|
|
|
||
| Homepage Site Map General Information Clinical Care Fibromyalgia Research Foundation
The Metabolic Treatment Read about the forthcoming manual titled Your Guide to Metabolic Health
|
Origins of Release Techniques
July 11, 2002 Dr. Lowe: When one digs deeply into the old bodywork literature, especially that of European masseurs, masseuses, and bonesetters (such Dr. Leon Chaitow ancestors), something becomes crystal clear: Little in the field of myofascial therapy techniques is new. Of course, some diagnostic and treatment methods that have been used for hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of years have been refined recently due to modern basic science research. This is especially true of the diagnosis and treatment of trigger points. I’ve often been amused at some bodywork teachers who’ve vainly attached their names to the set of techniques they teach (not that Leahy is among them). For the most part, these teachers have merely assembled techniques that other bodyworkers have used for eons. These teachers may have rediscovered some of the techniques without having been specifically instructed in them. But this isn’t an occurrence of such rare creative genius that it justifies attaching one’s own name to the technique in honor of oneself. In fact, it's a creative act common among veteran bodyworkers. During their careers, many veterans undoubtedly advance their skills through such rediscovery. But precious little is actually new among myofascial therapy techniques, and this brings up Dr. Michael Leahy’s active release techniques. You suggested that you don’t believe he originated these techniques, and you don’t believe he gives credit where it’s due. I couldn’t agree with you more. My understanding is that the method Leahy teaches, or its early version, was the brainchild of Dr. Lewis Mock, a Colorado chiropractic doctor who worked as an associate doctor in Leahy’s clinic. Years ago, Dr. Mock told me that as an associate in Leahy’s clinic, he was in a compromised circumstance and was in no position to protest when Leahy moved to the front of the stage with the method Mock had developed. Mock’s development of the method, of course, was undoubtedly another example of rediscovery. After all, the techniques are used widely by bodyworkers—widely enough that the techniques were part of your college curriculum. When I was Editor of the Clinical Bulletin of Myofascial Therapy, Dr. Mock wrote a series of articles for the publication on the release method he developed—or rediscovered, if one prefers.[1][2][3][4] In the articles, he demonstrated the techniques with photographs and beautiful illustrations. You may want to obtain copies of the articles from him. The articles were so extraordinarily well done that I'd like everyone interested in release techniques to have reprints. I’ve written to him asking if he minds my giving you his contact information. References
|
||
