For chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, appointment length isn’t just a detail—it’s often the difference between full recovery and persistent pain. Yet, many practitioners prioritize volume over effectiveness, offering quick, five-minute treatments that rarely deliver lasting results. True healing demands time, precision, and a comprehensive approach.
At our clinic, MSR maintenance visits last 15 minutes, but for chronic conditions, we recommend a 30-minute session at least once a week, which is always paired with a functional exercise program to enhance recovery. I followed the standard 5–10-minute model early in my career, but the outcomes were limited. Over the past 30 years, I’ve learned that investing more time leads to significantly better results—our approach now achieves a 90%+ success rate in reducing MSK pain and restoring function.
This method has been so effective that patients from across North America and some areas in Europe have travelled to our clinic, committing time to break the cycle of chronic MSK conditions. When treatment is structured correctly, the results aren’t just noticeable—they can be life-changing.
The Case for 30-Minute Sessions in the Initial Treatment Phase
Chronic conditions involve multiple compensations – Dysfunctional movement patterns develop over time, often making it impossible to achieve meaningful progress in rushed, segmented sessions.
Good results require a comprehensive, multi-modal approach – Techniques like osseous manipulation, myofascial release, fascial expansions, and neuromuscular re-education require sufficient time to be effectively applied.
Longer sessions allow for deeper corrections – When pain persists, or mobility deficits remain, extended treatment time ensures a more thorough and lasting intervention.
Breaking the Chronic Pain Cycle with Extended Sessions
Chronic pain alters movement patterns and muscle activation – Neuromuscular inhibition, fascial adhesions, and restricted mobility require focused, hands-on work that can’t be rushed.
Breaking the cycle - Severe cases may require a short-term increase in treatment intensity—while one 30-minute session is often sufficient, two 30-minute sessions per week may be necessary to accelerate progress and break persistent pain cycles.
Efficiency improves with sufficient time – Addressing multiple dysfunctions in a single session often reduces the total number of treatments needed, leading to faster recovery and fewer overall visits.
Maximizing MSR’s Fascial Expansions & Neuromuscular Integration
MSR integrates meridian-based fascial release – Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, fascial expansions target acupuncture points and kinetic chain imbalances to restore function.
Longer sessions allow for deeper correction – Combining fascial, osseous, and neuromuscular techniques ensures more complete and sustained results.
The Role of 15-Minute Sessions in Maintenance Care
Once significant pain and dysfunction are resolved, shorter sessions work well – At this point, treatment focuses on fine-tuning, optimizing movement, and preventing recurrence.
The goal shifts from correction to reinforcement – Maintenance care strengthens neuromuscular adaptations and ensures long-term stability.
Strategic Timing for Long-Term Success
MSR achieves a 90%+ success rate, but only with the proper treatment structure – Adequate time in the active correction phase is key to lasting results.
A structured transition prevents setbacks – Moving from 30-minute sessions to 15-minute maintenance visits helps patients retain progress and minimize flare-ups.
MSK Treatment Time Conclusion
Healing takes time, and the proper treatment structure makes all the difference. By prioritizing thorough, hands-on care over rushed appointments, we’re not just addressing symptoms but creating lasting change. A well-structured approach, starting with 30-minute sessions for chronic conditions and transitioning to 15-minute maintenance visits, leads to faster recovery, fewer treatments, and long-term success. This is why patients seek out our treatments to break free from chronic pain and regain their quality of life. The results speak for themselves when treatment is given the time and attention it deserves. Invest in time, and you invest in true healing.
References
Lin, I., Wiles, L., Waller, R., Goucke, R., Nagree, Y., Gibberd, M., & Maher, C. G. (2020). What does best practice care for musculoskeletal pain look like? Eleven consistent recommendations from high-quality clinical practice guidelines: systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(2), 79-86.
Babatunde, O. O., Bishop, A., Cottrell, E., Jordan, J. L., Corp, N., & van der Windt, D. A. (2019). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the quality of life of people with musculoskeletal pain: is the focus on pain intensity and disability justified? Pain, 160(2), 275-286.
Oliveira, C. B., Maher, C. G., Pinto, R. Z., Traeger, A. C., Lin, C. C., Chenot, J. F., & Ferreira, M. L. (2018). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of non-specific low back pain in primary care: an updated overview. European Spine Journal, 27(11), 2791-2803.
Foster, N. E., Anema, J. R., Cherkin, D., Chou, R., Cohen, S. P., Gross, D. P., & Woolf, A. D. (2018). Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions. The Lancet, 391(10137), 2368-2383.
Hayden, J. A., Ellis, J., Ogilvie, R., Malmivaara, A., & van Tulder, M. W. (2018). Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD009790.
Kamper, S. J., Apeldoorn, A. T., Chiarotto, A., Smeets, R. J., Ostelo, R. W., Guzman, J., & van Tulder, M. W. (2014). Multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation for chronic low back pain: Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 350, h444.
Scascighini, L., Toma, V., Dober-Spielmann, S., & Sprott, H. (2008). Multidisciplinary treatment for chronic pain: a systematic review of interventions and outcomes. Rheumatology, 47(5), 670-678.
Waterschoot, F. P., Dijkstra, P. U., Geertzen, J. H., & Reneman, M. F. (2014). Dose or content? Effectiveness of pain rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic low back pain: a systematic review. Pain, 155(1), 179-189.
DR. BRIAN ABELSON, DC. - The Author
With over 30 years of clinical practice and experience in treating over 25,000 patients with a success rate of over 90%, Dr. Abelson created the powerful and effective Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems.
As an internationally best-selling author, he aims to educate and share techniques to benefit the broader healthcare community.
A perpetual student himself, Dr. Abelson continually integrates leading-edge techniques into the MSR programs, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary care. His work constantly emphasizes patient-centred care and advancing treatment methods. His practice, Kinetic Health, is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Why Choose Our MSR Courses and MSR Pro Services?
Elevate your clinical practice with our Motion Specific Release (MSR) courses and MSR Pro services, offering a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to musculoskeletal care.
Proficiency in MSR goes beyond videos or articles—they’re only the beginning. True mastery requires immersive, hands-on training to deepen your knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and precise tactile skills. MSR is a journey of focused practice, real-time feedback, and mentorship that transforms knowledge into expertise.
Here’s why you should join us:
Proven Methodology: Developed by Dr. Brian Abelson, an international best-selling author with over 30 years of clinical experience, MSR integrates the most effective elements of osseous and myofascial therapies. With a success rate exceeding 90%, our approach helps set a new industry standard.
Comprehensive Training: Our courses blend rigorous academic content with innovative techniques. You’ll master essential areas like orthopedic and neurological examinations, myofascial treatment, fascial expansions, and osseous adjusting and mobilization.
Extensive Resources: As an MSR Pro subscriber, access a vast library of over 200 MSR procedures, fillable PDF forms, instructional videos, and in-depth articles. From patient intake to tailored exercise prescriptions, our resources equip you for clinical success.
Tailored Support: Refine your diagnostic skills and expand your treatment techniques with ongoing support through over 750 videos, including 200 technique videos, 250 exercise videos, and 160 MSK articles. This extensive library features over 50 musculoskeletal condition articles, all designed to support you in clinical practice. Our resources are dynamic, with regular updates to articles, technique videos, and new additions to our educational curriculum.
Innovation and Growth: We emphasize continuous learning and innovation, giving you the tools to adapt and thrive in complex clinical scenarios. Our courses and resources are designed to foster professional growth, keeping you at the forefront of musculoskeletal therapy.
Unlock your practice's full potential with our MSR courses and MSR Pro services. Achieve outstanding clinical outcomes and join a community of forward-thinking practitioners dedicated to excellence in patient care.
Comments