Direct Release Myofascial Technique: An Illustrated Guide for Practitioners, 1e [Hardcover]

Michael Stanborough (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0443073902 | ISBN-13: 978-0443073908 | Publication Date: September 21, 2004

Direct Release Myofascial Technique provides a highly illustrated guide to direct release myofascial techniques (MFR) and their application in clinical practice. MFR is a manual therapy method that influences both a body's structural tissues and the sensory/motor systems. Originally developed by Dr Ida Rolf, the creator of the Rolfing® method, the approach has since been adapted and modified by different groups of therapists to fit within their own particular philosophies. This book strips away the surrounding theories and philosophies and focuses on the safe and appropriate use of the techniques themselves. Numerous photographs supplement the detailed, step-by-step coverage of techniques.

• Outlines the principles and practice of a group of bodywork techniques that are particularly effective for the treatment of painful or restricted movement due to muscle stiffness or imbalance
• Provides guidelines on the most effective and efficient use of the techniques based on movement theory
• Highly illustrated with detailed photographs and line drawings
• Presents a hypothetical model to explain why the technique works based on the latest research in the field of neuro-fascial physiology
• Includes approaches to the use of the techniques with children
• Written by an experienced practitioner and teacher
• Draws on the teachings of Ida Rolf but makes them applicable to other groups of therapists

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Stanborough

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: Churchill Livingstone (September 21, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0443073902
• ISBN-13: 978-0443073908
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #646,910 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for Deep Tissue Massage, December 28, 2004

By 

Alfred Hatermink "Alf" (Glendale, Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Direct Release Myofascial Technique: An Illustrated Guide for Practitioners, 1e (Hardcover)

The foreword suggested that this is 'not just another book' & and is one of the first to 'spill the beans' on Rolfing techniques. However much of the techniques are covered in Art Riggs' book & video, although Riggs acknowledge that his book is based on Stanborough's manual.
It is written in a philosophical way, and aim to only present the techniques without the details of anatomy. Comprises of 2 sections: The Basics, and Techniques. The basics describe the philosophy of muscle dysfunction & the effect of myofascial release. The techniques covered muscles of different parts of body, with an attempt to give a clear & detailed instructions.
Stanborough demonstrates his communication skill on how to ask the client to perform movement: 'Take your tailbone away towards the wall behind you'.
My wishlist: Videos will be superb to accompany this manual. My wish has come true, the author has released a set of DVD on the techniques. Great resource
Excellent resource to add to your deep tissue book & video collection.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I have ever read on myofascial release, September 18, 2006

By 

D. Koplen "Deep tissue massage therapist" (Boulder, Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Direct Release Myofascial Technique: An Illustrated Guide for Practitioners, 1e (Hardcover)

I have been a deep tissue massage therapist for over 20 years. This is by far the best manual on theory and practical technique that I have ever used. If you want results as well as understanding, this is the book to get. I've also bought the author's 8 DVD set, which is almost as good as a one-on-one hands-on course with him.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable and well presented material, August 13, 2006

By 

Victoria "Vikkita" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Direct Release Myofascial Technique: An Illustrated Guide for Practitioners, 1e (Hardcover)

This is a good book for anyone seeking to expand their understanding of fascia. By examining the relationship between the nervous system and the fascial network, it brings a new appreciation to just what happens under our hands when we touch someone. It's also rich with techniques, presented in a manner that makes them immediately repeatable in the practitioner's clinic. I'd recommend this book to the beginner as well as the experienced practitioner - it has material that will be of interest to massage and phsyiotherapists, OTs, osteopaths and chiropractors.