Soft Tissue Mobilization

This course introduces basic and advanced principles and supporting evidence for several forms of soft tissue mobilization. This 8-week course during the 3rd term of the DPT curriculum uses an experiential learning approach to explore evidence-based practice concepts, apply pathophysiology knowledge, and alter musculoskeletal system function. Students will develop manual skills required to perform safe and effective soft tissue interventions in any clinical setting.

Soft tissue mobilization has been a part of manual medicine for millennia. This course introduces the theory, evidence, and practice of several common forms of soft tissue mobilization. The class begins with traditional massage that rely on basic theory and progresses to advanced techniques based on principles derived from current fascial theory. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to apply soft tissue mobilizations that impact musculoskeletal system impairment of the upper-extremity, lower- extremity, and trunk. Along the way, students apply evidence-based practice concepts and knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, soft tissue pathophysiology in the experiential learning and discussion-based learning approach. Ultimately, students will be able to make logical clinical decisions that integrate soft tissue mobilization into an effective plan of care. Significant out-of-laboratory practice time is required to develop the manual skills for safe, effective, and professional soft tissue mobilizations in any clinical setting.