FOCUS ON FASCIA CLASSES

(Myofascial Release)

Instructors:  Frances Nicolais, LMT

 

Fascia Specialist

230 Hours      $2,862

 

Course description:

For students who want to make a career out of myofascial release, these classes will give them all the groundwork to truly specialize in this powerful modality. Topics will include beginning, intermediate and advanced myofascia release techniques and trigger points, as well as fascia restrictions relating to Arthritis/Joint Pain, Breast Care, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Headaches/Sinus/Neck Pain, Pelvic Girdle/Low Back, Scar Tissue, Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff, Therapeutic Stretching, TMJ Conditions, Oscillations and Unwinding.

 

Course includes: Focus on Fascia I, II, III, Focus on Fascia Classes for Specific Conditions, Focus on Fascia: Oscillations, Focus on Fascia: Therapeutic Stretching, Focus on Fascia: Unwinding and Trigger Point-Focus on Fascia II, III and IV.

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy, Trigger Point I-CMT (for Trigger Point courses)

 

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Focus on Fascia I (Myofascial Release)

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

21 Hours     $257

 

Course description: 

This course will introduce students to the concepts of myofascial release (including unwinding), exploring the differences between the firmer, but superficial style of myofascial release and the lighter touch which actually releases the deeper layers of fascia. There will be an introduction to "body reading" to assess a client's structural weaknesses, and students will learn how to apply basic myofascial release techniques to relieve both the client's complaints, as well as the underlying structural imbalance. 

This is primarily a hands-on class, so please bring plenty of water, a set of twin sheets and shorts (plus sports bra or tank top for women).

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy

 

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      $257 

Course description:

This class will further discuss and clarify the role of fascia in the body, as introduced in Focus on Fascia I, and the techniques learned in that class will be reviewed and practiced. 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.  

  • Additional studies of “body reading” will be included and practiced.  
  • Scar releases will be taught and practiced.  Students will be able to fine-tune their arm and leg pulls, practicing all styles introduced in FOF I.
  • Students will learn additional techniques on how to release the upper back, shoulders and neck, from both supine and prone positions.
  • The unwinding process will be further explained and practiced.
  • Self-release techniques of these areas will also be taught using the fascia ball and foam rollers.


Required materials:

Set of twin sheets

Shorts

Tank-type top for women

Smart Water can be purchased in class

Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia I

 

 

 

 

Focus on Fascia III

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

21 Hours      $257

 

Course description:
By this time, the students will have a vast working knowledge of the fascia system and how to release it on both the superficial and deeper levels.  Based on this amount of knowledge, this class will explore and expand on the unwinding process and how to integrate it into a session.  Students will learn how to combine the techniques they learned in the first two classes, and approach their clients with more of a “whole-body” mindset. Students will review and expand internal oral work and experiment with Craniosacral techniques as they apply to myofascial release. Self-release techniques of these areas will also be taught.  

 

Prerequisite: Focus on Fascia II

 

 

 

 

Focus on Fascia: Oscillations

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

14 hours      $187

 

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.

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy, Starting January 09 Focus on Fascia I

 

 

For Testimonials Click Here

 

 

Focus on Fascia: Therapeutic Stretching

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

14 Hours      $223

 

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.

 

Required materials:  Tuition includes Myofascial Stretching Book and a fascia ball

 

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      $187

 

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.

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy. Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

 

 

 

For Testimonials Click Here

 

 

 

 

FOCUS ON FASCIA SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

 

Focus on Fascia: Arthritis/Joint Pain

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

7 Hours     $108

 

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 1ml Ginger Essential Oil

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy. Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focus on Fascia: Breast Care

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

7 Hours     $121


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 1fl.oz. Aromatherapy blend for cancer recovery

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy. Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

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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 you 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     $96

 

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.

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy. Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

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Focus on Fascia: Fibromyalgia

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

7 Hours     $121

 

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 5ml Aromatherapy blend for Fibromyalgia

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy.  Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

 

For Testimonials Click Here

 

 

 

 

Focus on Fascia: Headaches/Sinus/Neck Pain

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

14 hours     $219

 

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 5ml Eucalyptus Essential Oil

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy.  Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focus on Fascia: Pelvic Girdle/Low Back

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

14 hours     $187

 

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

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy.  Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

 

For Testimonials Click Here

 

 

 

         

Focus on Fascia: Scar Tissue

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

6 Hours     $108

 

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 1 fluid oz. Aromatherapy blend for Scar Tissue

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy.  Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

 

 

For Testimonials Click Here

 

 

 

 

Focus on Fascia: Shoulder Girdle/Rotator Cuff

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

14 Hours      $187

                            

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.

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy.  Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

 

 

For Testimonials Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focus on Fascia: TMJ Conditions

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

7 Hours      $96

 

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 address the pain associated with TMJ by using myofascial trigger point release in the jaw area, as well as releasing the pterygoids, and even checking other stabilizing muscles such as the psoas.

 

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy.  Starting January 2009 Focus on Fascia I

 

For Testimonials Click Here

 

 

 

TRIGGER POINT FOCUS ON FASCIA CLASSES

 

Trigger Point Therapy I

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

3 Hours      $44

 

Course description:

This class explores deep tissue approaches by using trigger point release and neuromuscular reeducation to enhance a therapist's approach to massage. Theory and practice allows you to explore the body's anatomy and physiology as you learn to encourage muscle release through gentle touch.  It is part of the CMT150 class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trigger Points II-Head & Torso - Focus on Fascia

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

14 Hours      $187

 

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 and Trigger

Point I 

 

 

 

 

Trigger Points III-Extremities - Focus on Fascia

Instructor: Frances Nicolais

14 Hours      $187

 

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:  Introduction to Fascial Anatomy and Trigger

Point II-Head & Torso

 

 

 

 

 

Trigger Points IV-Conditions - Focus on Fascia     

Instructor:  Frances Nicolais

14 Hours      $187

 

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 III-Extremities

 

 

 

 

NOTE:  Trigger Point Focus on Fascia classes also listed under Trigger Point Classes

 

 

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