Strategies To Reduce Muscular Pain & Tension
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The Relaxed Back

Show 07 - All medications are bad right?

Download | Duration: 00:08:51



Exploring a more rational view regarding the use of medications.

Show 06 - Under Pressure

Download | Duration: 00:13:35


Discussions include the amount of pressure to use when working with trigger points, in addition to tips for therapists and patients to ensure deep bodywork does not become aggressive bodywork.  A follow up question on assuming that stress is causing your clients pain.  The power of conditioning. John Gifford and Allison Lloyd.

Search words:  Anoxia

Show 05 - Drop foot, Stretch in chair, causation or correlation?

Download | Duration: 00:31:11



Terms to input into search engine:  Drop foot, psychological overlay, psychosomatic, Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy,  Janet Travell, MD.

Link for seated hip stretch here.

Resource for logical fallacies such as causation and correlation can be found here.

Show 04 - My disk is causing my pain right?

Download | Duration: 00:09:44


A skeptical (not cynical) view on attributing all pain to herniated disks.

ITEMS DISCUSSED IN THIS PODCAST:  JAMA article comparing surgical and non-surgical care for herniated disks available by going to: Show 03 - Client interview: Stress equal fear?  The landmark study by H.K. Beecher of pain experienced by men wounded in battle can be found here.  Article on placebo effects of sham surgery can be found here.  New England Journal of Medicine article on herniated disks in people without pain can be found by clicking  here.

Show 03 - Client interview: Stress equal fear?

Download | Duration: 00:23:08

FROM JOHN:  "Sorry about the mixing level difference between Jim and I.  Getting familiar with the new mixer."  Discussion with John's client regarding what is often the root of stress...fear.
LINKS FROM DISCUSSION:  JAMA article comparing surgical and non-surgical care for herniated disks available by clicking HERE

Show 02 - Emotions and pain, questionable posture strategy

Download | Duration: 00:12:29

A brief exploration into emotions and pain, and skepticism regarding a common strategy to improve posture.  LINKS FROM DISCUSSION:  Web sites discussed: Dr. Schecter's web site Dr. Sopher's Site, journal therapy site.


Show 01 - Stretching guidlines, tight tendons?

Download | Duration: 00:12:08

In this first episode, John describes his guidelines for safe stretching, and clears a common misconception about muscles and tendons.

About John Gifford



     John Gifford received his board certification from the Bonnie Prudden Institute for Myotherapy and Physical Fitness in 1986, and maintains a certification held by less than 150 people in the country.  In the last 20 years as a clinician, Mr. Gifford has performed over 30,000 hands-on sessions. He serves as a college level educator, teaching courses in both anatomy of movement, and sports and occupational pain issues.
    As a national seminar leader, speaking on how to take control of muscle pain and tension, he receives top ratings from clients such as IBM, University of Michigan, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Motors, and Eastern Michigan University.  
    His common sense messages on living with less pain have been discussed frequently on FOX Channel 2.  Furthermore, his programs and products have been featured in Newsweek, Detroit Monthly, Corporate Detroit and The Oakland Press.  
    As a past President of Bodysavers Systems, Inc., he co-authored the first stretching software program and Pain Free Workbook, enabling audiences to reduce computer-related pain and injuries.  In 1989, he created, co-produced and hosted Michigan’s first children’s exercise television show, “Keep on Moving.”
       He is the author of The Motionwise® Report series and The Relaxed Back: Taking Control of Muscular Pain and Tension.  John is dedicated to helping people lead more successful and fulfilling lives by reducing muscular pain and tension.  It is his goal to empower people to take greater control of their physical destiny, using Myotherapy®, educational programs and providing self-help resources.

John Gifford, CBPM , NCTMB
Bonnie Prudden Myotherapist & Exercise Therapist
NCBTMB - Independent National Certification

Member:  International Myotherapy Association, American Massage Therapy Association