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Functional Range Release™
Functional Range Release™
Functional Range Release™
What is Functional Range Release™?
Why was Functional Range Release™ developed, and how is it different?
What is Functional Range Release™?
Functional Range Release is an advanced system of soft-tissue treatment based on the principles of myofascial release, but with multiple improvements. The treatment system, in combination with the Functional Anatomic Palpation Systems™ methods of palpation, focuses on the assessment, localization, and systematic treatment of soft-tissue lesions (adhesions) and areas of fibrosis (scar tissue) which develop as a result of injury, repetitive strain, and cumulative trauma.
Utilizing the trademarked PAIL's (Progressive Angular Isometric Loading™) and Tissue Tension Technique™, Functional Range Release™ soft-tissue management system expands on the basic tenets of myofascial-release treatments by simultaneously assessing, expanding, and strengthening the patient’s functional range of motion. Through our seminars, the practitioner learns to not only treat tissue, but is also provided a means to assess the tissue in order to make sound clinical decisions.
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Why was Functional Range Release™ developed, and how is it different?
The idea behind the Functional Range Release systems was born out of Dr. Andreo Spina's trademarked system of physical training termed Functional Range Conditioning™. Being a long-time mixed-martial artist as well as a stretching advocate, Dr. Spina created the training system using sound, scientific principles providing an approach to achieving incredible flexibility, along with flexible strength.
The basic premise of the conditioning system is that the tissue which is responsible for limiting a person's range of motion is not the muscle as is commonly believed. Rather, motion is restricted due to the nervous system's control of that muscle. The nervous system's central mechanism which controls muscle length contains a 'stretch threshold' which, when exceeded, triggers a stretch reflex causing the muscle to contract. This threshold is set far beyond what is necessary to prevent injury.
Therefore, while the potential for further movement exists, the central nervous system will not allow this movement to occur. Thus, this 'safe' range is not determined by the actual flexibility or extensibility of the muscle tissue itself, but rather is the 'decision' of the central nervous system. It is the goal of the conditioning system to simultaneously increase this threshold thus improving range of motion, while developing strength in the new extended range, termed increasing the 'functional range'.
It is well known that following an injury, there is an inherent response programmed in the central nervous system leading to the contraction of the muscles in the area of the lesion which acts as a defense system to prevent further injury. Along with this increased muscular tension, the connective tissue surrounding the muscle fibers - endomysium, perimysium, epimisium, as well as the fascia between the soft tissues in the area now known to have the capacity to contract in very short periods of time - also tightens.
The end result of this contraction leads to the development of restrictive scar tissue/fibrosis. The fibrosis, having a high coefficient of friction, leads to irritation of surrounding tissues and eventual activation of pain fibers. This tissue also has the capacity to adhere tissue structures to each other thus preventing independent movement and function, leading to biomechanical compensation patterns, aberrant movements, and dysfunction.
Considering the process outlined above, the intended target with the application of various soft-tissue therapies should not be the 'muscle' as is commonly believed, but rather the surrounding connective tissues and fascia, also known as dense irregular connective tissue. A muscle, after all, is simply made up of contractile proteins and the innervating neural tissues, surrounded and encased in fascia and connective tissue. In fact, fascia surrounds and connects every muscle, even the tiniest myofibril and every single organ in the body forming full-body continuity. This concept is now frequently sited in the literature discussing the application of manual care.
Many soft-tissue treatment techniques now claim to be focused on targeting fascia. However consider if, as mentioned above, injury leads to an increased neural drive to the muscles and a decrease in the stretch reflex threshold, then the various techniques claiming to lengthen the tissue during their application never really achieve a complete range of motion. They will then fail to completely release the fascial tension involved in the patient's dysfunction as the muscles which provide a 'barrier' prevent movement into the end range.
Utilizing the trademarked PAIL's (Progressive Angular Isometric Loading™) technique, Functional Range Release™ system of soft-tissue treatment allows the practitioner to immediately reduce the patient’s stretch threshold, allowing the further release of restrictive fibrosis present in the tissues. In addition, due to the 'isometric' contraction component of PAILS™, the treatment technique is simultaneously beginning the rehabilitation process by working on muscle contraction, activation, and endurance in the outer ranges of motion, leading to an expansion of the patient’s functional range of motion. Functional Range Release™ treatment therefore allows a more complete tissue release.
Please Visit the Functional Range Release Website™ for More Information & to SIGN UP for the Certification SEMINARS
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Testimonials
"It was by chance I met with Dr. Thistle. I reside in Los Angeles, CA and while visiting family in Toronto, I complained of upper-back and shoulder pain which had been ongoing for three months. My father suggested I go to a chiropractor. I was not enthusiastic. Subsequently, my father took it upon himself to find a chiropractor. Luckily, his online search led to Dr. Thistle, whom I met 24 hours later. He provided immediate relief. Although you can't undo months, weeks or years of issues with one visit and a few adjustments, it is clear to me that my visit with Dr. Thistle was the springboard I needed to get on the right track. Further, I have been pain free since. Dr. Thistle also went out of his way to help find a doctor in Los Angeles. I highly recommend Dr. Thistle to anyone in need of chiropractic care.
Erik B. - Los Angeles"
Erik B. - Los Angeles"
"Through many years of sports and competitive dance, I've had numerous injuries which became chronic. For years I visited many physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists, but it wasn’t until I was treated at SHAPE that I recognized the remarkable difference. In fact, its almost unbelievable how accurately they can make a diagnosis, and then perform the right treatment for the right injury. Bottom line is they provide results quickly. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to be out of some of the pain I was experiencing for years. If there’s such a thing as a miracle worker – these guys (Shawn and Sender) are it!. The fact that they follow up the next day with a phone call or an email asking how I am doing, speaks volumes for the service!
Heather F."
Heather F."
"I felt I had conquered the world! I placed 17th in my age group out of 90 competitors at the Sarasota International Marathon 2008. A week before, I had to halt my training and was terrified I would not be able to compete. I could barely manage to walk, let alone make it through training runs because my knee pain was so excruciating! I contacted SHAPE, and Shawn came to my rescue! He was able to quickly discover the area bothering me, explain why I was feeling the pain and how to avoid it in future. Without Shawn and his outstanding ability to alleviate pain through ART®, I may not have made it through my warm up on race day! He was genuinely concerned and determined to do whatever possible to make sure I could compete. He is my new HERO!
Jess H."
Jess H."
"I have been very impressed with all of the services I have utilized at SHAPE. The focus on client experience is clearly evident and I am happy to say that I am in much better physical condition overall since starting at SHAPE – greatly reduced back and neck pain since working with Shawn and definitely increased strength and cardio fitness from working with Tuan and Eric as well!"
Matthew M.
Matthew M.
"We are tournament champs! We were ranked #1 out of 40 teams and held our ground - undefeated 7:0. Despite the rain, it was awesome. I played a fair amount of points and felt 100%! Jumping, cutting, diving, and bending low were a breeze - nothing compared to Eric and Gregg's workouts! Tonight I have a game and the legs are feeling excellent. Good job Dr. Thistle - I think I was fixed after the first week! Thanks for making me bionic again!
Mica W."
Mica W."
"I just want to thank you for the treatments I have been getting from you.. The last one has changed my life. Sounds dramatic, I know, but I have finally been able to experience pain-free living for the first time in a long time, so thank you, thank you, thank you."
Phil M.
Phil M.
"I went airborne down a flight of stairs, badly bruising my left thigh and tailbone! It was quite sore and very uncomfortable. Dr. Thistle listened attentively, assessed my injuries and helped loosen and relax my tense glute and lower back muscles. I went in feeling as though I'd been hit by an SUV and walked out feeling limber and hopeful. I seldom entrust my body to chiropractors as I'm usually cautious of having more damage done to me. This is certainly not the case with Dr. Thistle. To ensure I was feeling better after my first treatment, he sent a quick note to check up on me. Hats off to the Dr. Thistles of the world, who put their heart into their work.
Rosa L."
Rosa L."