Click here to ABC TV video on benefits of Myofascial Release Massage

FOCUS ON FASCIA CLASSES

(Myofascial Release)

Instructors: Frances Nicolais, LMT

Focus on Fascia I (Myofascial Release)

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

21 Hours $298

Course description:

This course will introduce students to the concepts and definitions of Myofascial Release (MFR). Students will receive

training in body mechanics and truly learn how to hold MFR techniques without stressing their body, reaching into the deeper layers of fascia. Students will learn three “staples” of MFR: arm pulls, leg pulls, and cross-handed techniques; as well as basic sets of techniques for the pelvic, shoulder and cervical areas, including both a gentle and direct psoas release. They will learn how to apply these basic MFR techniques to relieve both the client’s complaints and the underlying structural imbalance, and be able to start full body MFR sessions immediately upon completion of this class. Topics will also include boundary setting with clients, marketing and how to transition and/or develop your practice. This class is now the prerequisite for all other Focus on Fascia classes.

Required materials:

Set of twin sheets

Shorts

Tank-type top for women

Electrolyte-enhanced water can be purchased in class

Prerequisite: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy or instructor approval

Prerequisite for: Focus on Fascia II-III and all condition-specific courses.

For Testimonials Click Here

Focus on Fascia II (Myofascial Release)

Instructor: Frances Nicolais
21 hours $298

Course description:
This class will further discuss and clarify the role of fascia in the body, as introduced in Focus on Fascia I, and include several Craniosacral techniques with the MFR approach. These include many inter-oral techniques (gloves will be provided) and all four transverse plane releases (pelvic diaphragm, thoracic inlet and cranial base). Students will develop a deeper understanding of the fascia system and how it works as a whole, and apply this concept to relieve chronic areas of tension and injury. An introduction to oscillations as a diagnostic tool will be included, and students will learn how to guide arm and leg pulls for specific areas of release.

Required materials:

Set of twin sheets

Shorts

Tank-type top for women

Electrolyte-enhanced water can be purchased in class

Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia I

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia III (Myofascial Release)
Instructor: Frances Nicolais
21 Hours $298

Course description:
By this time, students will have a vast working knowledge of the fascia system and how to release it on both the superficial and deeper levels. This class will expand on the concept and touch of myofasical release, including using alternate starting positions (such as sitting, standing and side-lying) for fascia release. Students will learn how to use energetic touch to determine fascial restrictions. Dialoging from the Unwinding class will be reviewed and practiced, so students will be asked to go further in their emotional growth to give them the comfort to take their clients where they need to go. Part of this class will be held in a local outdoor park. There will be a “final” practical which will allow the students to work on the public.

Required materials:
Set of twin sheets
Shorts
Tank-type top for women
Electrolyte-enhanced water can be purchased in class

Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia II and FOF: Unwinding (or FOF2 and approval from the instructor)

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia IV: Props and Tools
Instructor: Frances Nicolais
7 Hours $113 (cost of props & tools extra)

Course description:
Once students have reached this point in the fascia track, they will be comfortable with many techniques for just about any symptom and dysfunction a client has; and will have developed an understanding of the three-dimensional aspect to this style of bodywork.

This class then adds in props and tools to enhance the concept of MFR, often adding gravity and a “third” hand to increase the effectiveness of the release. Props and tools used may include but are not limited to the fascia ball, still point inducer, Super “Pinky” balls, golf balls, sink plungers, body pullers, pillows, rubber shelf paper squares, DaVinci tools, Nola rollers, and sacral wedges. Items can be purchased at HHI, from instructor or through HHI’s website link to Amazon.com.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy, Focus on Fascia I and Focus on Fascia III

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia V: Advanced Techniques
Instructor: Frances Nicolais
7 Hours $113

Course description:
This advanced class takes the students even further and deeper into the MFR concept. Students will learn to think outside the box of techniques they have been taught, and use the concept of MFR to develop their own “twist” to the techniques they have learned, as well as learn very advanced concepts and complex techniques for those clients who just need a little more.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy, Focus on Fascia I and Focus on Fascia IV

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Dialoging – NEW CLASS

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

7 Hours $113

Course description:
Dialoging with clients is a tricky business. We must not lead, but listen. This class will fine tune the introduction you received in the Unwinding class, but teaching you how to listen and hear beyond the words, as well as hearing beyond the silence. Dialoging is not directing, but gently guiding with curiosity, leaving your own agenda and will out of the mix. Students will get the opportunity to practice their new dialoging skills with simple hands-on techniques learned in FOF1.

Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia I and FOF: Unwinding

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Oscillations

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

14 hours $221

Course description:

Utilizing gentle, non-intrusive, natural movements, oscillations can help release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity. These patterns may have developed in response to accidents, illnesses, or any kind of physical or emotional trauma, including the stress of everyday life. This class teaches the student to move clients in ways they naturally move, and with a quality of touch and movement such that the recipient experiences the feeling of moving that effortlessly and freely on his/her own. The movements are never forced so that there is no induced pain or discomfort to the client.

Required materials: Students are to come dressed in comfortable clothes and bring a set of twin sheets.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy and Focus on Fascia I

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Myofascial Stretching

Instructor: Laura Apoliona

14 Hours $201

Course description:

This class will provide students with the fundamentals of fascial stretching for both themselves and to share with their clients. Students will learn and feel how to find the fascial barrier and waiting for the body to release on it’s own, restoring it to it’s proper length and function. Students will also learn how to use fascia balls, chairs, walls and props to enhance their releases, as well as their client’s. Simple dialoging will be introduced, practiced and experienced.

Required Material:

Myofascial Stretching Book by Jill Stedronsky Morton, Brenda Pardy

We do not stock this book. Can be purchased at this web site:

http://www.myofascialstretching.com/

Fascia ball - Can be purchased from the school at time of enrollment.)

Note: This class is open to the public and can be helpful for those suffering from Fibromyalgia

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Unwinding

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

14 Hours $221

Course description:

This class in the Focus on Fascia series will spotlight and enhance the unwinding process of our bodies. Students will be given a safe environment to allow for self-unwinding, which is very important in understanding how to offer this integral part of healing to their clients. They will learn simple tips to dialog with their clients about this process and ways to use gravity to assist their clients to identify and recognize their own fascial system’s desire to release in this manner. Students will learn to unwind the extremities and neck, as well as full body unwinding from seated, supine and standing positions, with partners and in groups.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial and Focus on Fascia I

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

FOCUS ON FASCIA REGION- AND CONDITION-SPECIFIC CLASSES

Focus on Fascia: Arthritis/Joint Pain

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

7 Hours $125

Course description:

This class in the Focus on Fascia series will explore the role of Osteopathy used for relief from arthritis. Students will learn to use myofascial release treatments aimed at improving mobility and reducing inflammatory processes by using gentle, manual osteopathic techniques on joints, muscles and ligaments. Home treatments will also be explored, such as exercises to improve the way the joints work and reduce muscle spasm, as well as performing exercises in warm water or salt baths and using essential oils.

Required materials: Total cost includes Ginger Essential Oil

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy and Focus on Fascia I

Focus on Fascia: Breast Care

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

7 Hours $138

Course description:

This very special class in our Focus on Fascia series is designed for therapists who wish to treat women who are recovering or recovered from breast cancer, or have a history of breast cancer in their family. Restricted fascia has the same properties and looks identical to dysphasia under a microscope. Myofascial release has been widely used to create space and freedom in our cells and this class will offer techniques that release the fascia around the thoracic area, allowing for restored health to the specific area. This class will also address common issues with breast implants. This class is open to all therapists; however, male therapists must bring their own female body for practice.

Required materials: Total Cost includes special Aromatherapy blend for cancer recovery

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy, Focus on Fascia I, plus FOF Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff

NOTE: If you intend to work with clients who have been diagnosed with cancer, you must consult with their doctor and get permission. Use of essential oil, herbs and any alternative treatments can interfere with medications, radiation or chemotherapy. In all cases, essential oils should only be used before or after and not during radiation or chemotherapy treatments. If your client is not using western medicine you should obtain a signed waiver before proceeding.

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

7 Hours $113

Course description:

This class in the Focus on Fascia series will discuss the various causes of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, including the meridian, nerve and fascial anatomy of the entire path from wrist to neck. Special myofascial release techniques to release the restrictions on this path will be taught, including specific neck releases, myofascial trigger points on the arm and transverse joint releases.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy, Focus on Fascia I, plus FOF Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff.

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Deep Mobilization 1

Axial Body
Instructor: Frances Nicolais
14 hours $221

Course Description:
This class will delve into soft tissue mobilization techniques, similar to structural integration. Deep mobilization can also be
described as a cross between deep tissue and myofascial release, where you sink deep into the superficial fascia, down to the fascial barrier, and move slowly through the restrictions, releasing the interwoven web of fascia, and allowing the imbalances in the body to free themselves through systemic restructuring. Students with learn this delicate, but deep technique, focusing on the axial body.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy

For Calendar Click Here

For Testimonials Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Deep Mobilization II

Appendicular Body
Instructor: Frances Nicolais
14 hours $221

Course Description:
This class will review the soft tissue mobilization techniques learned in Deep Mobilization #1, but then will focus on the appendicular body. Students will get an opportunity to practice postural analysis on their classmates, and utilize the techniques from both classes to address the structural imbalances with full body sessions.

Prerequisite: FOF: Deep Mobilization #1

For Calendar Click Here

For Testimonials Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Fibromyalgia

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

7 Hours $138

Course description:

This class in the Focus on Fascia series will discuss the various studies on Fibromyalgia, also called Myofascial Pain Syndrome, etc. Fibromyalgia is a disorder of central processing with neuroendocrine/neurotransmitter dysregulation, which often includes low levels of blood flow to the thalamus region of the brain, low levels of serotonin and tryptophan, and abnormalities in cytokine function, all creating a chronic, pain-sensitive, systemic condition. Students will learn how to release fascial restrictions with a lighter touch required by the low pain tolerance in Fibromyalgia patients.

Required materials: Total cost includes special Aromatherapy blend for Fibromyalgia

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy and Focus on Fascia I

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Neck Pain/Headaches/Sinus

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

14 hours $262

Course description:

This class focuses on releasing the many fascial restrictions and trigger points that contribute to chronic neck pain. We will also learn about the organic nature of headaches, how to determine and locate their origin, and simple ways to prevent them, including use of the Still Point Inducer. We will also work with sinus conditions and inflammation, often exacerbated by fascial restrictions in the neck and head. A brief lecture on herbs and use of Eucalyptus Essential Oil for allergy relief will be taught.

Required Materials: Total cost includes Still Point Inducer and Eucalyptus Essential Oil.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy and Focus on Fascia I

Prerequisite for: FOF TMJ Conditions

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Pelvic Girdle/Low Back

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

14 hours $221

Course description:

This class spotlights the lower body, primarily the pelvic girdle – our center of gravity/our “basin”. As the majority of fascial restrictions originate in the pelvic girdle, this class will focus on releasing fascia centered on the core, relieving low back pain, sciatic pain, etc. You will learn how to look for and relieve upslips and downslips, anterior and posterior rotations, hip and SI joint releases, sacral releases, and IT bands. This class is imperative for therapists, as relieving the pelvic girdle will often relieve pain symptoms in the remainder of the body.

Required materials:

Sacral blocks or a pair of tennis shoes

Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia I or John Barnes MFR1

Prerequisite for: FOF Plantar Fasciitis

Special Notes: Any missed hands-on class time can be made up with tutoring for ½ the hours missed; tutoring is $25 per hour. Also if you would like to repeat (audit), the cost is $24 per ½ day, plus $5 if you want the updated handout.

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Plantar Fasciitis
Instructor: Frances Nicolais
7 Hours $113

Course description:
This class in the Focus on Fascia series will be geared toward understanding the causes and imbalances in the body which lead toward Plantar Fasciitis. Students have already learned how to check and treat the pelvic girdle for the source of this imbalance; and this class will teach them how to address the specific pains associated with Plantar Fasciitis, which often are found in the calves and ankles.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy, Focus on Fascia I, plus FOF Pelvic Girdle/Low Back

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Scar Tissue

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

7 Hours $138

Course description:

Since untreated scar tissue can eventually be the cause of full systemic imbalances, this class in the Focus on Fascia series is another one imperative to therapists who want to understand the full body connection of fascia. Students will be taught specific myofascial release techniques that can release scar tissue on the cellular level, as well as skin rolling which is often the first step to releasing the deeper fascia in the scarred area. Students will also learn to release the navel, our original scar, and practice adding Essential oil for further release.

Required materials: Total Costs includes special Aromatherapy blend for Scar Tissue

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy and Focus on Fascia I

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Scoliosis

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

7 hours $138

Course description:

This class in the Focus on Fascia series will be geared toward understanding the causes and imbalances in the body \which lead toward Scoliosis. Students have already learned how to check and treat the pelvic girdle for the source of this imbalance; and this class will teach them how to work directly with the spine to relieve the pain and restrictions caused by scoliosis.

Prerequisites: Focus on Fascia I and FOF Pelvic Girdle/Low Back

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

14 Hours $221

Course description:

This class in the Focus on Fascia series will spotlight the shoulder girdle and how to determine fascial restrictions that tend to cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder. Students will learn to use range of motion diagnosis for rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder, then learn myofascial release techniques to free the client from these restrictions. Students will also learn to release restricted fascia to reduce the common forward shoulder rotation.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy and Focus on Fascia I

Prerequisite for: FOF Carpal Tunnel and FOF Breast Care

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Skin Rolling/Pulling

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

9 Hours $151

Course description:

This class is a good introduction to working with the superficial fascia throughout the entire body in a very simple manner. Skin rolling is a form of osteopathy that can be easily learned and used as a stand-alone modality, or incorporated with any other structural massage style, whether deep tissue, MFR, etc. Students will learn when to roll, when to hold, when to pull, when to twist, and when to bend. Students will go through the axial body during the first half of the class, then the appendicular body during the last half of class.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: TMJ Conditions

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

7 Hours $113

Course description:

This class in the Focus on Fascia series will be geared toward understanding the causes and symptoms of TMJ (Temporomandibular joint diseases and disorders). Students will learn how to search for any underlying imbalances in the corresponding pelvic area; then address the pain and dysfunction associated with TMJ Syndrome. Techniques included will be myofascial trigger point release for the jaw and neck areas, and intra-oral releases including the pterygoids. Sterile latex gloves will be provided.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy, Focus on Fascia I, plus FOF Headaches/Sinus/Neck Pain

For Testimonials Click Here

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Workout Companion

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

18 Hours $259

Course description:

This class is designed for therapists who wish to market their massage to gyms, yoga/Pilates studios, and fitness centers. It is a simple "whole-body approach" to bodywork based on structural integration, using forms of Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Thai, Muscle Energy and Trigger Point therapy. Students will learn basic range-of-motion restrictions tests and learn how to gear their massage towards releasing chronic areas of tension and injury developed during basic, non-sports and sports related work-outs. This massage is mostly performed with the client in workout clothes or through the sheet, and on dry skin, with some client participation, such as deep breathing and counter-stretching.

Prerequisites: Intro to Fascial Anatomy

For Calendar Click Here

Focus on Fascia: Workout Companion Lab

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

3 hours $30

This lab is for the students who just graduated from the Workout Companion Massage class, who wish to review the techniques and want the opportunity to practice a full one hour session their classmates.

Prerequisite: Workout Companion

For Calendar Click Here

TRIGGER POINT FOCUS ON FASCIA CLASSES

Trigger Points I: Axial Body - Focus on Fascia (formerly Trigger Points II)

Instructor: Tom Hambright

14 Hours $221

Course description:

This course will explore the myofascial trigger point phenomena and give the therapist an in-depth understanding of the restrictions caused by trigger points, the myofascial system and how they work together. With a hands-on approach, each therapist will be given the opportunity to establish a feel for trigger points and the fascia system, and how they completely connect our physical bodies from our head to our toes, all the way down to the cellular level. Students will learn and practice releasing the most common trigger points on the head and torso area.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy or instructor approval)

For Calendar Click Here

Trigger Points II: Appendicular Body - Focus on Fascia (formerly Trigger Points III)

Instructor: Tom Hambright

14 Hours $221

Course description:

This course will continue with the hands-on practice learning the many ways to release myofascial trigger points. A review of the common torso trigger points will be included, specifically the ones in the shoulder and pelvic girdles, as these are often the source of problems in the extremities. Then, students will move to learning and practicing the release of trigger points in the extremities. There will be a final test in the form of group Trigger Point treatments of the entire body.

Prerequisites: Trigger Point I

For Calendar Click Here

Trigger Points III: Conditions - Focus on Fascia (formerly Trigger Points IV)

Instructor: Tom Hambright

14 Hours $221

Course description:

This course will focus on the common trigger points that tend to cause various conditions, including headaches, rotator cuff injuries, low back and sciatic pin, neck stiffness and pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, TMJ conditions, etc. Students will learn how satellite and secondary trigger points are often the cause of such conditions and learn how to track these trigger points back to the “mother” trigger point.

Prerequisite: Trigger Points II

Recommended Reading: The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief, Second Edition (Jul 2004) by Clair Davies, Amber Davies, and David G. Simons

NOTE: Trigger Point Focus on Fascia classes also listed under Trigger Point Classes

For Calendar Click Here

Myofascial Release Workshop

Relieving Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Issues

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!!!

3 Hours $50

Join us for a very special hands-on workshop introducing the concepts of Myofascial Release (MFR) and how to use this powerful technique for your own healing. MFR is a form of bodywork and self-treatment that accesses our body's connective tissue to help release physical and emotional holding patterns. Once these patterns are released, we can heal on a more authentic and core level.

This workshop will focus on rotator cuff injuries and shoulder issues, freeing up long-term pain and discomfort. There will be a brief explanation of MFR, demonstrations, then several hands-on techniques, including group unwinding, fascia ball releasing, and self-oscillations.

All participants will receive a color brochure on MFR and a guided meditation CD. All participants should wear comfortable clothes,

bring a yoga mat and a blanket. MFR workshop presented by: Jasenjeet Kaur (Frances), Hari Nam Simran Kaur (Carla), and Sohang Kaur (Laura).

Please note that this is a NON-CEU class, and is open to the public.

For Calendar Click Here

To top of page

Updated 5.9.12