from Chinese language as well as English language medical journal database New case studies Fully updated and revised throughout Over 30 colour photographs

...gives a thorough understanding of what myofascial pain actually is, and provides a unique and effective approach to the diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome for the lower body muscles.