Ruth Duncan, BSc (Hons), MSMTO, MAPNT, is an advanced myofascial release therapist, proprietor, instructor, guest lecturer, speaker, national committee member and writer with extensive training in a variety of approaches. She completed her advanced postgraduate training in 2004 with John F. Barnes (the world’s leading authority on myofascial release) and has assisted with his seminars in the United States.

Duncan also has explored other direct and nondirect fascial approaches, including Thomas Myers’ anatomy trains and myofascial meridians, Erik Dalton’s myoskeletal alignment techniques and Jean-Pierre Barral’s visceral manipulation. She has studied with experts on myriad topics to learn more about human anatomy, function and dysfunction, and the emotional aspects of chronic pain and healing.

Duncan graduated with honours as a clinical massage therapist from the Humanities Center School of Massage (now the Cortiva Institute) in Florida, United States. She has a diploma in sports therapy from the Society of Sports Therapists and a diploma in sports and remedial massage from the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage. She also has a BSc in health sciences from The Open University. She has been teaching myofascial release in the United Kingdom and internationally for over 15 years.

Part I. Getting Started With Myofascial Release

Chapter 1. Introduction to Myofascial Release
Elements of Fascia
Conditions That Affect Fascia
Myofascial Release Concepts
MFR Versus Other Massage Modalities
Benefits of MFR
MFR Treatment Sessions
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 2. Initial Assessment
Client Consultation
Medical History
Physical Assessment
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 3. Preparation and Communication
Contraindications
Equipment and Room Preparation
Correct Body Mechanics
Mental Preparation
Therapist and Client Communication
Effects of and Responses to MFR
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Part II. MFR Applications

Chapter 4. Palpatory and Physical Assessments
Palpatory Assessment
Tissue Mobility and Glide
Traction and Compression
Skin Rolling
Rebounding
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 5. MFR Technique Approaches
How to Apply Every MFR Technique
Cross-Hand Releases
Longitudinal Plane Releases
Compression Releases
Transverse Plane Releases
Scar Tissue and Adhesion Management
Myofascial Mobilisations
Combining Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Part III. Applying MFR Techniques

Chapter 6. Cross-Hand Release Approaches
Leg Techniques
Arm Techniques
Torso Techniques
Head and Neck Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 7. Longitudinal Plane Releases
Supine Pulls
Prone Pulls
Bilateral Pulls
Oppositional and Side-Lying Pulls
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 8. Compression Releases
Soft Tissue Compression Techniques
Joint Compression Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 9. Transverse Plane Releases
Pelvic Floor Techniques
Respiratory Diaphragm Techniques
Thoracic Inlet Techniques
Transverse Plane Techniques at Joints
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 10. Scar Tissue and Adhesion Management
Scar Tissue Techniques
Stacking the Position of Ease Techniques
Direct Scar Tissue Release Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 11. Myofascial Mobilisation
Applying Myofascial Mobilization
Myofascial Mobilization Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Part IV. MFR Programs and Management

Chapter 12. Combined Techniques and Taking MFR Further
Myofascial Position of Ease Techniques
Combining Techniques
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Chapter 13. MFR Treatment Approaches
Individual Treatment Approaches
Intensive Treatment Approaches
Multi-Therapist Treatment Approaches
Home Programmes
Closing Remarks
Quick Questions

Answers to Quick Questions
References
Photo Index