Taws Soft Tissue Release and Spinal Touch

[cam can help]

I was curious if anyone is practicing or knows anyone who practices these techniques and could vouch for their efficacy, or lack there of.

I've heard that Taw's soft tissue release is what Micahel Young, (MR Therapy) and Dr. Mike Leahey....spelling? (A.R.T.) have based their modalities after. I was just on the soft tissue release site and Stuart has apparently updated his work, sounds good, but I'm a little low on cash right now and want to make sure it is as good as it sounds..........I think the cost is 250 for the DVD's

The other modality, spinal touch, http://www.thespinaltouch.com , also sounds good. However, I really haven't heard a lot of people practicing it. From what I gather from the site it's almost chiropractic without the HVLA manipulations,......by using certain soft tissue techniques the therapist is able to correct "postural distortions and visceral positions that could lead to the disease process." However the DVD's alone run 300 bucks and to be certified its 700,.....ouch

 

[Deans]

I don't have anything to add here, but there was an old thread that mentioned that someone liked the James Waslaski DVD's better than the Stuart Taws ones.

I also recall, but it got lost along the way in our board move that the Waslaski seminars are / or used to be given in cramped quarters.

And this thread mentions that one person likes the body mechanics of MFR better than Taws technique. http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=20318

Please don't get me wrong, I am not trying to bash Taws. I really don't know anything about him.... but those are the two comments on our board I ran across.

As a side note, here is the info I have gathered about MFR & Taws as to the seminars:
Michael Young - Multiple Locations
http://www.mrtherapy.com/michael_young.html

The Muscle Release TechniqueSM is derived from a technique developed in Europe. Michael has had profoundly successful results in utilizing this technique with chronic and acute soft tissue injuries. Now he can take these chronic pain sufferers to a pain free condition in a short period of time. He uses this technique to treat people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendinitis, Sciatica Syndrome, Knee Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer Toes, and Fibromyalgia, just to mention a few.

-=-=-

Stuart Taws - Canada, but possibly other locations
British Sports Therapy - Soft Tissue Release
http://www.softtissuerelease.com/

Soft Tissue Release Technique (also known as British Sports Therapy), created by Stuart Taws, is a unique injury treatment technique provides relief from pain in as little as one treatment.

British Sports Therapy is a specific compression while stretching. This coordinated movement is administered in a systematic manner resulting in a profound opening effect on all micro trauma and scar tissue. Muscle memory is engaged and relief from pain starts immediately.

And for those who aren't familiar with ART, here is their website:
http://www.activerelease.com/

 

[dl_overdrive]

I practice STR and can vouch for its efficacy. Stuart's videos are just like the seminars. You can definitely learn from the video. His new program is on dvd. The website says the program is much gentler now which I can believe because he used to crank pretty hard on people.

MRT has good reviews everywhere but otherwise I know nothing about it.

ART is way out of your budget and most of the rest of us as well.

Even Bob King has a version, the name escapes me at the moment.

The technique is generically termed pin and stretch, attributed by Taws to European Osteopathic. You may have learned some in school.

 

[Akon Lova]

The website says the program is much gentler now which I can believe because he used to crank pretty hard on people.

Even Bob King has a version, the name escapes me at the moment.

Here's some info I found on Bob King:

About Robert King: Robert King has authored manuals, books, videos, curricula and dozens of clinical articles in a massage therapy career spanning more than three decades. He is the founder and past president of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy where he is a senior faculty member and maintains a clinical practice. Robert is a national education consultant for Cortiva Education and conducts advanced myofascial trainings throughout the country. He served two terms as AMTA National President and is widely regarded as a successful innovator, activist and educator within the profession. Robert is on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies and in 2004 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Massage Therapy Foundation for visionary leadership. He can be reached at [email protected].

Bob King Video Series (includes Body Mobilization Technique, Myofascial Therapy for Low Back Pain, and Pain In The Neck)

In a concise down-to-earth manner, Bob draws upon his experience and in-depth anatomical knowledge to create this series of videos. All three are sure to educate and inspire you in your treatment of clients with neck and back injuries and chronic pain.
(3 videos)
This set includes:
Body Mobilization Technique (45 Min.)
Myofascial Therapy for Low Back Pain (60 Min.)
Pain in the Neck (55 Min.)

But more importantly, massagerelated, I'd like to ask a question.

Regarding Stuart Taws "changing" his technique to a more gentler version, I am curious to know if it will still be as effective.

I know the Rolf Institute has effected change, that some of the old timers say causes the effects to be different, lessened or just not the way Ida would have wanted them.

How do you see this change in the Taws technique?

 

[geyamala ?????? ??? ????]

I never worked people as hard as Taws did in the seminars. Appropriate pressure is the way to go. Even Paul St. John changed his ways about ten or fifteen years ago. Paul said he has learned to "finesse it, not force it" and "less pain, more gain".

 

[Ceasars Mom]

I never worked people as hard as Taws did in the seminars. Appropriate pressure is the way to go. Even Paul St. John changed his ways about ten or fifteen years ago. Paul said he has learned to "finesse it, not force it" and "less pain, more gain".

Thanks so much for the reply! Every little bit of info is always a help.

 

[Pookie]

i have taws' latest dvd's. he indeed says he now applies less pressure but more often. i think the key is patience and repetition w/out the pain. he also says the release actually happens in the brain, the central processing unit.

 

[Kuro Yuki]

i have taws' latest dvd's. he indeed says he now applies less pressure but more often. i think the key is patience and repetition w/out the pain. he also says the release actually happens in the brain, the central processing unit.

Do you have any comparison as to which DVD/video's are easier to watch?

 

[kothandam]

i have taws' latest dvd's. he indeed says he now applies less pressure but more often. I think the key is patience and repetition w/out the pain. he also says the release actually happens in the brain, the central processing unit.

Do you have any comparison as to which DVD/video's are easier to watch?

Sorry Texas-gal I am not sure what comparison you are referring to. I have not seen Taws earlier works so I have no basis for a fair comparison other than to say his latest dvd set is easy to follow and well presented (from my point of view) if that is what you mean.
If you are referring to a comparison of Taws to Waslaski (I own Waslaski's tape set) then I would say they are simply different in their approach, protocol, and techniques etc.
As you know, each presentator has sort of their own spin on things (i.e. what works for them). so I think alot of the appeal of one over another is how we personally view our work and how we want to work etc. - each person's natural disposition. If an individual presentator appeals to you then that is a good choice for you. Both Taws and Waslaski are knowledgeable and smart about getting results for clients.
I have used both methods with good results. I think Taws is more cutting edge stuff (after all it is just newly released), another step in the direction of working smarter not harder, simple, safe and effective for soft tissue. Of course applying the techniques is a skill that each of us therapist must refine on our own thru our (ever evolving) practice. Having just started with Taws, it is exciting to see clients experience quick results. But, I also have clients that seem to need more of what I picked up from Waslaski's or Dalton's methods or at least the client seems to respond better when I try to apply their approaches. So I guess each has their niche.
As example, yesterday I saw a client with dowager's hump/ foward head posture. I found myself working in a manner reminiscent of Eric Dalton's MAT. She likes that stuff. Last week I found I was using a mix of Waslaski 's Orhopedic/sports massage and Thai yoga massage on a client's mid-thoracic/shoulders (immobile). Another client experienced a simple release of her piriformis using Taws' STR. Different strokes for differnt folks. Does that help?

 

[needlewings]

I have not seen Taws earlier works so I have no basis for a fair comparison other than to say his latest dvd set is easy to follow and well presented (from my point of view) if that is what you mean.

That's what I meant, but, hey, all info is good info. Thanks for taking the time to elaborate!

 

[tammy]

I just wanted to add that while I have not yet taken the Stuart Taws class, I am scheduled in two weekends to take his soft tissue class, if it is anything like the Muscle Release Technique taught by Michael Young then, it is worth it. I know Michael did take Taws class and the work appears to be modeled after Taws work. I will let you know the comparisons after I take the soft tissue class in mid June. I have had very profound results with Michael's MRT. I use am able to incorporate it in almost every session and for those that specifically come in for MRT for their chronic pain they are indeed seeing dramatic results.

I have always felt that the MRT was one of the most invaluable continuing education classes I have taken to date. It is effective, it works, and I use it.

But since you specifically asked about the Taws STR class I will let you know more once I take it and give you further feedback then. It will be nice to have a different take from a different instuctor and see what changes, mentioned here, that he has incorporated.

I do know that with MRT it is not how HARD you work (deep), it is working within the clients tolerance level and the stretch pattern being held for the correct amount of time. Maybe this is something that Taws had changed.

I will keep you posted.

Jule

 

[aqua_galkayak]

both stuart taws soft tissue release and the spinal touch is awesome. If you don't know it, your missing out on specialized techniques that can help your clients more than what they teach you in massage school. I can vouch for both of them as I use both of them. they are actually cheap compare to benefits you give your clients and the returning clients.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I just wanted to add that while I have not yet taken the Stuart Taws class, I am scheduled in two weekends to take his soft tissue class, if it is anything like the Muscle Release Technique taught by Michael Young then, it is worth it. I know Michael did take Taws class and the work appears to be modeled after Taws work. I will let you know the comparisons after I take the soft tissue class in mid June. I have had very profound results with Michael's MRT. I use am able to incorporate it in almost every session and for those that specifically come in for MRT for their chronic pain they are indeed seeing dramatic results.

I have always felt that the MRT was one of the most invaluable continuing education classes I have taken to date. It is effective, it works, and I use it.

But since you specifically asked about the Taws STR class I will let you know more once I take it and give you further feedback then. It will be nice to have a different take from a different instuctor and see what changes, mentioned here, that he has incorporated.

I do know that with MRT it is not how HARD you work (deep), it is working within the clients tolerance level and the stretch pattern being held for the correct amount of time. Maybe this is something that Taws had changed.

I will keep you posted.

Jule

Just going through some old posts, and wondering if you had any feedback from the Stuart Taws class?

 

[Pompal 09.]

Wow, that has been awhile since I took Stuart's class. Sorry for that huge gap :shock:

I have to say that having taken both Michael Young's class, MRT, and Stuart Taws class, STR, I feel that both offered something extremely beneficial. I could not pick one, I am completely happy with the fact that I took both because I gained a different perspective from each teacher. I definately use the STR/MRT a lot in my practice. It works great for chronic issues/repetitive use dysfuntion. I do not practice it any one way, but rather combine the both together and use what works best for my body. I have both sets of DVD's (Michaels and Stuarts) and early on after the classes referred to both. Each offers ways to stretch and work the body different ways (and some the same) in order to achieve the same goal or outcome, getting the client out of pain and educating them to take care of themselves. It had been hugely beneficial work and gave me a lot of confidence early on in my career to help me better work smarter and more effectively.

On a side note, I do know that Michael was retiring from teaching so I do not believe the option to take his classes are longer available. Stuart does, however, still teach and is a wonderful assett to the profession. His intent is wonderful and cares deeply for helping others get out of pain.

I know someone here mentioned James Waslawski, he too, is a great teacher with incredible knowledge about the body and his work is really profound. I would definately recommend James Waslawski and Stuart Taws if you get the opportunity to attend one of their classes.

 

[Anthony]

Wow, that has been awhile since I took Stuart's class. Sorry for that huge gap :shock:

I have to say that having taken both Michael Young's class, MRT, and Stuart Taws class, STR, I feel that both offered something extremely beneficial. I could not pick one, I am completely happy with the fact that I took both because I gained a different perspective from each teacher. I definately use the STR/MRT a lot in my practice. It works great for chronic issues/repetitive use dysfuntion. I do not practice it any one way, but rather combine the both together and use what works best for my body. I have both sets of DVD's (Michaels and Stuarts) and early on after the classes referred to both. Each offers ways to stretch and work the body different ways (and some the same) in order to achieve the same goal or outcome, getting the client out of pain and educating them to take care of themselves. It had been hugely beneficial work and gave me a lot of confidence early on in my career to help me better work smarter and more effectively.

On a side note, I do know that Michael was retiring from teaching so I do not believe the option to take his classes are longer available. Stuart does, however, still teach and is a wonderful assett to the profession. His intent is wonderful and cares deeply for helping others get out of pain.

I know someone here mentioned James Waslawski, he too, is a great teacher with incredible knowledge about the body and his work is really profound. I would definately recommend James Waslawski and Stuart Taws if you get the opportunity to attend one of their classes.

Thanks for your reply!
I was fortunate enough to take Michael's class.

 

[Live Life Love]

http://www.softtissuerelease.com/

looks like Taws' website got hacked

 

[legenddael]

I have Stuart Taws' DVDs and have recently acquired Michael Young's to get a comparison and I have to say that I find Stuart's better.

Don't get me wrong, I think a lot of what Michael demos is great, but I just find it a little hard to watch and the stretching demos at the end of the techniques are a little awkward. Some of the positions that he uses also seem to be a little contorted and for some people who are not as flexible as his wife, may be difficult to get into. I do however like the video of one of his seminars where he demos the relationship between the vertebrae, discs, muscles and nerves and shows how the muscles pull them out of position if they are short and tight.

I do however feel that Stuart's DVD's are better presented and are more structured. I like the side lying position that he uses for a lot of his work and this is an easy position to get into on a massage table and easy to apply lots of the lower body techniques.

I also feel that a lot of his techniques are more precise than Michael's in the muscles that they are targeting. For example, when Stuart is demonstrating the stretch for Glut. Medius, he demos how to target both the anterior and posterior fibres more specifically by using both internal and external rotation and flexion/extension.

Both of these DVD's demonstrate how to use soft tissue release with active isolated stretching - (Aaron Mattes Method). The pressure of the lock helps break down scar tissue that is present and then both the breath and the stretch itself, held for no more than 2 seconds helps to both lengthen the muscle and re-set the nervous system.

I was taught soft tissue release as part of my Sports and Remedial massage course, I was never taught it in this way. We were taught to fix the lock and maintain it in the same position and then get our client to move, with the stretch often being held for a lot longer than 2 seconds and no use of breath at all. It was successful as a treatment, but when I started refining my technique and including Stuart's techniques in my work, my results started improving no end.

Having got both DVD's though, I have to say that I relate better to Stuart's than Michael's. Like the techniques and positions better and there is better explanation of techniques with the 2-min info loop and the techniques are more specific rather than broader. His knowledge seems slightly better too.

Just my opinion though - whatever works!

 

[Lynci]

Thanks for the reply to this thread, Ethmoid, and welcome to the forums!

Thanks to everyone else who replied as well. I am in the process of receiving this series and am looking forward to watching and reviewing in the future.