The NAMTPT hosted another fabulous annual convention this November in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, featuring many diverse classes taught by top-notch instructors. We were lucky to have our keynote speaker, David Lesondak, teach both a fascinating lecture expounding on his book, “Fascia: What It Is and Why It Matters,” and an insightful hands-on session teaching his favorite fascial release techniques for multiple areas of the body. Entertainment and food at the DoubleTree by Hilton were great, and a good time was had by all.
The event began Wednesday, October 31st, with a comprehensive pre-conference class by Shannon Goossen, entitled “Integrative Techniques For Myofascial Mastery,” designed to provide the attendees with the latest research on integrative functional tools and techniques for treating myofascial pain and dysfunction, as well as an introduction to her comprehensive neurological exam techniques and the use of frequency-specific microcurrent by the therapist. There were many reference materials to take back to the clinic for immediate use, and others for further study. We learned a great deal about the importance of proper and accurate neurological examination in the clinical setting for myofascial pain and dysfunction and other differential diagnoses.
Thursday, November 1st, featured an insightful class by Mary Biancalana regarding state-of-the-art research and practical information for myofascial trigger point therapy clinicians and students.
The most outstanding presentation was by Shannon Goossen, who discussed a paper by Jan Dommerholt et al. about the neurotransmitters that govern our emotions, and how they influence our behavior as well as pain management tendencies and strategies. Attendees took the Braverman Test (Braverman Test Neurotransmitter Profile) to determine their own neurotransmitter/behavioral profile, which provided insightful information for each participant on how to best understand their own emotional and behavioral inclinations and strategies for improvement.
On Friday, November 2nd, we were treated to Shannon Goossen’s class, “Mitochondria and the Cell Danger Response: Your patients and Trauma,” which brought to light why patients with a history of trauma often exhibit repetitive patterns of behavior that perpetuate pain. Manual therapy has the capability of addressing and releasing “stored” traumatic memory and behaviors in the body.
Our keynote speaker, David Lesondak, taught for the rest of the day, beginning with his lecture entitled “Smart Phone, Dumb Biomechanics.” Mr. Lesondak is the author of the book Fascia: What It Is and Why It Matters. Since the vast majority of people now use computers and smartphones extensively, they regularly develop musculoskeletal/myofascial pain associated with postural deviations during usage. We learned about the fascia’s role as a tissue and as a sensory feedback system, and also how to use fascia-focused palpation and manual therapeutic techniques to release dysfunctional tissue and movement patterns. Areas addressed included the anterior calf, sacrotuberous ligament, quadratus lumborum, pectoralis minor, scalenes, suboccipitals, and muscles of the forearm.
Dr. Ross Turchaninov taught a remarkable class on Saturday, November 3rd, entitled “Hands-on Training for Anterior Scalene Syndrome With Medical Massage.” The class was designed to give students a clear and detailed protocol for the examination and treatment of patients presenting with symptoms of Anterior Scalene Muscle Syndrome and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, two extremely complicated conditions to properly assess and treat.
When patients present with upper extremity sensory and motor deficits, pain patterns, and circulatory issues, it can be a complex process to determine which areas of the upper body are affecting and/or causing those symptoms. Here are pictures from Dr. Ross Turchaninov’s class.
Dr. Turchaninov has presented a highly detailed and useful protocol to follow to determine which areas of the neck, thoracic quadrant, and upper extremity are affected in these cases. He presents this protocol on his website in Anterior Scalene Muscle Syndrome – Video Library Protocol. He begins by explaining that patients often do not present with any pain or discomfort in the neck when they are having those symptoms in the upper extremity, even when the cause of the upper extremity symptoms actually begins with the nerves emerging from the irritated brachial plexus. This is why the anterior scalene muscle is termed “the Silent Killer.”
The class by Stew Wild, entitled “Treating Severe Low Back Pain Using Neuromuscular Therapy,” was very helpful and illuminating for therapists wanting more detail regarding the basis for the examination and treatment protocol for the low back pain patient. He took us through research updates, examination and assessment, lumbo-pelvic mobilization techniques, and homecare protocols for the elimination of disabling low back pain.
On Saturday afternoon, Vanessa Sifontes gave a fascinating lecture on “Oncology Rehabilitation: When Comprehensive Means Multidisciplinary – Why My Patients Need Trigger Point Therapy.”
Vanessa emphasized the necessity of utilizing an integrative treatment model including, but not limited to, myofascial trigger point therapy, lymphatic drainage, and pain mitigation in order to restore function and work towards improving the quality of life for patients recovering from various cancer interventions.
Also, we held our Annual Award Dinner and Ceremony, where Dr. Ross Turchaninov was presented with the ‘2018 David Simons Award’ for his Medical Massage educational programs and books on Medical/Therapeutic Massage.
Sunday morning began with an interactive lecture by Richard Finn called “Trigger Point Skeptics – Understanding the Debate.” We reviewed the most recent research and debates within the medical community regarding the veracity of the research presented. Modern media has been a challenge to the integrity of information presented to the medical community and the public, and often creates conditions in which inaccurate information is supplied, as well as diluting the integrity of research methods. We discussed the nature of these problems and ways to uphold the virtue of modern research on myofascial trigger point therapy and its informational outlets.
Following that, we were all treated to a demonstration by one of the NAMTPT’s “living legends of therapy,” Tasso Spanos, on “How To Relieve Most Headaches of Myofascial Origin.” Tasso simplified and refined “122 pages of Dr. Travell and Dr. Simons in one page!”
Tasso has the benefit of many decades of experience and personal training with some of the best therapists in the field, and he has always had a special knack for quickly and easily condensing clear training techniques for various myofascial problems. He went over assessment and therapeutic techniques designed to rid the headache patient of any myofascial pain component very rapidly.
All in all, the 2018 convention was a marvelous success, with each attendee bringing back many new techniques and useful information to their practices, enabling them to be much more quickly and competently successful in helping relieve their patients’ myofascial pain and dysfunction. We hope to see you next year for the 35th Annual NAMTPT Convention!
Category: News
Tags: JMS 2018 Issue #4
