Understanding Fascia, Tensegrity, and Myofascial Trigger Points

• Define fascia and describe its structure and functions within the body.
• Explain the principles of tensegrity and the relationship between tension and compression within the fascial system.
• Describe the relationship between fascia, skeletal muscle, movement, and soft tissue function.
• Define myofascial trigger points and identify common locations within individual muscles.
• Describe common characteristics and patterns associated with myofascial trigger points.
• Identify assessment methods used to locate and evaluate myofascial trigger points.
• Describe massage and fascia-focused techniques used when working with myofascial trigger points.
• Explain how fascia-focused techniques may be incorporated into client treatment protocols.
• Identify major skeletal muscles associated with common myofascial trigger points.
• Describe referred pain patterns associated with individual muscles and trigger points.
• Apply knowledge of muscle anatomy and referred pain patterns when developing massage therapy approaches.
• Identify treatment considerations for clients experiencing symptoms associated with myofascial trigger points.

• Text: Understanding Fascia, Tensegrity, and Myofascial Trigger Points by John Sharkey, 352 pages
• Course guide with instructions
• 70-question multiple-choice examination
• Course evaluation
• Certificate of achievement upon completion
• Unlimited phone and email support for any questions

The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.

Our massage online continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.

For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.

I loved chapters 6-11, I really feel I will able to reverse the chapters in my practice, where someone will give me a pain area and I can hopefully relate that pain zone to the muscle I need to work on. - Kayla B.

I like that every question had a clearly defined answer. - Cindy H.

I took it to help me better understand the issues I am dealing with, not just my clients. The insight I gained in work I already do for people, did exactly what I was aiming for: To fine-tune my focus and applications of techniques and perspectives of the work I do with connective tissue therapy and trigger point techniques. - Skylar H.

__________ speaks about the distribution of tensional and compressional force relationships of balance and integrity within a unified fascial system or body-wide fascial net. 
A. Myofascia
B. Fasciategrity 
C. Tensegrity 
D. Embryology  

What are aponeuroses?
A. Cord-like tendons
B. Flat tendons 
C. Ligaments that are part of the joint capsule 
D. Ligaments located outside the joint capsule

Which of the following is NOT an indication for MET?
A. To mobilize restricted joints 
B. To improve suspected bone health pathology  
C. To return normal length to shortened muscles and fascia 
D. To improve circulation, respiration, and neuromuscular relationships 

What technique aims to trap a portion of tissue and move the remaining tissue below – including any fibers contained within the tissue – into a stretch position?
A. Connective tissue release 
B. Active cryotherapy techniques 
C. Integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique 
D. Mechanotherapy