Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Techniques to Improve Functional Outcomes and Reduce Pain

Why take this course?


The field of fascial research is exploding with fascinating new knowledge about the role of fascia in sensory communication, force transmission, postural stability, cellular health, and much more. Gaining knowledge of this important three-dimensional structure in the body will enhance the clinician’s ability to improve outcomes in many diverse types of patient diagnoses including tendonitis, joint restrictions, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and neurological hypertonicity caused by myoplastic hyperstiffness.

This two-day, intermediate course provides the clinician with the appropriate assessment tools, palpation skills and manual techniques to improve patient function and reduce pain. There is extensive lab time to practice manual skills using multiple myofascial and soft tissue techniques to reduce guarding, calm the sympathetic pain response, and decrease restrictions of the myofascial structures. Specifically, these myofascial techniques include gross and local hands on skills, neural inhibition techniques, trigger point reduction, and more. The clinician will also learn progressive mobility exercises to enhance the outcomes after restrictive tissue is released.

This class provides clinicians with the information and skills needed to successfully treat orthopedic and neurologically involved patients that present with fascial restriction. Clinicians’ will have the tools necessary to provide a comprehensive approach that includes hands on skills, patient education, exercises and functional mobility activities to achieve functional outcomes.

The information and skills presented in this class will enhance the therapist’s ability to improve quality of life, functional mobility and decrease pain in a variety of common orthopedic diagnoses including acute injuries, musculoskeletal dysfunction, chronic injuries and post-surgical restrictions as well as affecting certain dysfunctions in neurological diagnoses such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and stroke.

Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Techniques to Improve Functional Outcomes and Reduce Pain

Course Objectives


  • Describe the multidimensional role of the fascial system to improve outcomes in multiple patient populations.
  • Identify myofascial restrictions leading to pain and dysfunction using standardized tools and assessment skills.
  • Discuss the complex role of the neuro-fascial communication system to treat chronic pain disorders..
  • Palpate restrictive tissue and structural tissue release.
  • Perform techniques gentle enough to treat highly sensitized patients while still gaining mobility and function.
  • Perform myofascial techniques for the following diagnoses: plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, total knee replacements, arthritis pain, IT band restrictions, elbow tendinitis, carpal tunnel, headaches and TMJ, Fibro¬myalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, post surgical scarring and cording.
  • Perform specific myofascial techniques to improve function and decrease pain for the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions, shoulder girdle, ribs, pelvic region, hip, upper and lower extremities..
  • Perform techniques that assist with the functional mobility of patients with a neurological impairment such as stroke, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
  • Identify the type of myofascial techniques to be used to decrease stiffness from neurological hypertonicity and rigidity that occurs in neurological diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s, and MS.
  • Develop progressive rehab programs that include patient education, self-care skills, myofascial techniques and progressive exercises to maintain gains and improve overall function.

Instructed by: Jennifer Goff, MSPT, NCS, CLT, CMT


For the past 18 years I have been participating in an intensive study in integrative medicines and have found that these treatments, when used as an adjunct to...

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State Continuing Education Course Approvals


All courses are pre-approved by the state licensing boards for physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and athletic trainers for license renewal in the state the course is offered.

Courses provided by AOTA providers are accepted by NBCOT. 1 hour = 1.25 PDU. North American Seminars is an AOTA provider, provider #4487

North American Seminars, Inc. (BOC provider #P2047) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for the maximum stated hours of Category A hours/CEUs. Athletic Trainers should claim only those hours actually spent in the education program.

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