Motion Specific Release (MSR) is a state-of-the-art treatment system that consistently delivers outstanding results in managing musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. By integrating the most effective elements of osseous and myofascial therapies, MSR enables practitioners to achieve success rates exceeding 90%—well above industry standards.
What sets MSR apart is its multidisciplinary approach, combining the strengths of various therapies into a powerful, cohesive methodology. This leads to faster, more lasting outcomes for patients. Beyond being just a set of techniques, MSR is a comprehensive clinical framework. It provides practitioners with everything they need, from patient intake forms and orthopedic examination templates to exercise prescription pads and a robust library of MSK and sports performance resources.
Article Index:
Evolving Perspectives in Musculoskeletal Care
Over three decades of clinical practice, Dr. Abelson, the developer of MSR, has had the privilege of learning from and collaborating with some of the world’s leading experts in musculoskeletal treatment. These experiences have profoundly shaped his understanding and approach to care.
Throughout his journey in chiropractic, osteopathy, physiotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, soft tissue modalities, sports medicine, fascial research, biomechanics, and various evidence-based techniques, a clear pattern has emerged: while certain methods yield remarkable results for some patients, others see only modest improvements. Each approach has its strengths and limitations, underscoring the uniqueness of every individual’s healing journey.
The Power of Integration
By distilling and synthesizing the best elements from diverse methods, we create solutions that surpass the effectiveness of any single technique. Broadening our perspective enhances objectivity and fuels creativity, leading to innovative strategies rather than rigid adherence to predefined protocols.
Manual therapies like acupuncture, massage, and Ayurveda have stood the test of time for centuries, if not millennia. Claims of "exclusive techniques" or superiority by some self-proclaimed gurus are often unfounded. Every practitioner builds on the foundations laid by their predecessors—claiming exclusive supremacy is like saying you invented Italian cuisine because you created a remarkable new recipe in that style.
To be an exceptional practitioner, embracing diversity in perspectives and techniques is essential. Enhance your objectivity, retain what works, and discard what doesn’t. As Aristotle famously said, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." This principle is particularly relevant in treating musculoskeletal conditions. By integrating the strengths of various treatment modalities, we achieve outcomes unattainable with a single approach.
MSR: A Fusion of Art & Science
Art embodies human creativity and imagination, while science drives our systematic quest for understanding. When these forces unite, they create a powerful synergy, tackling complex challenges that no single approach can resolve alone. The creativity of art fuels innovation, and the rigor of science ensures these solutions are tested, refined, and applied effectively. Together, they offer a balanced, holistic approach to addressing the issues that shape our world.
The Science Behind Motion-Specific Release (MSR)
Motion-Specific Release (MSR) courses offer an academically rigorous curriculum that blends medical science with innovative techniques to create highly effective treatment systems.
Key Study Areas within the MSR Framework:
Orthopedic and Neurological Examinations:
Practitioners sharpen their skills in orthopedic and neurological assessments, essential for accurately diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. The MSR Pro section features 70 concise diagnostic videos and fillable examination PDFs for all body regions, seamlessly integrating into clinical practice and closing common diagnostic gaps.
Myofascial Treatment Integration:
MSR training empowers practitioners to effectively incorporate myofascial therapies into their practice. With over 200 meticulously developed myofascial procedures, supported by comprehensive videos and articles, the curriculum delves into the intricate relationships between myofascial connections, synergists, stabilizers, and antagonists. This enables practitioners to correct movement compensations, leading to more specialized and effective treatment plans.
Fascial Expansions:
Our Fascial Expansions blend the latest fascial research with insights from myofascial kinetic chains, acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This holistic approach is the foundation of MSR, where diverse therapies unite to achieve exceptional results. By integrating acupressure and fascial manipulation, Fascial Expansions effectively release restrictions within the broader kinetic chain. Click the link or image for an example of a fascial expansion "Fascial Expansion: Low Back Protocol".
Osseous Adjusting and Mobilization:
Our training provides a comprehensive, head-to-toe approach that covers spinal and extremity joints using both adjustment and mobilization techniques. Tailored to each practitioner's scope of practice, this program equips them with advanced methods to achieve optimal patient outcomes. While many practitioners focus solely on osseous or soft tissue procedures, integrating both is essential for success.
Functional Exercise Programs:
Our training enables practitioners to design customized exercise programs that target specific musculoskeletal conditions while enhancing overall function. Emphasizing mobility, strength, and proprioception, we incorporate functional movements and neuroplasticity-based techniques to improve motor control and coordination. The MSR Pro subscription further supports this with fillable PDF exercise prescription pads linked to over 250 exercise videos, providing comprehensive, tailored exercise guidance. Additionally, our condition-specific articles feature embedded videos to demonstrate recommended exercises.
MSR Pro Condition Article Index:
The MSR Pro Condition Article Index is a valuable tool that enhances communication between practitioners, patients, and referring physicians. It offers comprehensive information on over 50 common musculoskeletal conditions, including diagnostic videos, treatment demonstrations, and exercise recommendations, with specific treatment frequency guidelines grounded in sound clinical logic. This resource simplifies our clinical processes and highlights our methodology's over 90% success rate in treating MSK conditions, making it essential for improving patient outcomes and fostering informed referrals.
MSR Patient Management System
We've developed an extensive collection of fillable PDF forms designed to seamlessly integrate with your electronic systems or be used as hard copies. These copyrighted resources, exclusive to MSR-Pro subscribers, are invaluable tools for enhancing your practice. Our comprehensive forms include:
Patient Admittance Forms: Streamline the intake process with user-friendly forms.
SOAP Notes: Efficiently document patient progress with structured, detailed notes.
Orthopedic and Neurological Examination Forms: Supported by over 70 instructional videos, these forms ensure thorough assessments.
Exercise Prescription Pads: Prescribe over 250 exercises, complete with clickable video links, to support patient recovery.
Review of Findings Forms: Educate patients about treatment processes and communicate effectively with referring physicians.
These resources are designed to improve patient management, facilitate better communication, and enhance the overall efficiency of your practice.
Unlocking the Art of MSR
Healthcare professionals possess remarkable creativity, and when nurtured, it can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Practices like Mindful Meditation and Tai Chi are powerful tools for cultivating this potential, with scientifically proven benefits for both mental and physical well-being. It's no surprise that mindfulness has found its way into medical schools, university programs, professional training, and even the boardrooms of top Fortune 500 companies.
Dr. Brian Abelson, developer of Motion Specific Release (MSR), has practiced Tai Chi and mindful meditation for over 50 years, profoundly influencing his clinical approach. While our MSR courses primarily focus on the science of manual therapy, we also emphasize the importance of integrating these ancient practices.
In manual therapy, our hands extend our therapeutic discernment and expertise, detecting subtle differences in tissue and joint mobility, identifying barriers to movement, and guiding the healing process. Tai Chi enhances this sensitivity; practitioners can achieve a tactile awareness that rivals, and sometimes surpasses, that of a Braille reader.
Tai Chi's circular movements, known as circumduction, are particularly valuable in manual therapy. These movements help increase relative motion between structures, enhance joint mobility, and release areas of nerve entrapment.
Innovation drives progress in musculoskeletal therapy, according to Dr. Abelson. When traditional methods fall short, the ability to generate and apply unique ideas becomes crucial. Practices like Tai Chi and mindfulness not only enhance physical health but also boost cognitive agility, enabling practitioners to develop innovative, patient-specific solutions.
Recognizing that a healthy clinician is key to effective patient care, our MSR courses often include an introduction to the fundamentals of Mindfulness and Tai Chi. The benefits of these practices, well-supported by peer-reviewed research, strengthen essential skills like focus, memory, and decision-making for both practitioners and patients, serving as natural defenses against cognitive decline. We highly recommend practitioners use these methods in their own lives and also integrate and share them with their patients.
Why Choose Our MSR Courses and MSR Pro Services?
Elevate your clinical practice with our Motion-Specific Release (MSR) courses and MSR Pro services, designed to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to musculoskeletal care. 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 the full potential of your practice 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.
References
Abelson, B., Abelson, K., & Mylonas, E. (2018). A Practitioner's Guide to Motion Specific Release, Functional, Successful, Easy to Implement Techniques for Musculoskeletal Injuries (1st edition). Rowan Tree Books.
Aristotle. (1984). The Complete Works of Aristotle: The Revised Oxford Translation (J. Barnes, Ed.). Princeton University Press.
Kong, J., Wang, C., Kwong, K., Vangel, M., Chua, E., & Gollub, R. (2005). The Neural Substrates of Tactile Object Recognition: An fMRI Study on Braille Reading. Brain Research, 1088(1), 81-90.
Wayne, P. M., & Fuerst, M. (2013). The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart, and Sharp Mind. Shambhala.
Larkey, L., Jahnke, R., Etnier, J., & Gonzalez, J. (2009). Meditative Movement as a Category of Exercise: Implications for Research. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 6(2), 230-238.
Li, F., Harmer, P., Fisher, K., McAuley, E., Chaumeton, N., Eckstrom, E., & Wilson, N. (2005). Tai Chi and Fall Reductions in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 60(2), 187-194.
Wang, C., Bannuru, R., Ramel, J., Kupelnick, B., Scott, T., & Schmid, C. (2010). Tai Chi on Psychological Well-being: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 10(1), 23.
Wayne, P., Walsh, J., Taylor-Piliae, R., Wells, R., Papp, K., Donovan, N., & Yeh, G. (2014). Effect of Tai Chi on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 62(1), 25-39.
Zatorre, R., Fields, R., & Johansen-Berg, H. (2012). Plasticity in Gray and White: Neuroimaging Changes in Brain Structure During Learning. Nature Neuroscience, 15(4), 528-536.
Wei, G., Dong, H., Yang, Z., Luo, J., & Zuo, X. (2017). Tai Chi Chuan Optimizes the Functional Organization of the Intrinsic Human Brain Architecture in Older Adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 6, 74.
Kerr, C. E. (2008). Tactile Acuity in Experienced Tai Chi Practitioners: Evidence for Use Dependent Plasticity as an Effect of Sensory-Attentional Training. Experiential Brain Research 188, no. 2, pp. 317–22.
Wang, C., Schmid, C., Rones, R., Kalish, R., Yinh, J., Goldenberg, D., & McAlindon, T. (2010). A Randomized Trial of Tai Chi for Fibromyalgia. New England Journal of Medicine, 363(8), 743-754.
Lam, P., & Taylor, D. (2006). Tai Chi for Health and Well-being: A Comprehensive Guide. HarperCollins.
Frantzis, B. K. (2006). The Power of Internal Martial Arts and Chi: Combat Secrets of Ba Gua, Tai Chi, and Hsing-I. Blue Snake Books.
Sullivan, M. B., Erb, C. T., & Schmitz, T. J. (2009). The Role of Tai Chi in Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Disorders. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 46(5), 643-652.
Liu, T., Ng, G. Y. F., Chung, R. C. K., & Zhang, Y. (2008). Effects of Tai Chi on Pain and Muscle Strength in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 59(9), 1200-1207.
Field, T. (2011). Tai Chi Research Review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 17(3), 141-146.
Disclaimer:
The content on the MSR website, including articles and embedded videos, serves educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; only certified MSR practitioners should practice these techniques. By accessing this content, you assume full responsibility for your use of the information, acknowledging that the authors and contributors are not liable for any damages or claims that may arise.
This website does not establish a physician-patient relationship. If you have a medical concern, consult an appropriately licensed healthcare provider. Users under the age of 18 are not permitted to use the site. The MSR website may also feature links to third-party sites; however, we bear no responsibility for the content or practices of these external websites.
By using the MSR website, you agree to indemnify and hold the authors and contributors harmless from any claims, including legal fees, arising from your use of the site or violating these terms. This disclaimer constitutes part of the understanding between you and the website's authors regarding the use of the MSR website. For more information, read the full disclaimer and policies in this website.
DR. BRIAN ABELSON, DC.
With over 30 years of clinical experience and a track record of treating more than 25,000 patients, Dr. Abelson developed the Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems to provide powerful and effective solutions for musculoskeletal issues.
As an internationally best-selling author, he is passionate about sharing knowledge and techniques that can benefit the broader healthcare community. A perpetual student, Dr. Abelson continually integrates cutting-edge methods into the MSR programs, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary and patient-centered care.
Beyond his professional life, Dr. Abelson is a dedicated husband and father of two. He and his wife share a deep love for international travel, immersing themselves in different cultures, music, and the joy of connecting with people around the world. An Ironman triathlete and marathon runner for over 30 years, he is also a committed environmentalist with a passion for human rights. His practice, Kinetic Health, is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Comments