Fascia for Sport: Bristol Revisited

Last week I revisited Bristol, my university city from yesteryear. I enjoyed a stroll through Clifton village and across the Suspension Bridge, walking past a few old haunts, including my old halls of residence. But that’s quite enough nostalgia for now!

My reason for going was to attend a two-day workshop at the BCMB (Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork): Fascia for Sport, led by Myofascial Release UK, leading experts in their field.

Integrated Myofascial Therapy

The course addressed the treatment of people with common (sporting) injuries using integrated myofascial therapy. Over two days we covered theory, current research, and a variety of hands-on fascial approaches, focusing on restoring fascial tissue which has been affected by acute and chronic sports injuries. The approach aims to regain stability, strength, balance and coordination in the body where this has been impaired. We practised techniques for resolving issues resulting from running, jumping, lifting, twisting, throwing – just about every movement the healthy body has available to it.

Collaborative Work

An additional benefit of the course was to be able to work closely with other therapists, practise techniques and learn from each other’s various experiences. We may have trainings in common, but everyone’s touch is unique, and there is always a variety of treatment approaches for the same injury. Collaborative work is a vital part of enhancing therapeutic skills, keeping knowledge current and guiding the direction of personal development.  

Treatment for Everyone

Whilst the course was aimed at supporting the amateur or elite athlete, the fascial techniques learnt can be applied to everyone and anyone with musculoskeletal issues, or aches and pains. For example, you do not need to be sporty to experience plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, ankle sprains, hip or back pain – to name but a few of the conditions helped by the applications of these fascial techniques.

Back to the Future

I enjoyed a short taster of student life again; it was good to have the luxury of hands-on practise and shared study time, with a change of scene into the bargain. I’m now hatching a plan for my next study break in the spring, which may well involve further myofascial training.