7 days ago • NAT Global Campus

🚨 FREE Virtual CE Live Class! 🚨

Join us on March 28 at 1 PM EST for an exclusive live CE class:

🦴 The Pelvic Floor and its Connection to the Jaw 🦷

Presented by Sonja Forster, Physiotherapist & Women’s Health Specialist, this class will dive into the fascinating biomechanical link between the pelvic floor and jaw, with insights that can transform your approach to assessment and treatment.

🔹 Who should attend? Rehab, fitness, and manual therapy professionals
🔹 What you’ll gain: A deeper understanding of how pelvic alignment affects the jaw and vice versa
🔹 Where: Online – join from anywhere!
🔹 Cost: 100% FREE

Don’t miss out on this unique learning opportunity! Register now to secure your spot.

 https://nielasher.com/pages/webinar-registration 

4 weeks ago • NAT Global Campus

🔥 Busting Biceps Femoris Trigger Points 💥
Ever feel pain in the back of your thigh or the outside of your knee? It might be trigger points in your biceps femoris, a key muscle in your hamstrings! This muscle works hard to flex your knee and extend your hip, but when trigger points develop, they can cause discomfort that’s hard to ignore.

Trigger points here often lead to pain along the back of the thigh and into the knee. Common culprits include:
💪 Overuse from running, cycling, or similar activities.
🪑 Prolonged sitting or poor posture.
⚡ Sudden injuries or muscle imbalances.

The good news? You can tackle these trigger points with gentle stretching, foam rolling, or targeted massage to release tension and restore mobility. Your muscles will thank you!

Have you dealt with biceps femoris trigger points? Share your experiences below and let’s chat about what’s worked for you! ⬇️💬

hashtag #TriggerPoints  hashtag #HamstringHealth  hashtag #BicepsFemoris  hashtag #MuscleRecovery  hashtag #MassageTherapy 

2 months ago • NAT Global Campus

The glutes (maximus, medius, and minimus) are powerhouse muscles that help us walk, climb, squat, and stabilize our pelvis. But when trigger points develop here, they can refer pain to surprising places, like your lower back, hips, or even down your leg. Ever felt like you had "sciatica" only to find out it wasn’t a nerve issue but a tight glute? That’s trigger point magic (or mischief) at work! 😅

Trigger points in the glutes often come from things like prolonged sitting, poor posture, or overuse during activities like running or lifting. The good news? Releasing them can make a huge difference in your mobility and comfort. Techniques like ischemic compression, gentle stretching, or targeted strengthening can help, and foam rolling is a fantastic at-home tool to keep these muscles happy.

Next time you’re feeling a mysterious ache in your back, hips, or legs, don’t forget to give your glutes some love! 💛 They work hard for you, and a little attention can go a long way. 

2 months ago • NAT Global Campus

🚨 Understanding Trigger Points in the Oblique Muscles 🚨

The oblique muscles—your internal and external obliques—are crucial for core stability, side bending, and rotational movements. But did you know they can develop trigger points that refer pain to unexpected areas?

🔍 What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in muscle fibers. When they form in the obliques, they can cause:
✔️ Referred pain to the abdomen, groin, or lower back.
✔️ Discomfort during movements like twisting, coughing, or sneezing.
✔️ Misdiagnosed symptoms resembling organ or nerve issues.

🤔 What Causes Trigger Points Here?

Overuse during sports or daily activities involving rotation (think tennis, golf, or heavy lifting).
Poor posture or prolonged sitting.
Sudden twisting motions or abdominal strain.

💡 How to Address Them:

1️⃣ Manual Therapy: Gentle ischemic compression on trigger points can release tension.
2️⃣ Stretching: Side stretches and rotations can help maintain flexibility.
3️⃣ Strengthening: Core exercises build resilience against future issues.
4️⃣ Self-Care: Use a small ball or your hands to apply pressure to tight spots.

If oblique pain or referred discomfort is holding you back, assessing and treating these hidden trigger points can make a world of difference! 🌟

💬 Let’s Chat! Have you experienced abdominal pain or discomfort you think might be linked to your obliques? Share your experience below! ⬇️

 #TriggerPoints   #ObliqueMuscles   #CoreHealth   #ManualTherapy   #TriggerPointRelease 

2 months ago • NAT Global Campus

A New Partnership for Lifelong Learning!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a partnership between Niel Asher Education (NAT) and Clark College, Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. This collaboration brings NAT’s award-winning online continuing education courses to the Clark community, providing unparalleled learning opportunities for massage therapists, manual therapists, athletic trainers, and other healthcare and rehabilitation professionals.
Congratulations to Team Clark and Team NAT for coming together to make this partnership a reality! Their hard work and dedication ensured a seamless and timely implementation.

Since 1933, Clark College has been a beacon of education and innovation, offering students pathways to diplomas, certificates, and degrees across diverse disciplines. From nursing and dental hygiene to unique programs like mechatronics and Running Start for high school students, Clark has always embodied a commitment to accessible, high-quality education.

Through this partnership, we are proud to expand NAT’s mission of delivering world-class continuing education to Clark’s vibrant community. Together, we are empowering professionals to grow their skills, enhance their careers, and ultimately, deliver better outcomes for those they serve.

For more information, visit Clark College's website  https://www.clark.edu/ 

3 months ago • NAT Global Campus

Over more than 20 years Dr. Kirsten Shepard has established integrated practices that combine medical, chiropractic, acupuncture and physical therapy approaches to whole body care, including the opening of clinics across Texas and in Los Angeles.

Dr. Kirsten Shepard is an expert in her field; she has led educational sessions with other medical professionals and been recognized by notable leaders across health and fitness communities. She has been selected as a Profile of Prominence award recipient in Health Professions by the Texas legislature and received a Special Congressional Recognition from a Texas United States Senator.

REGISTER FOR FREE. Don't miss this awesome opportunity to learn about integrating CBD products into your practice.

 https://nielasher.com/pages/webinar-registration 

4 months ago • NAT Global Campus

Have you ever wanted to get to know the basics of herbal medicine? 🌿 Curious about the do's and don'ts, and the magical, wondrous health benefits hidden in the plants and herbs all around us?

Now's your chance! Join our FREE live webinar with osteopath and herbalist Margaret Sinclair on October 18th at 1 PM ET. Margaret will guide you through the essentials of herbal medicine, sharing practical tips, fascinating insights, and how to safely incorporate herbs into your practice or daily life.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert and unlock the healing power of nature! 🌱

Sign up today to reserve your spot!

 https://nielasher.wistia.com/live/events/q3io7fa7b2 

5 months ago • NAT Global Campus

John has been practising the Bowen Technique and Cranio Sacral Therapy full time since 1995. He is a former chairman of the Bowen Association of the UK, the Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK and the Cranial Forum, the lead body overseeing the national standards of practice for the profession in the UK. He is a former examiner for the University of Oxford examinations board and was an advisor on education and training for the Bowen Forum under the Prince of Wales' Foundation for Integrated Health.

www.nielasher.com/register 

5 months ago • NAT Global Campus

"A Question of Limes and Limits"

In 1795, the British Navy finally embraced limes to combat scurvy, but only after decades of hesitation. By the time they acted, an estimated 100,000 sailors had died unnecessarily from the disease. What if they had acted sooner? At NAT Global Campus, we promote a balanced approach: evidence-based therapies where available, but also the safe, anecdotal practices that show promise. We’re not anti-science; we’re pro-results. We invite you to join the conversation: Should rehab professionals limit themselves to what’s been "proven", or should we push the boundaries of our practice to offer our patients every safe and potential benefit? 

6 months ago • NAT Global Campus

Trigger Points - Erector Spinae Muscle 💪

The Erector Spinae muscle group, crucial for maintaining posture and enabling a range of movements, often develops trigger points leading to significant discomfort. This muscle group includes the Iliocostalis, Longissimus, and Spinalis muscles, extending along the spine from the lower back to the neck. Trigger points in these muscles can cause widespread back pain, often exacerbated by prolonged sitting or improper lifting techniques.

Characteristics of Erector Spinae Trigger Point Pain:

- Causes persistent lower back pain and stiffness.
- Frequently affects individuals with sedentary lifestyles.

Anatomy of the Erector Spinae:

- Consists of Iliocostalis, Longissimus, and Spinalis muscles.
- Extends from the skull to the pelvis.
- Supports spinal extension and lateral flexion.

Functionality:

- Maintains upright posture and spinal stability.
- Enables bending, twisting, and straightening of the back.
- Assists in neck extension and head movements.

Common Indications:

- Persistent lower back pain and discomfort.
- Pain radiating to the upper back and neck.
- Difficulty in bending forward or maintaining an erect posture.

Causes:

- Poor posture during prolonged sitting or standing.
- Heavy lifting without proper support.
- Repetitive movements that strain the back muscles.
- Inadequate ergonomics in daily activities or workstations.

Advice for Patients:

- Incorporate regular back stretches and strengthening exercises.
- Maintain an ergonomic workspace to support proper posture.
- Use heat therapy to relieve muscle tension.
- Avoid prolonged static positions; take frequent breaks to move around.

Trigger Point Therapy Techniques:

- Myofascial Release
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Trigger Point Compression
- Muscle Energy Techniques
- Positional Release
- Dry Needling

For detailed insights on managing Erector Spinae trigger points and maintaining back health, visit our blog. 👇

 https://nielasher.com/blogs/video-blog/62612293-trigger-point-therapy-erector-spinae 

 #ErectorSpinae   #BackPainRelief   #TriggerPointTherapy   #lowerbackhealth  

Image credit: Lotus Publishing