LLAD (Lower Lateral Alignment Device)
LLAD (pronounced as "LAD") was designed to assist its user to passively stretch muscles of the Pelvis/Hip and Lower Legs (including Piriformis that causes Sciatica/Piriformis Syndrome), that creates abduction and lateral rotation of the leg at the hip and foot at the ankle. This device is to be used when seated.
LLAD can easily be set up to the desired passive stretch required by the user (by placing the footrest at an angle mounted on the base that is comfortable for the user), placed where you sit mostly (workplace or home), align outer edge of foot with outer edge of the footrest and relax. LLAD should be used for 15 minutes two to three times a day or as long as the user desires. Fifteen (15) minutes is recommended because some users will have tighter muscles than others, depending on how they use their body.
The different positions of the angled footrest when mounted to the base, increases or decreases the passive stretches of the lower lateral rotator muscles. With continuous use of this device, LLAD can help to prevent serious muscle imbalances, help to correct muscle imbalances, help to maintain healthy muscles and promote a proper posture.
Muscle Fiber Methodology
A Textbook for Massage Therapists
A combination of Clinical Massage Theories, New Muscle Fiber Manipulation Methodologies, Experience and Knowledge.
Muscle Fiber Methodology
Muscle Fiber Methodology (first edition) is primarily a textbook for massage therapists (example - LMT, CMT), who are pursuing training to learn new ways to manipulate muscles, to help themselves and their clients. This edition will try to illustrate the basic methods of Muscle Fiber Methodology used to manipulate the back, arms, glutes, legs, and upper body while protecting therapists at work. At the beginning of most chapters, a preview of the muscles to be manipulated will be listed, including their attachments and actions.
Optimal Muscle Fiber Manipulation
OVERVIEW OF MUSCLE FIBER METHODOLOGY AND S.T.R.E.T.C.H.
Muscle Fiber Methodology is a unique combination of methods, incorporating muscle fiber manipulations and passive stretches that allow clients to reach optimal performance. Muscle Fiber Methodology will also help to prevent or delay common injuries sustained by massage therapists and clients alike. Performing massage is very hard on the therapist’s hands and upper and lower extremities. Massage therapists who do mostly very light techniques like craniosacral and energy balancing work might be exceptions. Most massage practitioners will experience some kind of injury or pain syndrome at some point in their careers as a result of the profession. Preventing these injuries is a priority, and Muscle Fiber Methodology was also designed with that in mind.
The Innovator
Andrew M. Frankson is the creator and copyright claimant of Muscle Fiber Methodology. This methodology utilizes a combination of muscle fiber manipulating methods, passive stretches, and client-specific exercises that allows each client to reach her or his optimal performance. In 2007, Mr. Frankson recognized the need for a new approach to muscle manipulation and functional training to treat muscular problems. By focusing on the manipulation of the muscle fibers to achieve overall wellness, he designed and developed the systematic and effective techniques of Muscle Fiber Methodology. Muscle Fiber Methodology is effective to treat stress-related muscular problems, rehabilitation of muscle imbalances, and most importantly, prevention of muscle imbalances and stress-related muscular problems...
As a 2007/ 2009 graduate of the Massage Therapy and Clinical Massage Therapy Programs, from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, Mr. Frankson is licensed to practice massage in the states of Connecticut and New York. Andrew is an NCBTMB Board Approved Continuing Education Provider (#1804) and an AMTA member since 2007.
Pulse Wave Muscle Fiber Manipulation
Pulse Wave Muscle Fiber Manipulation is a combination of Muscle Fiber Methodology (MFM) and Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT). Pulse Wave Muscle Fiber Manipulation incorporates passive stretches, manipulation of the muscle fibers, and pulse activation treatment. Pulse Wave Muscle Fiber Manipulation targets individual muscles, which helps to promote healing.
Pulse Wave Muscle Fiber Manipulation helps to promote the body’s ability to manage physical stress, as well as enhancing the clients coping mechanism, and to better regulate any potential or realized negative impact. Pulse Wave Muscle Fiber Manipulation offers clients another systematic and effective approach to treating various muscular imbalances.
How Does the Combination Work?
Muscle Fiber Methodology is the manipulation of muscle fibers in various directions (depending on attachments, the direction of the fibers, and positions of the muscle). Shock Wave Therapy is thought to work by inducing micro-trauma to the tissue that is affected by these muscle imbalances. This micro-trauma initiates a healing response by the body. The healing response causes blood vessel formation and increased delivery of nutrients to the affected area. Pulse Wave Muscle Fiber Manipulation is the use of the EPAT attachment/s to manipulate the muscle fibers in various directions while, at the same time, introducing shock wave therapy to the muscle to induce micro-trauma in the tissues, to initiate a healing response to the muscle/s. Pulse Wave Muscle Fiber Manipulation will be applied to all muscles impacting or impacted by the affected area.
Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT) sometimes referred to as shock wave therapy is an FDA-approved, evidence-based treatment that gets to the root of your pain, facilitating healing and accelerating your recovery. EPAT improves your body’s regenerative potential, rather than further damaging an area that has degenerated because of poor blood flow, tissue injury, overuse, or weakness. The clinical term for shock wave therapy is Low-Intensity Shock Wave Therapy (LiSWT). It's a noninvasive therapy that's been used in orthopedics for years to help heal broken bones, injured ligaments, and injured tendons. It is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals. EPAT is a treatment used in physical therapy, orthopedics, urology, and cardiology. The shockwaves are abrupt, high amplitude pulses of mechanical energy, similar to soundwaves, generated by an electromagnetic coil.