Soft Tissue Therapy

The Myofascial Vacuum Cupping Manual

Rob Granter — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:41:54 +0000

ISBN: 0-9807622-2-7

The 56 page Manual is in 3 Parts and is supported by over 80 Photographs and diagrams.

PART 1: The Fundamental Principles

PART 2 : Practical Application

PART 3: The Use of 3 Additional Soft Tissue Treatment Tools in Clinical Practice

Written by ROBERT GRANTER

Rob has 23 years experience in Soft Tissue Therapy within the Australian Sports Medicine Multidisciplinary Model. Since 1992, he has delivered over 30 conference presentations within Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.

Rob was a contributor to the textbook Clinical Sports Medicine by Dr. P. Brukner and Dr. K. Khan, which is now in its 3rd revised edition and has sold over 40,000 copies worldwide. He is co-founder of the Australasian College of Soft Tissue Therapy and is the only Soft Tissue Therapist on the editorial board of the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Rob is based in Melbourne, Australia, and has been head of Massage Therapy/Soft Tissue Therapy/Myotherapy for:

• Australian Olympic teams for Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000

• Victorian Institute of Sport (10 years)

• 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne

• The Sports Medicine Centres of Victoria group practice (5 years)

• Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre (6 years)

• Essendon, Australian Football League Football club (7 years)

• Australian Commonwealth Games team Kuala Lumpur 1998

Rob was also a member of the Australian Olympic team for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, as a Massage Therapist. He is currently in private practice in Melbourne and is a teacher in the Myotherapy Department at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University.

Rob has an Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy) from RMIT University, Melbourne and a Degree in Social Science from Deakin University.

PART 1: The Fundamental Principles

1) Course Introduction – Outlining the History of the technique, Description, The Equipment and the Context – Very firmly grounded in a Western Medical Context

2) Why is Myofascial Vacuum Cupping an essential Clinical Modality for the Remedial Therapist?

Firstly to effectively mobilise the dysfunctional components of the myofascial tissue to restore mobility and function.

Secondly to De-load stress from the Therapist.

3) How does Myofascial Vacuum Cupping positively change tissue mobility?

Firstly the 4 types of soft tissue in the body are discussed especially focusing on the connective tissue then the layers of tissue from superficial to deep are outlined.

Connective Tissue in then looked at in more detail and the term Fascia is clarified

3 Types of Connective Tissue most relevant to Soft Tissue Therapy are defined

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Areolar (non-dense) Connective Tissue

Causes of Connective Tissue Dysfunction are then examined.

Excessive Stress OR Dissuse

4 theories are advanced as to how Myofascial Vacuum Cupping positively changes tissue mobility?

A. The Stimulation of Fibroblast activation:

B. The Disruption of excessive collagen cross linkages:

C. The Thixotropic-like nature of connective tissue and

D. Through the Activation of mechano-receptors:

4) The Body regions that are most suited for the technique are looked at.

5) Selection of Appropriate Patients

6) Contra-Indications to Vacuum Cupping: Absolute and Relative

7) The 4 Key Principles of Application of Myofascial Vacuum Cupping to maximising effectiveness and limiting adverse tissue reaction are discussed

8) How to use the modality effectively in Clinical Practice

PART 2: Practical Application of Myofascial Vacuum Cupping

9) Practical Exercise 1 & 2: Mild Static Vacuum Cupping to the Thoraco-lumbar Fascia / Longissimus / Ilio-costalis / Lower to Upper Trapezius using 2 and 4 cups

When to RELEASE PRESSURE IMMEDIATELY

10) Practical Exercise 3: Mild Sliding Vacuum Cupping:To the Thoraco-lumbar Fascia / Longissimus / Ilio-costalis / Lower Trapezius

Instruction for the use of Sliding Cupping

How can the treatment be progressed?

What are the general cautionsto be Observed when using this MCV technique in an athletic context.

11) Practical Exercise 4: The Application of Static Cupping, Sliding Cupping and Through-Range Cupping Techniques to the Hamstring Group: Biceps Femoris, Semi Membranosus & Tendinosis

12) Practical Exercise 5: The Use of Vacuum Cupping with “Through Range” movement To the Upper Trapezius and Levator Scapula myofascia.

13) Important points to Self Assess your Competency

PART 3 The Use of 3 Additional Soft Tissue Treatment Tools in Clinical Practice

14) Myofascial mobilisation with smooth-edge tools

Description of the technique:

Selection of appropriate patients for the technique. Contra-indications and Cautions

Gaining competency in this technique using the Specific Guidelines to Successfully Use Smooth-edged tools

Example 1. Treatment of Anterior and / or Lateral Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Leg

Cautions and Clinical Tips

Example 2. Treatment to the Tensor Fascia Lata / Ilio-Tibial Band / Vastus Lateralis & Rectus Femoris.

Indications for Treatment.

Haematoma of the Anterior or Lateral Thigh

Excessive Anterior Tilt of the Pelvis

Example 3. Treatment to Gastrocnemius and the Soleus myofascia

Example 4. Treatment to the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis in relation to Lateral elbow pain using a smooth edged vacuum cup or porcelain saucer

15) Myofascial mobilisation and de-activation of symptomatic points using “T” Bars or “Jacknobber” type treatment tools.

Description of the technique:

Clinical Tips and cautions

The important guidelines in relation to using T-Bar or “Jacknobber” type

Treatment option A: Digital Ischemic Pressure / Trigger point Treatment

Treatment option B: Friction Massage. What are the 9 Treatment principles if using the tool for Friction?

Contra-Indications to the Technique

16) Myofascial mobilisation and de-activation of symptomatic points using Spikey balls as a Treatment tool.

Description of the technique:

Examples of presenting conditions

A. Posterior Hip Shortness

B. Posterior Hip Pain

C. Hamstring Pain or Chronic tightness.

Correct Placement of the Balls in the Hip region

Buy The MyoFascial Vacuum Cupping Manual Online for Immediate Download A$28

Massage Therapists Survival Guide (ebook)

Rob Granter — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:40:41 +0000

Published in 2010 – 64 pages

Do you want a long and enjoyable career in Massage Therapy?
Do you want your patients to get the most benefit possible from your treatment?
Do you want to reduce excessive stress on your own body by maximizing your efficiency?
Do you want to generate greater income by treating more patients?
Do you want to have greater work satisfaction by improving your results?
Do you want relief and better still, resolution from those painful fingers, wrists, shoulders, neck, and back?

My motivation for writing this ebook is to help you achieve all the above outcomes and for you to love this very important career.

Testimonials

Nice work. It seems to sum up some very important facts that you just don’t learn about in your ‘schooling years’. I think only years of clinical and top level treatment teams could pass this on!

Soft Tissue Therapist James Barker Canberra

I have seen several books on this topic over the last 17 years, but none as
comprehensive as this.
Most useful summaries of treatment techniques for effective patient treatment and minimisation of undue stress upon the therapist.

Of course your techniques work for me, as I have been using them since my first course with you around 14 years ago and I have been able to pass on your good advice to several other therapists over the years.

Your book goes well beyond the purely mechanical aspects of caring for ourselves, as indeed we need to go beyond being just body mechanics by creating confidence in our patients by our whole approach to our learning and to individual patient care. Such aspects are also well addressed in your book.

Soft Tissue Therapist Graeme Mills Melbourne

Just read your e book …..Congratulations!
I found chapter 3 regarding thoracic, elbow and scapula posture particularly helpful. I’m always fine tuning my treatment posture and it was great to have some clearly stated angles to stabilise the glenohumeral joint that I can now work with.

You also nailed chapter 2 in outlining the importance of establishing a strong belief and value in your profession. This is the most important factor for me as I believe if you hold your profession in high regard the rest (ie. satisfaction, success, motivation) can only but follow.

I could go on but there are too many little gems in the book to mention. I hope that this is the first of many more books, the way in which you write is really informative but also really inspiring, motivating and uplifting.

Myotherapist Moyan Phillips Melbourne

Who is the author Robert Granter?

Rob has an Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy) from RMIT University, Melbourne and has 23 years experience in Soft Tissue Therapy within the Australian Sports Medicine Multidisciplinary Model. Since 1992, he has delivered over 30 conference presentations within Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.

Rob is based in Melbourne, Australia, and has been head of Massage Therapy/Soft Tissue Therapy/Myotherapy for:

Australian Olympic teams for Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000
Victorian Institute of Sport (10 years)
2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne
The Sports Medicine Centres of Victoria group practice (5 years)
Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre (6 years)
Essendon, Australian Football League Football club (7 years)
Australian Commonwealth Games team Kuala Lumpur 1998

I am small in physical size but I was able to work full time in this industry for over 20 years and generate a 6 figure business for most of those years.

I travelled to England, USA, New Zealand, Spain, Malaysia and to most states of Australia either treating or teaching.

I have worked with so many wonderful people from multiple Olympic gold medalists and world champions (able bodied and disabled alike) to inspirational mums and dads who devote their lives to caring for others even when suffering themselves from significant physical impairments.

I believe I have developed ways to maximize my physical efficiency and psychological wellbeing to stay healthy in body and mind to thrive in what can potentially be a very stressful occupation.

I want to pass this knowledge and skill onto you, the reader.

Our Guide is easy to read, easy to follow that can turn your business quickly around from a hard daily grind to a rewarding, profitable and highly satisfying occupation.

Do you want to be highly valued by your patients and clients, acknowledged by other health professionals and personally satisfied and fulfilled? Then this ebook is for you.

What if we could help secure your income, safeguard your body, relax and yet propel yourself forward with more confidence and certainty to thrive and shine in this fantastic industry?

What if we could add more patients/ clients to your weekly list?

What if you could finish your working day with a smile on your face and with sufficient extra energy to do more physical activities after a working day like playing with your family or getting out and doing another activity which brings you great joy and satisfaction?

What is in this ebook that help you thrive in this career?

Chapter 1

Seek Strong and Effective Guidance: Find a Mentor Who Has Already Achieved What You Strive to Achieve

“Choosing the right mentor(s) is crucial to your initial learning and to your future success”

Learn how critical your decisions can be in getting the right advice from quality mentors to either bringing you closer and faster to your goals or waste valuable time and money.

Learn the Key criteria you should apply to your prospective teachers and mentors in general

Chapter 2

Get Inspired: Establish a Strong Belief in the VALUE of Your Profession

Learn how to establish a strong belief that what you are doing is of profound importance, this is vital to your success

Chapter 3

Optimize Your Technique—Optimize Your Results: Use Your Body for a Change

“Optimizing your technique will improve your efficiency, drastically reduce your risk of injury, and reduce excessive load on your body”

Many self-help books for therapists focus mainly on flexibility. The maintenance of ideal flexibility is important; however, consider that you may be getting tight through:

incorrect technique,
incorrect posture, and
insufficient strength and stability of your joints.

If we shift the focus to fixing these issues, we will hopefully resolve many of your overload symptoms.

We will go through each of the major joints that are vulnerable to overload and learn to minimise the stress though ideal joint posture and efficiency of technique.

You will learn to be alert for early warning signs of excessive intensity at all times and you will be encouraged to stop immediately and examine what you are doing and plan a better strategy.

Chapter 4

Position Your Patients to Maximize Your Treatment Efficiency

“Do you want to: reduce injury, increase work enjoyment, and maximize your output–your efficiency?”

There is simply no point in resolving someone’s problem if it comes at a cost—specifically an injury—to you.

Too many therapists place their own welfare too far down on the list of importance.

This must change to allow you to keep on helping others for years into the future.

You will learn simple and effective patient positional methods to achieve change with minimal effort on you the therapist. The interscapular region, the pectoralis minor and major, the tensor fascia lata and anterior hip fascia, the distal vastus lateralis and iliotibial band, the hamstring group and the adductor longus and the adductor fascia will all be covered in detail.

Chapter 5

Get Regular Therapy Yourself

This is such an important component of your survival that it deserves a great deal of attention.

You will benefit so much, in many different ways, if you get a regular treatment from other skilled therapists. If you are not doing this you are missing a massive opportunity to learn so many treatment and practice building skills

Chapter 6

Off-Load Your Body with the Use of Massage Therapy Treatment Tools

Are you a bit stuck in the “I must use my hands only” mind-set?

Are your hands suffering as a result?

Would you like to learn ways to resolve your patients’ problems without creating problems in your own body?

You will learn how vacuum cupping can be an ideal tool to offload your body and provide valuable and effective treatment to mobilize the myofascial system. You will learn how to minimize bruising with this technique.

You will also learn how to incorporate smooth edged tools and T-Bars into your practice.

Chapter 7

Staying Inspired: Maintaining Motivation as a Therapist

The life of a therapist can be an isolated one. How do you manage to stay happy and healthy while maintaining a high workload level (50+ patients per week or whatever your load is)?

Do you need some help in getting out of a slump in enjoying your work?

You will encouraged to complete a “PRACTICE ANALYSIS DATA SHEET” to answer and clarify the following questions that are vitally important for your business and personal success.

How many new patients are coming into the practice?

What is the total income made for this period?

Where are your patients coming from?

What are your most productive avenues of getting new patients?

Who are your main referrers?

Are you doing enough to thank them?

What is the percentage of Private versus Insurance work?

Are you attracting the type of work you most want?

Are you attracting the type of patients / athletes you want?

What can I do to move toward the type of practice I really want?

Who do I need to speak to, to give me guidance in this area?

Completion of the “PRACTICE ANALYSIS DATA SHEET” can help to take a snapshot of where your business is at the moment and steer it where you would like it to go in the future.

You will learn my top 10 ways to maintain motivation as a therapist.

Chapter 8

Ensure You Are Adequately Protected if You Become Sick or Injured

“Health Insurance is not a waste; it gives you options and solutions when you are most in need”

I hope you stay wonderfully healthy through your entire professional career. However, if you ever need help when you are injured or sick, taking action on the advice in this next chapter will give you and your family more peace of mind.

Format: The ebook is in Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need a reader such as Adobe Acrobat available as a FREE download fromAdobe.com

Delivery/download: After completing the transaction with Clickbank, you will be directed to a Thank you page with the download link for the file.

Support/feedback: Please send your feedback to info@softtissuetherapyonline.com

Price: US$29.95

Click here to purchase now

Registrations Now open for 4 Brilliant Courses with Mark Finch

Rob Granter — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:48:35 +0000

Hugely popular, Canadian Based, presenter Mark Finch is touring Australia in November 2010 to conduct 2 courses each in Sydney and Melbourne

Registrations are now open for Mark’s third tour of Australia sponsored by The Australasian College of Soft Tissue Therapy.

Costs of each of the Two day Courses is A$400 if paid in full on registration or $435 if paid in two Installments.

Please note Mark’s courses always book out quickly as class size is limited to 20 participants only.

Please note that all courses are “self contained” modules that can be done in any order. There is NO requirement to complete the Anatomy Trains to enrol in either the Pelvic or Upper Limb courses

The Schedule:

Course

Location

Date & Time

The Fascia, Its Structure And Function – Course 1 Global Fascial Anatomy

THE ANATOMY TRAINS – Myofascial Meridians

Sydney

Places still available please act quickly

Saturday & Sunday
November 20 & 21 2010
9.00 am – 5.00 pmDownload the full brochure by clicking here

The Fascia, Its Structure And Function – Course 2

Resolving Fascial Dysfunction In The Pelvic Girdle

Sydney

Places still available please act quickly

Monday & Tuesday
November 22^nd & 23^rd 2010
9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Download the full brochure by clicking here

The Fascia, Its Structure And Function – Course 3

Resolving Fascial Dysfunction In The Pelvic Girdle

Melbourne

Only 7 places remaining

Thursday & Friday
November 25^th & 26^th 2010
9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Download the full brochure by clicking here

The Fascia, Its Structure And Function – Course 4

Resolving Fascial Dysfunction In The Shoulder Girdle

Melbourne

Only 1 place remaining

Saturday & Sunday
November 27^th & 28^th 2010
9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Download the full brochure by clicking here

For further information please email Rob Granter:

info@softtissuetherapyonline.com

OR call 0417 542723

Please watch the following video which Mark produced prior to his last Australian tour which outlines the content of courses 2 & 3

“Resolving Fascial Dysfunction in the Pelvic Girdle”

MARK FINCH AUSTRALIAN COURSES TO BE RELEASED JULY 12TH

Rob Granter — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:01:47 +0000

Hugely popular presenter Mark Finch will be touring Australia in November 2010 to conduct courses in Sydney and Melbourne

Registrations will open on July 12th 2010 for Mark’s third tour of Australia sponsored by The Australasian College of Soft Tissue Therapy.

Costs of each of the Two day Courses is A$400 if paid in full on registration or $435 if paid in two Installments.

Please note Mark’s courses always book out quickly as class size is limited to 20 participants only.

The Schedule:

Course

Location

Date & Time

The Fascia, Its Structure And Function – Part 1

Global Fascial Anatomy

The Anatomy Trains – Myofascial Meridians

Sydney

Saturday & Sunday

November 20 & 21 2010

9.00 am – 5.00 pm

The Fascia, Its Structure And Function – Part 2

Resolving Fascial Dysfunction In The Pelvic Girdle

Sydney

Monday & Tuesday

November 22^nd & 23^rd 2010

9.00 am – 5.00 pm

The Fascia, Its Structure And Function – Part 2

Resolving Fascial Dysfunction In The Pelvic Girdle

Melbourne

Thursday & Friday

November 25^th & 26^th 2010

9.00 am – 5.00 pm

The Fascia, Its Structure And Function – Part 3

Resolving Fascial Dysfunction In The Shoulder Girdle

Melbourne

Saturday & Sunday November 27^th & 28^th 2010

9.00 am – 5.00 pm

To register your interest in these courses please email Rob Granter:

info@softtissuetherapyonline.com

“MUST-DO” CERVICAL COURSE IN 3 WEEKS IN MELBOURNE

Rob Granter — Sun, 30 May 2010 06:53:52 +0000

LAST TIME THIS CERVICAL COURSE WILL BE HELD IN MELBOURNE IN 2010:

WHEN:

FRIDAY JUNE 18^TH6.00PM – 9.00 PM & SATURDAY JUNE 19^TH9.00 AM – 5.00 PM 2010

WHERE:

MELBOURNE CBD, VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

WHAT:

Do you want to provide the best possible service to your patients / clients?

Do you want to immediately advance your knowledge & skill in treating acute & chronic neck problems of a soft tissue nature?

Do you want more confidence in treating difficult cervical conditions?

Do you want to learn advanced techniques such as Muscle Energy technique to restore mobility to all the cervical joints if their function is restricted by soft tissue dysfunction?

Do you want more knowledge of surface anatomy of this region which will allow you to become much more specific with your treatment?

Do you want to advance your Soft Tissue treatment skills to include simultaneous spinal movement?

Do you want to learn in a fun, relaxed environment and get greater satisfaction from your clinical work?

Do you want the confidence that you can positively change all the layers of soft tissue from superficial to the deep.

If you answered YES to any of these questions then this course is for you.

WHO:

This course will be conducted by Rob Granter Director of the Australasian College of Soft Tissue Therapy

This course will significantly alter the way you see, assess and treat the head and neck region.

COST: $235 Friday evening and all day Saturday

COURSE CONTENT:

Anatomy: The 4 myofascial layers. Extrinsic to Intrinsic. Knowing our key surface anatomical reference points

Subjective Assessment: Clarification – When to treat when to refer (knowing the red flags) / Irritability – a vital factor

Objective Assessment: Key postural reference points

Active Range Of Motion – the best indicator of function / dysfunction / The Scapula Offload test – gives clarity to the direction of treatment

Passive Range of Motion – The clear window to assess segmental function

Strategy of Treatment

Addressing causative factors

Reducing Neuromuscular Holding Patterns – recognition of protective guarding / Extrinsic and Intrinsic

Addressing Dysfunction in Extrinsic Myofascia – adding functional movements to treatment

Upper Trapezius / Levator Scapula / Sterno-cleido-mastoid

Stretching: Purpose – Focus – Precision

Contract – Relax (Direct & Indirect) & Active Assisted techniques

Addressing Dysfunction in Intrinsic Myofascia

Clarification of terms

Segmental biomechanics – know the 3 categories A. (C0/1) B. (C1/2) & C. (C2/3 – 6/7)

Intrinsic segmental assessment – to the 3 categories

Principles of Muscle Energy Technique

Application to the Cervico-thoracic junction

Application to assessed segmental dysfunction

Preparatory direct hands-on techniques: Group C (C2/3 to C6/7) & Group B (C1/2)

Introducing Intrinsic management – The suite of Treatment options: C0/1 C1/2 & C 2/3 to C6/7

Patient exercises for consolidation of treatment

Extrinsic and Intrinsic

Upper cervical flexion supine

Further considerations

Upper Cervical spine – TMJ relationship

Direct & Indirect treatment of the anterior cervical region

Putting it all together

This course will significantly alter the way you see, assess and treat the head and neck region.

Download the full brochure here:CxBrochureMelb2010

Great Weekend of Teaching and Learning in Mildura

Rob Granter — Sat, 15 May 2010 04:25:28 +0000

Thankyou to the great practitioners of Mildura.
The Soft Tissue Therapy seminars ran by Rob Granter assisted by Chris Granter and Diane Davis over the weekend of May 8 & 9 received great feedback from the group.

“Fantastic”

“Having great people explaining something you know so little about and having great hands-on instructions …… is the best feeling for self confidence ever. Come back to Mildura”

“Excellent, unthreatening and informative”

“Best part C1 and C2 Treatment”

“10/10 Course content”

“10/10 Quality of Instruction”

“Really helped me with my confidence”

Thankyou Mildura, we will be back

Soft Tissue Therapy Conference in June in Sydney

Rob Granter — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:07:46 +0000

The 2010 Soft Tissue Therapy Conference sponsored by our colleagues at Clinic 88 and the website softtissuetherapy.com.au will be held in Sydney on June 26 & 27th 2010.

Participants are limited to 80 so get in fast. The program looks excellent.

The conference outline is:

SATURDAY 26th June

8.30am Registration and welcome

9am Keynote Speaker – Dr Andrew Chapman – Neuromuscular fatigue

11am Laurance Sidari – President Australian Podiatry Association – Orthoses, lower limb control and effect on pelvic tilt

12pm Brad Hiskins – Take home stretches for the tight nervous system

1pm Lunch

2pm Carly Hiskins – An Osteopathic perpective on Thoracic Spine Pathologies

3pm Karen Sellman – Feldenkrais and Pilates in the rehabilitative setting

4pm Close

SUNDAY 27th JUNE

9am Dr Peter Britton – Stem cell therapy and cartilage regeneration (an applied model)

10am Sarah Dukic – Fascia

11.30am Andrew Curry (workshop) Breathing control and pevic floor activation

1pm Lunch

2pm workshop follow on

3pm Close

For further Enquiries:

Call James Barker on (02) 6253 2388, or email jimmybachilles@yahoo.com.au

Please click on this link to download the registration form2010STConfRego

ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT OF NECK PAIN & HEADACHE THE SOFT TISSUE PERSPECTIVE

Rob Granter — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:43:54 +0000

ONLY TIME THIS CERVICAL COURSE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN MELBOURNE FOR 2010: