Criteria for Certification in Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®
Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® addresses the specific tissues in distress that are directly related to the trauma, compensation and adaptation that takes place through emotional or physical injury. In order to legally practice and use Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® the practitioner will need to abide by their specific local and state laws that govern Massage Therapy and Bodywork. This format of therapy directly addresses disorders and dysfunctions to the human body. The certified therapist will obtain the knowledge through a preliminary course of study that will equal sixty (60) contact hours. Upon completing this portion of education the student will receive a Certificate of Completion. Each student is encouraged to keep a journal of their experiences using the technique outside of the classroom. This will contribute to case studies in the future. At the completion of the class hours, the student will be required to take a written test for proficiency to insure a cognitive understanding. The student will also need to exhibit a comprehensive aptitude to apply hands-on work to complete a full postural balancing therapy session.
Upon receiving this certificate, the student will be entitled to practice and use the name of the course work but would not be permitted to use the registered service mark of MRTh® in their advertising or business identification. In order for the Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® practitioner to use the registered name or logo, an additional fifty-five (55) hours of research and education will be necessary. This includes case study work (research project) and continuing education through Chagrin Valley Wellness Institute.
Once the full one hundred and fifteen (115) hours of education and research are completed the practitioner of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® will receive a Certificate of Achievement which will document their accomplishment. The Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® practitioner will now be permitted to use Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® in their professional resume and advertising material.
The Certificate of Achievement must be renewed annually. For such renewal to take place, the practitioner of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® will need to document specific realization of goals set forth by Chagrin Valley Wellness Institute. These goals will include an annual research project with documentation and twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education bi-annually. Upon renewal, this documentation will be verified by the governing body that controls the Registered Service Mark, and a new Certificate of Achievement will be issued.
The annual research project will include, but not be limited to, the following information:
- A specific disorder and its postural relationship to balance and movement
- A verbal, visual, and palpation assessment of the specific disorder
- A treatment protocol that was used and documentation of any oddities that were found during treatment
- A written dissertation that encapsulates all of the above information with an outcome- based position
This research will ensure that the practitioner of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® is using the technique to stay updated and will enhance the work performed by other practitioners of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®. These research projects may be published annually and made available for fellow practitioners.
The continuing education requirement of twenty-four (24) hours every two years will insure that the practitioner of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® is continually updating their specific skills. The continuing education coursework will mandate the practitioner take at least six (6) hours annually of specific Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® protocol. The remaining twelve hours can be at the discretion of the practitioner of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®.
The initial course work will be broken down into the following learning objectives and outcomes:
- An understanding of “Soft Tissue Postural Analysis and Assessment – The Gibbons Method©”
- Incorporate the history of MRTh® into their communication skills with the client
- Describe and visualize the complexity of the Fascia system of the human body
- Understanding and being able to discuss the intricacies of the human posture and how it performs Functional Movement.
- Comparison of the actions of the soft tissue system of the human body and how the multiple actions create Fundamental Movement.
- Understanding the importance of when a muscle is Phasic or Postural and how it was being used at the moment of trauma
- Understanding and being able to incorporate the Trauma, Compensation and Adaptation cycle in the formula of:
- Function equals movement
- Movement reveals structure
- Structure determines movement
- Comprehension and discussion of the relationship in physical and emotional trauma and how the General Adaptation Syndrome parallels the above formula
- Perform and discuss the fundamentals of palpation and thoroughly understand the difference between sensing and feeling and the incorporation of the Reflex Arc
- Perform and explain the complexity of Fundamental Movement of the Human Body and how the NOD© (Network of Diaphragms©) is incorporated into all movement aspects
- Explain and demonstrate the complex function of the Network of Diaphragms© (NOD©), core group of muscles, and the stabilization of the torso in Fundamental Movement.
- Explain and demonstrate the Fundamental Movement capabilities of the:
- Pelvic Girdle
- Lower extremities including the hip, knee and ankle joints and the foot
- Torso and Thoracic region
- Upper extremities including the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints and the hand
- Cervical spine
- The Skull with a thorough understanding of the sutures and mandible movement.
- The Hyoid bone and its associated soft tissue attachments will be an intricate part of how the mandible is both functional and dysfunctional.
- Since Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® does not follow a point specific protocol; the therapist will learn how to adapt this information to their particular skills.
- Explain to clients why they are experiencing discomfort and dysfunction by using proper assessment and evaluation techniques
- Applying Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® in the therapy room
- Demonstrate confidence and poise in using Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®
After achieving two years of documented experience, the practitioner of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® would be eligible to train as an educator. At this time, the practitioner must secure an internship under the direction of a certified educator in Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®. The internship consists of an application, documentation of experience, an active certificate, interview process, and a determined amount of actual class time with a master instructor. The determined amount of time will be set based on previous teaching experience and time in actual performance of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®. At the discretion of the Master Teacher and Chagrin Valley Wellness Institute, a teaching certificate will be issued for a period of one year to assure that the instructor is keeping an active certificate for Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® and the evaluations by the students are satisfactory. Once completing an internship under the direction of a certified educator, and following the guidelines set forth by Chagrin Valley Wellness Institute, the practitioner of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® may instruct the coursework as prescribed. The instructor must be current in their certification of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® and their state licensure.
Margaret A. Gibbons, Registered Service Mark Owner
Dates/ Agenda for MRTh® Class 2016-2017
September 16th(6:30-8:0p) September 17th (9:00a-12:00p) Introduction
October 14th (6:30-8:00p) October 15th (9:00a-12:00p) Pelvic Girdle Assessment & Technique
November 11th (6:00-8:00p) November 12th (9:00a-1:00p) Hand On Intensive #1
January 20th (6:30-8:00p) January 21st (9:00a-12:00p) Lower Extremities
February 17th (6:30-8:00p) February 18th (9:00a-12:00p) Upper Extemities
March 17th (6:00-8:00p) March 18th (9:00a-1:00p) Hands on Intensive #2
April 21st (6:30-8:00p) April 22nd (9:00a-12:00p) Cervical & Thoracic Region
May 19th (6:30-8:00p) May 20th (9:00a-12:00p) Cranial (incl: TMJD Specifics)
June 9th (6:00-8:00p) June 10th (9:00a-1:00p) Hands on Intensive #3
Suggested books for MRTh®: Trailguide to Body & Anatomy of Movement
September 16th(6:30-8:0p) September 17th (9:00a-12:00p) Introduction
October 14th (6:30-8:00p) October 15th (9:00a-12:00p) Pelvic Girdle Assessment & Technique
November 11th (6:00-8:00p) November 12th (9:00a-1:00p) Hand On Intensive #1
January 20th (6:30-8:00p) January 21st (9:00a-12:00p) Lower Extremities
February 17th (6:30-8:00p) February 18th (9:00a-12:00p) Upper Extemities
March 17th (6:00-8:00p) March 18th (9:00a-1:00p) Hands on Intensive #2
April 21st (6:30-8:00p) April 22nd (9:00a-12:00p) Cervical & Thoracic Region
May 19th (6:30-8:00p) May 20th (9:00a-12:00p) Cranial (incl: TMJD Specifics)
June 9th (6:00-8:00p) June 10th (9:00a-1:00p) Hands on Intensive #3
Suggested books for MRTh®: Trailguide to Body & Anatomy of Movement
Student Testimonials
Hey Dennis, I miss seeing you in Cleveland. And Angel too of course.
So again I want to thank you for MRT, as I have been released from previous indoctrination of medical models and massage therapy techniques.
For my acute care patients, and those in a rehabilitation setting, MRT is stunning work, and quickly relieves intensity of acute trauma and pain. I have also worked in ICU and surgical heart units, and the patients have more clarity of brain, breath and decreased pressures in their diaphragms. My patients want to know when I'm coming back;) I've had tears of gratitude on my shoulders and through their hugs.
So as an OT in a medical setting, I walk in a patient's room as a healer, massage therapist, energy worker, and MRT practitioner in training:)
I educate the patients, and other therapists. I'm sure MD's/RN's hear my seeds of healing as well.
One MD wanted to know if I was OT or PT, I just said, yes. He said nothing after that. I think the staff and MD's are baffled a bit. One PT said," Are you going to do your magic?"
Professionally, I vowed to get out of the western medicine model during OT school. I've always practiced outside of it, and MRT has given me another set of new wings.
It is easier on my body, and because of that I stay more grounded within myself. MRT is like a "dusting." It's so light and easy to apply. It is gentle healing for the client, and gentle on my body as well.
MRT addresses a client's lifetime history. Their bodies tell a story, and I am honored to be a part of their story. MRT heals the hurts: emotionally, physically, and therefore spiritually.
Just wish I had a MRT practitioner for myself:)
Happy Trails Dennis. ⭐️
Kristine L.
I had no practice to enhance. I was a client and was absolutely amazed at what it did for me in just one session. I was fascinated by it, and when the time was right, I decided to pursue an LMT license and MRTh (R) certification. I love seeing joy and relief in clients for whom this therapy works wonders. Thank you, Dennis for all you have done and are doing. It would be a real treat someday to read your account of the journey developing this.
So thank you Angel and Dennis.
Jeff D.
