1. I noticed in the illustrations on this website that the models weren't draped. Can this work be done with the client draped?

Yes, this work is completely compatible with the draping that most massage therapists practice. Various parts of the client's body can be exposed to allow you to work on them. You will not need to risk violating your client's modesty in order to do Myofascial Release Massage strokes.

2. Do I have to take the courses in order?

Yes. Each course builds on the material from the previous course.

3. Do I have to be certified in the Myofascial Release Massage to take the Advanced Course?

No. You can take Part III, Advanced Strokes/Evaluation and Treatment without being certified in the Myofascial Release Massage. However, certified practitioners who take the Advanced Course will be so designated in the Find a Certified Practitioner section of this website.

4. What are your registration and cancellation policies?

Each sponsoring school has its own registrations and cancellation policies. Please find out by contacting the school you wish to attend.

5. Do I receive a wall certificate that attests to my study of the Myofascial Release Massage?

Yes, you will receive a wall certificate for each course you complete. Please display it proudly. Each seminar is an intense 2 1/2 days; you will have earned it.

6. What does the certification exam consist of?

The certification exam includes a written test of 60 true/false and multiple choice questions and the demonstration of 10 strokes of the examiner's choice. To pass you need to score at least 75% on each section and the two sections must average 80%.

7. Once certified do I need to continue to take Myofascial Release Massage seminars to maintain my certification?

No, although you may review any course you want for $50 less than the published price.

8. I'm still a student in massage school. Will I be able to understand the material? Will your seminars be useful for me?

Yes, two of the schools where the Myofascial Release Massage was taught think of enough of the seminars to include them in their curriculum and require that their students take them to graduate. If you have taken anatomy and physiology you know enough to profitably attend these seminars.

Taking these seminars prior to graduation will give you a leg up professionally once you graduate. You won't, however, be able to use them for CEUs once you are licensed — because you took them while a student.

9. The Myofascial Release Massage is derived from Hellerwork and Rolfing. I've heard that Rolfing hurts. Does your bodywork hurt?

Hellerwork is a gentler derivative of Rolfing and the strategies used in Hellerwork to minimize a client's pain are used here as well. There can be some discomfort and on a lesser frequency, pain, but what your clients will remember and tell their friends is that your treatments were very effective. Often, if there is pain, your clients will say, "It hurts good." (Rolfing education also has changed and its practitioners are usually more gentle as well.)

10. Is the Myofascial Release Massage similar to the myofascial release work developed by John Barnes?

No, John Barnes’ work involves pinning both the origin and insertion of a muscle, applying pressure that stretches the muscle between its origin and insertion, and then waiting for the tissue to lengthen. The Myofascial Release Massage involved applying a “directional force” to the fascia. This is done with the hands, forearms, elbow, thumbs, and fingers, sinking deeply into the tissue, and then sliding so that a stretch of the fascia occurs.