Myofascial Manipulation is a comprehensive two-day, hands-on course designed to provide clinicians with the knowledge and practical skills to effectively assess and treat restrictions in the fascial system. The course emphasizes both the scientific foundation of fascia and its clinical relevance across the lifespan, offering participants a blend of evidence-informed didactic content and extensive lab practice.

Day one introduces the foundational principles of fascia, including its anatomical organization, neurophysiological properties, and role in musculoskeletal pain and movement dysfunction. Participants will learn to palpate fascial layers and apply fundamental release techniques before progressing to the upper quadrant. Cervical, thoracic, and upper extremity applications are presented through lecture and lab, with emphasis on clinical presentations such as tension headaches, thoracic outlet syndrome, shoulder dysfunction, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Day two shifts focus to the lower quadrant, exploring the thoracolumbar fascia, pelvic connections, and fascial lines of the lower extremity. Instruction covers common dysfunctions, including low back pain, hip impingement, patellofemoral pain, and plantar fasciopathy. Lab sessions guide participants through targeted techniques for the lumbar spine, pelvis, hip, and lower extremity. The day concludes with whole-body integration, highlighting global fascial lines and clinical reasoning strategies to optimize outcomes.

Throughout the course, participants will develop the ability to identify fascial restrictions, select appropriate techniques, and integrate myofascial manipulation with exercise and movement retraining. Emphasis is placed on patient-centered care, safe and effective application, and translating evidence into practice.

This course is ideal for clinicians seeking to expand their manual therapy skill set and improve outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal pain and movement disorders. Upon completion, participants will be equipped with practical tools to address fascial dysfunction across body regions and integrate them into comprehensive treatment plans.

Course Dates & Locations

Faculties

Educational Credit

A certificate of attendance for 15 Contact Hourswill be awarded to each participant. All Therapy Network Seminars are pre‐approved for CEUs in the state where the course is conducted when required for PT, OT, ATs & Assistants.

Therapy Network, Inc. (BOC AP#: P2563) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Certified Athletic Trainers. Our seminars are eligible for a maximum of 15 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

AOTA Approved Provider of Continuing Education # 3073 Category 1 Domain of OT. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsements of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA

Audience

This course is intended for PTs, PTAs, OTs, OTAs and ATs

NOTE: Nothing in this course is to enable or permit the learner to apply techniques outside of the scope of practice in their individual state and discipline.

Objectives

  • Describe the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanical properties of fascia and its role in musculoskeletal function and dysfunction.
  • Identify indications, contraindications, and precautions for the safe application of myofascial manipulation.
  • Demonstrate accurate palpation skills to assess fascial restrictions across the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, pelvic, upper extremity, and lower extremity regions.
  • Apply foundational myofascial manipulation techniques, including sustained pressure, cross-hand release, and fascial gliding.
  • Perform region-specific myofascial techniques for the upper quadrant, lower quadrant, and extremities to address common clinical conditions.
  • Integrate global fascial release strategies using fascial line concepts (e.g., superficial back line, spiral line) to enhance mobility and function.
  • Incorporate myofascial manipulation into comprehensive treatment plans alongside exercise, movement retraining, and patient education.
  • Utilize clinical reasoning to select, sequence, and progress myofascial interventions based on patient presentation and outcome measures.

Schedule

  • Day 1

    8:00 AM Sign in and Continental Breakfast
    8:30 Fascia in rehabilitation and scope of practice
    9:00 Myofascial System Foundations

    • Anatomy and physiology of fascia: layers, continuity, tensegrity principles
    • Neurophysiological mechanisms: mechanoreceptors, autonomic effects, pain science
    • Indications, contraindications, and precautions
    10:00 Break
    10:15 Lab 1: Foundational Palpation & General Techniques

    • Palpation of fascial layers (skin, superficial fascia, deep fascia)
    • Basic techniques: cross-hand release, skin rolling, sustained pressure
    11:15 Upper Quadrant (Cervical & Thoracic Regions)

    • Fascial anatomy of cervical and thoracic regions (deep cervical fascia, thoracolumbar
    junction)
    • Common dysfunctions: tension headaches, thoracic outlet, postural strain
    • Regional interdependence: cervicothoracic and scapulothoracic links
    12:30 Lunch (on your own)
    1:30 Lab 2: Upper Quadrant Techniques – Cervical & Thoracic

    • Suboccipital release, SCM fascial manipulation
    • Thoracic paraspinal fascial release
    • Rib cage fascial mobilization
    3:00 BREAK
    3:15 Upper Extremity Applications

    • Fascial lines and connections in upper extremity
    • Dysfunction patterns: carpal tunnel, lateral epicondylalgia, shoulder impingement
    4:30 Lab 3: Upper Extremity Techniques

    • Pectoral fascia release
    • Forearm fascial mobilization
    • Carpal tunnel unloading techniques
    5:30 Q/A Dismissed

  • Day 2

    8:00 Clinical reflections
    8:30 Lumbar & Pelvic Fascia

    • Thoracolumbar fascia, iliopsoas, pelvic floor connections
    • Clinical syndromes: low back pain, SI joint dysfunction, hip impingement
    9:30 Lab 4: Lumbar & Pelvis Techniques

    • Thoracolumbar decompression
    • Iliacus and psoas fascial manipulation
    • Piriformis and gluteal fascial release
    10:45 BREAK
    11:00 Lower Extremity Fascial Connections

    • IT band, hamstrings, adductors, plantar fascia
    • Clinical applications: PFPS, hamstring strains, plantar fasciopathy
    12:00 LUNCH (on your own)
    1:00 Lab 5: Lower Extremity Techniques

    • IT band mobilization and fascial glide
    • Hamstring fascial release
    • Plantar fascia unloading and mobilization
    2:30 BREAK
    2:45 Clinical Integration & Advanced Concepts

    • Linking regions via fascial lines (superficial back line, spiral line, lateral line)
    • Combining manipulation with therapeutic exercise
    • Case-based reasoning: headaches, chronic LBP, post-surgical scarring
    3:45 Lab 6: Global Fascial Release & Whole-Body Integration

    • Sequenced fascial release strategies
    • Partnered assessment → intervention → reassessment practice
    4:45 Skill check
    5:00 Q/A
    Course Eval
    Dismissed

Cancellation Policy

Registration fee less a $75 administrative charge is refundable if cancellation received 14 days prior to program date. No refunds will be given after that time. Therapy Network, Inc. reserves the right to cancel a seminar and will refund in full the registration fee only. TNI is NOT responsible for registrants nonrefundable airfare, accommodations or fees.