Detailed overview of the Structural Injury Work Classes

The intent of these classes is to make a connection between structural deviations and pain and injury. The techniques used are a combination of injury testing, structural assessment, myofascial techniques and cranial movement in the tissues. This class is fairly high-paced and relies on a fair amount of anatomical and structural knowledge. Some training in structural assessment, familiarity with injury testing and exposure to feeling cranial/visceral/whole body tissue movements would be helpful.

A more in depth look at the content of each class follows below, note that the content can vary depending on the class and timing. Each class begins with a lecture on anatomy, structure and common injuries or syndromes, moves to a testing of some kind, either range of motion or bony position and goes from there to palpation of specific structures and myofascial/alignment techniques.

Day 1 – The Foot and Lower Leg

Here we have injury testing and range of motion for the foot and ankle, discussion of common tendon and joint injuries and myofascial and mobilization techniques to improve the alignment and functional use of the lower leg and foot.

Day 2 – The Knee and Thigh

Again we have injury testing for the knee and specific palpation of the knee ligaments with discussion of the common injuries and alignment problems associated with the knee. In addition there are myofascial techniques for the knee and thigh.

Day 3 – The Hip and Pelvis

For the hip and pelvis we have some hip testing for ROM and injury as well as pelvic alignment assessment and treatment. The usual myofascial technique follows.

Day 4 – The Abdomen and Lumbar Spine

After the anatomy, structure and injury lecture we will look at bony position of the sacrum and lumbar spine and treat. Myofascial work above the pelvis in the abdomen ensues. Some attention to visceral issues will be included.

Day 5 – The Ribcage and Thoracic Spine

For most massage practitioners the ribcage can be a difficult place to get results. Over the years I’ve accumulated many techniques involving rib and spine mobilization and alignment that will be a large focus as well as treatment to the soft tissues inside and outside of the ribcage.

Day 6 – The Shoulder

Back to testing for the shoulder and this will be accompanied by some specific palpation of the rotator cuff tendons. Then we will treat the shoulder girdle with myofascial techniques.

Day 7 – The Arm

The arm is less often treated in a structural sense despite its incredible importance for our function in the world. We will do a mix of myofascial and neural mobilization techniques. Some testing information will also be available.

Day 8 – The Neck and Head

Mastery of neck work can be hard to achieve and we will work for one more step in that direction with specific palpation and mobilization techniques including the smaller and more difficult structures.

One text I suggest for the class is Tom Myer’s Body3 (cubed)