Cross Pollination
I was recently listening to a radio show from a local NPR affiliate. The interview was with the director of a dance company that pioneer an innovative form of dance done while dangling from ropes on the sides of buildings. She described their work as a "cross pollination of various dance forms". That term resonated with me and where I am attempting to evolve my Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars.
These of you who have been following my posts for the past few months may see a pattern. Change, growth, and knowledge are all good things to strive for, at least I believe so. But, I think I've left myself sitting on a bridge alone. The bridge is between traditional myofascial release and newer models of neuroscience-based therapy. Many in the myofascial release community have branded me a traitor for speaking against the "fascia is king" tribal mentality, while those ensconced in the neuro world feel I've not abandoned the concepts of the mesodermal world that they abhor. Oh well, I'm kinda happy sitting right on the bridge, looking at what both worlds have to contribute. I do understand that many of my new acquaintances have paved a path through much of what I still hold on to. They have already determined for themselves that fascia is nothing more than a placeholder in the body and have little patience for those who still heap praise on fascia. I am grateful for what they have taught me thus far and what I hope they continue to teach. But I ask for patience, as their pace is not mine.
The therapy world is such a polarized place at times. My profession of physical therapy has immersed themselves in an evidence-based mindset that confuses me every day. Many of the patients that I see have been to "traditional" physical therapy, where pain was treated as a result of weakness. Strengthening did little and made many of them worse. True, I do not see the people who were helped by this therapy, but since when does weakness hurt? But PT's continue to strengthen with no real regard for tightness. Is this evidence-based practice? I do appreciate looking at therapy from a science based perspective, though. Does what you are saying and doing make sense? That is where I am trying to go.
I have had some pretty interesting changes in my clients over the past few weeks since incorporating new neuromodulatory techniques, as well as novel uses for kinesiotape. I shared these with the therapists at my last seminar in Rochester last weekend and the feedback was great. How does this fit in with MFR? Pretty well, so far. Gentle work, with well intentioned hands, produces wonderful results. I do believe that at some point I will drop MFR as a name for what I do and teach, but not yet...the pollen is still crossing!
For now,
Walt Fritz, PT
Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars
