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), explaining the differences between the firmer, but superficial style of MFR, and the lighter touch that actually releases the deeper layers of fascia. Students will receive training in body mechanics and truly learn how to hold MFR techniques without stressing their body. Students will learn the four “staples” of MFR: skin rolling/pulling, 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. 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 CMT250 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 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 focus on using props and alternate starting positions for fascia release. Props included will be fascia balls, rubber shelving paper, mini-plungers, pillows, etc. Several techniques will be taught from a sitting position as well as side-lying. Dialoging will be included 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. 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 Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia II For Testimonials 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I and Focus on Fascia III 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I and Focus on Fascia IV Focus on Fascia: High Speed Adventure Instructors:  Frances Nicolais and Lori Zeltwanger, PT 24 Hours      $620 Total, plus travel expenses   (price & number of hours subject to change) Course description: Hands on Healing's exclusive class, partially held in Sedona, Arizona, is designed as a double header: an inner journey and workshop for students’ own deep healing, as well as a very special class teaching dialoging skills (both lecture and hands-on) for clients’ sessions. This is an opportunity for a vacation, healing and learning. Students will gain a greater awareness of their own mind, body, and spirit, develop an opportunity to take a quantum leap in their own healing, and increase in their dialoging skills. This class includes 3 hours of (receiving) MFR sessions and dialoging class by one of the top MFR therapists in the country, a walk/hike/class out to a vortex, and practice time with classmates. There is also a mandatory prep and follow-up class at HHI. Prerequisites:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I OR MFRI from John F. Barnes Seminars. 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I For Testimonials Click Here Focus on Fascia: Therapeutic Stretching Instructor: Frances Nicolais and Tom Hambright 14 Hours $257* Class description: This two-day workshop 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 tennis balls, fascia balls, chairs, walls and massage tables to enhance their releases, as well as their client’s. Materials: Tuition includes certificate, Myofascial Stretching book and a fascia ball *Options: $216 includes certificate, no materials $218 no certificate, with materials $177 no certificate, no materials Note: This class is open to the public and can be helpful for those suffering from Fibromyalgia For Testimonials 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 Anatomy or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I For Testimonials 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 or CMT250 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I 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 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I, plus FOF Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff. 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I For Testimonials Click Here Focus on Fascia: Headaches/Sinus/Neck Pain Instructor: Frances Nicolais 14 hours $262 Course description: This class in the Focus on Fascia series will focus on the common headache and sinus conditions, often exacerbated by fascial restrictions in the neck and head. Students will also learn the organic nature of headaches, and simple ways to prevent them. Myofascial release techniques to release the neck will be taught, as well as trigger points in the sinus area to relieve inflammation. 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I Prerequisite for: FOF TMJ Conditions Focus on Fascia: Pelvic Girdle/Low Back Instructor: Frances Nicolais 14 hours $221 Course Description: This class in the Focus on Fascia series will spotlight 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. 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: Introduction to Fascial Anatomy or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I Prerequisite for: FOF Plantar Fasciitis For Testimonials 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I, plus FOF Pelvic Girdle/Low Back 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I For Testimonials 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I Prerequisite for: FOF Carpal Tunnel For Testimonials 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 or CMT250 and Focus on Fascia I, plus FOF Headaches/Sinus/Neck Pain For Testimonials 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 CMT250 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 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 To top of page . 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