Myofascial Release Course: Benefits, Requirements & Credentials

Benefits of Myofascial Release Course 

By gaining myofascial release course certificate, physical therapist, occupational therapist, chiropractors, doctors and massage therapists can promote their marketability and increase their chances of being selected by employers. Continuing education and training can connect the therapists with other professionals in the field, thus, strengthening the professional network that may provide them with new learning and employment opportunities. These programs allow massage therapists to enhance the skills that can add to their expertise and make them more competent professionals. Self-paced continuing education and training programs will help the therapists to learn as per their desired time and place. Self-paced online courses are routine-friendly and cater to the learning capability of different individuals. [2]

ASTR Myofascial Release Online Course 

The ASTR (Advanced Soft Tissue Release) institute offers online academic and training courses to healthcare practitioners including massage therapists. These courses help these practitioners to cure pain at its root and eliminate the underlying pathology that is causing pain. ASTR courses equip massage therapists with additional skills and knowledge to increase the quality of care and improve their expertise. Following are the two types of courses are provided by the ASTR institute. Both the courses have different duration and variable CEUs.

1. ASTR Express Course

The Express Course has a shorter duration and has the following attributes.

1. Therapists can learn online at their own pace.
2. The total duration of lecture videos and presentations is about 3 hours.
3. The course includes instructional videos that explain different maneuvers and the use of ASTR tools.
4. Downloadable course material including PowerPoint presentations to help massage therapists in future use.
5. The course offers 5 CEUs which are equivalent to 50 hours of continued education and training. 
6. Massage therapists have 1 year of online access to the course material.

After taking this course, massage therapists will learn the following skills and techniques.

1. Use of ASTR tools for myofascial release.
2. Use of ASTR tools for visceral fascia release.
3. Use of ASTR tools for scar tissue release. 
4. Massage therapists will also learn about a few diagnostic algorithms to help them in their clinical practice.

2. ASTR Full Course

The Full Course is of longer duration and has the following attributes. 

1. Doctors & Therapists can learn online at their own pace.
2. The total duration of lecture videos and presentations is about 14 hours.
3. The course includes instructional videos that explain different maneuvers and the use of ASTR tools.
4. Downloadable course material including PowerPoint presentations, instruction manuals, handouts, forms, and exercise information to help massage therapists in future use.
5. Massage therapists are provided with a laminated summary of clinical protocols. 
6. The course offers 18.5-27 CEUs which are equivalent to 185-270 hours of continued education and training. 
7. Doctor & therapists have 1 year of online access to the course material.
8. The therapists are also provided with a curriculum link to provide an outline of this course. 

After taking this course, doctors & therapists will learn the following skills and techniques.

1. Use of ASTR tools for myofascial release.
2. Use of ASTR tools for visceral fascia release.
3. Use of ASTR tools for scar tissue release. 
4. Release of muscle spasm(s).
5. Release of trigger points(s).
6. Integration of nutrition in the provided care.
7. Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE)
8. Treatment protocols for inflammation-related disorders.
9. Doctors & therapists will also learn about multiple diagnostic algorithms and common treatment protocols to help them in their clinical practice.
10. Functional training of the patient.
11. Gait and ergonomic training of the patient. 
12. Doctors & therapists will learn about anti-inflammatory diets and supplements.
13. The therapists will also learn about the biopsychosocial model of the human body and exercise progressions for the treatment. 

The use of ASTR tools or IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) is crucial for gaining access to deeper structures that are otherwise unapproachable when using hands or foam rollers. Not only does IASTM improve the efficacy and outcomes of massage therapy but it also reduces physical strain on the massage therapist. ASTR tools and MagnaHeal devices are integral parts of the ASTR treatment of pain and inflammation.  

After completion of each course, the massage therapists will be provided with their CEU certificate that can be submitted to their respective licensure boards for approval. For massage therapy, the CEUs are approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). NCBTMB accreditation will allow individuals to be recognized as board-certified and equipped with adequate skills and knowledge as required by the licensing bodies. [3]

NCBTMB Requirements of CEU for Massage Therapists 

To become a board-certified massage therapist, one must fulfill the following requirements. 

1. The therapist must obtain a degree from a school assigned by NCBTMB.
2. The therapist must verify that he/she is legally practicing in his/her state.
3. The therapist must complete the application that includes an agreement to Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, criminal background verification conducted by NCBTMB, and submit the application payment. 
4. The therapist must clear the board certification exam. 

For board-certified massage therapists, NCBTMB requires a minimum of 24 CEUs and criminal background verification for license renewal. [4]

Conclusion 

CEUs serve as measuring units for the non-credit education programs and training acquired by the massage therapists. Several licensure boards across the country require variable CEUs to issue and renew the license of the massage therapists. ASTR institute provides comprehensive training to massage therapists and provides CEUs approved by the NCBTMB. 

References 

1. https://www.iacet.org/standards/ansi-iacet-2018-1-standard-for-continuing-education-and-training/continuing-education-unit-ceu/about-the-ceu/ 
2. https://flyplugins.com/what-is-ceu-5-benefits-continuing-education-units/ 
3. https://advancedsofttissuerelease.com/astr-healthcare-provider-course/ 
4. https://www.ncbtmb.org/certificants/requirements-resources/