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1)
What is
Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is a non-invasive therapeutic
technique used to relieve muscular pain. It works by eliminating
trigger points.
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2)
What is a
trigger point?
A trigger point is an
irritable spot in the muscle. They get into a muscle when
the muscle is injured, or "insulted". Injury from accidents will
put down trigger points. Repetitive motion such as from sports and
occupations can "insult" the muscle and also put in trigger points.
Disease processes and even birth can put in trigger points. And,
once they are in the muscle they are likely to stay there
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3)
What happens to muscles affected
by trigger points?
Trigger points in a muscle can create all
kinds of problems. They can be quiet for long periods of time
looking for an excuse to go into spasm. That excuse, is physical
and/or emotional stress, and is often accompanied by a precipitating
factor (such as a sneeze, or hiccup).
There are a variety of ways to relieve the
pain of muscle spasm. Whether it be massage, or pain-killers
(which hides the pain), the muscle eventually lets go and the person
thinks the problem is gone. The trigger points are still there
however, and they wait for another excuse to go into spasm again.
Long term results of trigger
point involvement are shortened knotted muscles, which in time pull on
neighboring muscles and cause large areas of involvement.
Shortened knotted muscles can reek havoc with the body, not only in the
form of pain, but also, fatigue, limited range of motion, pinched
nerves, decreased circulation, just to name a few.
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4)
How does
Myotherapy help?
Myotherapy works by eliminating trigger
points. Trigger points are located by applying gentle pressure to
the muscle and finding spots of extreme tenderness. Pressure is then
held on the muscle for 5-7 seconds. The amount of pressure used is
determined by the person on the table. Applying pressure to the
trigger points hurts! Every person is different, every area on the
person can feel different, and every trigger point can have varying
levels of severity. Therefore, the amount of pressure used will
vary from person to person, area to area and often trigger point by
trigger point.
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5)
How do you know what areas
to cover with Myotherapy?
There are basic patterns to be followed,
which are covered in the book, Pain Erasure the Bonnie Prudden
Way, by Bonnie Prudden. At Myotherapy Seminars "Quick Fix"
Myotherapy is taught in the 16-hour class.
Along with learning the specific lines there
are several things to consider when performing Myotherapy on someone.
First of all their history directs where they will need work. A
person with shoulder pain that has been a typist for over 20 years will
have a different pattern of pain then the person with shoulder pain that
has been lifting 5 gallon water jugs over their shoulder for that same
twenty years
Also, the history of their
pain will help direct the work. A person that twisted their back
in a fall, will need different areas covered then a person who started
with a sprained ankle that went up to their knee, then their hip and
ended several years later in back pain. Which leads to that fact
that muscles talk and therefore, the muscles surrounding the area of
pain and/or initial injury need to be worked on also
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6) Why are corrective
exercises given?
After Myotherapy is done corrective
exercises follow immediately. They are necessary to retrain the
muscle to return to it’s normal resting length. Muscles that have
been shortened and knotted for long periods of time get used to it.
Myotherapy works to change this, but without exercise the muscles tends
to revert to their shortened and knotted condition. The exercises
are gentle range of motion movements. They are safe, easy to do,
and are to be done without causing pain.
Once a muscle is free from pain the
exercises should be continued with some strengthening exercises added in
as a preventative tool against future problems.
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7)
What can I expect at a
Typical Myotherapy Seminar?
Myotherapy Seminars, LLC offers 16-hour
introductory workshops, and 12 hour Advanced workshops, on Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy®. These seminars are crash courses on the
Bonnie Prudden program of muscular pain relief. They cover: the
history of Bonnie Prudden and Myotherapy, Myotherapy and trigger points
and how they affect the muscles, the importance of exercise for both
corrective and preventative benefits.
Myotherapy is taught through
demonstration, handouts, verbal instruction, and step by step
instruction with practical, hands on participation. The
instructors circulate around the room answering questions, and guiding
participants to get the correct technique. Participants learn
passive stretches for right on the table, exercises for the clients to
take home, and strengthening exercises for prevention of problems.
Since massage therapists use their bodies to
the point of abuse, there is a section for self-help. Self-help tools
are brought and used. Exercise for the massage therapist is
stressed and the participants are brought through a fun and easy to follow
program of movement that brings smiles to even the most impassive
persons.
Myotherapy Seminars, LLC is approved by the
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a
continuing education provider, under category A. Massage
Therapists are encouraged to attend and fulfill their continuing
education requirements for their state and/ or national licenses.
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8. What do I wear?
Loose comfortable clothing. Participants
will learn by working on each other. In order to be effective in the
technique, participants must be able to feel the muscles and be able to
work through the clothing. Therefore heavy thick clothing such as jeans,
khakis, etc. is not advised, nor are nylons. Appropriate clothing such
as gym shorts, t-shirts, leggings, etc. are preferable. Also, there will
be a good amount of exercise and loose comfortable clothing is a must to
achieve the range of motion we teach.
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9. What do I bring?
Participants are expected to being a
massage table to work on each other. Sheets are optional as we are
clothed and do not use lotions. Bring writing utensils if you wish to
take notes. We do not provide snacks, or drinks. Water will be provided.
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10. What is the
teaching styles and
format of the seminar?
We use a variety of teaching styles. It
is approximately 20% lecture, and 80% demonstration/group participation.
We have two instructors. One will be teaching while the other circulates
answering questions, and making any necessary corrections. We do a
combination of learning how to work on each other and learning how to
work on yourself.
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11. Can I get worked-on at a seminar?
Participants learn how to perform
Myotherapy by working on each other. We cover the whole body and
therefore you can expect to be worked on from head to foot. However, the
instructors do not work on individual problems. Nor, do they take
appointments while they are in the area.
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12. I am not in good shape will I be able
to do the exercise?
Most of the exercise is simple range of
motion movements. Each person is encouraged to stay within the limits of
their own body.
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13. Do I need to
bring a partner to work
on?
No. We make sure everyone has a partner.
And, we rotate partners throughout the seminar, so that you have an
opportunity to work with different people, and different body types.
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14. Do we have Bonnie Prudden’s
books for
sale at the seminar?
No. They can be ordered through Bonnie’s
web site at www.bonnieprudden.com.
A workbook is provided at the start of the seminar, which will cover all
that the seminar encompasses. If you are interested in learning
more about Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy, then we suggest her book, Pain
Erasure the Bonnie Prudden Way.
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15. What about lunch?
Lunch is on your own. We give an hour for
your lunch break.
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16.
Things to be aware of ....
We will be taking pictures at the
seminar. They are used to promote the seminars on our web site and
brochures. If you do not want your pictures taken please let us know at
the beginning of the seminar.
We will be doing a few of the exercises
on the floor. If you feel more comfortable on a mat or towel, please
feel free to bring one.
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