ACPEM conference, The Ammerdown Centre, Radstock,  April 2011

Steven Goldstein’s introductory course on integrative fascial release (IFR) proved to be a very informative days course, combining an eclectic mixture of movement, mechanical and autonomic nervous system, myofascial release techniques.

Those in the group with experience of connective tissue massage, Feldenkrais, Alexander method, cranio-sacral therapy, Rolfing etc greeted Steven’s methodology with understanding and enthusiasm, some finding explanations for the techniques they themselves developed during the course of their professional life.

Others who had just started out on their “energetic” journey, were given an insight into the world of fascial release through the autonomic nervous system creating local and systemic effects.

Steven’s enthusiastic teaching of the “two point” technique (uses hands, fingers or palms placed on opposite or adjacent sides of the body), allowed us to practise releasing the pelvic and thoracic diaphragms. We initiated parasympathetic responses and were taught to watch for these and to feel how and when the tissue changed. We then went on to use this 2 point technique on the hip, knee, ankle and foot.

Our post lunch session introduced us to long lever compression (using a straight arm or leg) and short lever compression (using a bent arm or leg). This compressive pressure being used to facilitate fascial tissue release. We also learned that by engaging the leverage compression into rotational barriers we get releases that changes from one dimensional to multi-dimensional.

This introductory course certainly provided us with the knowledge that when performing fascial release techniques, the less pressure we apply and the greater the comfort of the technique, the greater the results ie a positive, beneficial tissue response. Steven also taught that careful observation of our patient during the treatment directs us in how we can improve in our approach to helping them resolve their problems.

Finally, I feel that the IFR techniques taught by Steven Goldstein have certainly provided those who attended the conference with another useful tool in our “arsenal” of theraeutic skills.

D. Hughes

April 2011

ACPEM Conference at Ammerdown April 2011

What an excellent group of physiotherapists yearning for a different approach to their existing practice! Their feedback was inspirational for me as an instructor….I look forward from hearing from you!

Small intimate class held in Calgary

Great Somatic Awareness! A pleasure to instruct….

Each Foundations class has a different flavour for an instructor…what I can say generally about Canadian practitioners that is different from their American or Australian counterparts, is that their somatic education  is much more institutionalized in the delivery of their underpining knowledge….NHP Canada fosters this and several of the provinces allow for much more somatic content and exploration…that said these participants in my workshops already understand indirect technique, energetic approaches and to a certain part somato-emotional release.  It is an honour and privilege to travel with these folks to interesting places and great heights….

Front row from left to right : Rowena Langdon, Linda Alexander

Back row from left to right: Linda Howard, Maria Arena, Kristie Melling, Katie Byrne, Steven, Sonya Leslight and Linsie Davies

IFR Level 1 Kingscliff NSW July 2009