Q: Who are you? And what is your background?

A: I’m a physical therapist practicing a specialized form of manual therapy known as myofascial release, and I own a private practice in Wayne that focuses on the treatment of chronic pain conditions. After doing my undergraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania, I spent a number of years in business before being involved in an auto accident. In recovering from [my] injuries, I was exposed to physical therapy and realized that this type of work was my true calling. I returned to school as an adult student and earned my masters degree in physical therapy from Beaver College, now Arcadia University. I have had the opportunity to practice in a wide variety of settings ranging from intensive care units to home care.

Q: Who are the people you treat?

A: While my patients represent a cross-section of the area population, they tend to be those who are seeking a different approach to addressing their chronic pain issues. Typically, they have sought out traditional medical advice and therapies with less than satisfactory results. Often, they've seen half a dozen doctors and have tried several types of mainstream and alternative approaches prior to seeing me.

Q: What kinds of injuries do they have? And are they being injured at home or at work?

A: I see a wide variety of injuries that literally affect my patients from head to toe, manifesting as everything from chronic headaches to plantar fasciitis, a painful condition of the foot. These days, the distinction between home and work is often blurred with many people working out of their homes or performing work-like activities at home in their free time. ...A number of people are injured in auto accidents and while playing sports. I also see individuals who have experienced chronic pain in the months and years following surgeries in which the development of scar tissue has played a role in perpetuating their pain.

Q: Why do people get carpal tunnel syndrome or some of the other injuries you see and treat?

A: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome fall within the category of repetitive stress injuries. As the name implies, these conditions arise from continued repetition of the same movement, leading to chronic strain, inflammation and pain.

Q: Are some types of injuries more common than others?

A: I am seeing more and more patients who present with a complex combination of neck, shoulder and arm symptoms that are highly attributable to a combination of prolonged computer work, telephone use and driving. These activities contribute to bringing the head and neck into a forward position, followed by forward rounding of the shoulders. Over a period of years, soft tissues become progressively more restricted. Range of motion of the neck and shoulders can be diminished. Headache and pain in the neck, back, shoulders and arms can result from increased pressure on nerves and joints. This whole posture related complex begins in grade school with prolonged sitting. In women, it is additionally influenced by maturational changes, specifically breast development. The simple biomechanics of having developed breast tissue further exacerbates the tendency for shortening of soft tissues of the neck shoulders and chest.

Q: What is ergonomics? And how many people are affected by it?

A: A strict definition of ergonomics would be "the study of the design and arrangement of equipment so that people will interact with the equipment in a healthy, comfortable and efficient manner." I could easily argue that ergonomic issues influence all of us. If you are reading this on your computer, you are working in an environment defined by factors such as the design of the keyboard, the type of mouse you are using, the height of your desk surface, the support features of your chair, and the distance and position of your monitor. In your car, you are influenced by specific features of the seat, the height and distance to the steering wheel, the distance to the brake and gas pedals, mirror positioning, and the relative ease of difficulty of reaching all the other knobs and buttons.

Q: What is myofascial release therapy?

A: Myofascial release (MFR) is a whole-body, hands-on approach to the evaluation and treatment of the human structure. The fascial system forms a continuous web from head to toe, integrating muscle tissue, joint capsules, bones, the brain and spinal cord, and the viscera. Trauma, inflammatory processes and postural imbalance contribute to strain in the fascial system. Over time, this leads to chronic pressure on pain-producing structures. The goal of MFR is to help return the individual's physiological adaptive capacity by increasing space and mobility, restoring three-dimensional symmetry, and returning the structure to a normal vertical orientation with gravity. This equilibrium allows the body's self-correcting mechanisms to come into play, alleviating symptoms and restoring proper function.

Q: How old is it? And what does the therapy entail?

A: The modern approach to Myofascial Release was developed over the last 40 years by John F. Barnes, PT. ...The therapy consists of a series of prolonged manual stretches, tensions, pressures, and soft tissue mobilizations that are best understood if observed or actually experienced. ... The techniques are supplemented with a number of simple home exercises that augment the therapy and speed the healing process.

Q: Can myofascial release therapy be used to treat ergonomic-related injuries?

A: Absolutely! The scenario I described earlier of neck, shoulder and arm pain, is a great example of a problem that responds very well to myofascial release therapy. Of course, certain changes will almost certainly be required to help prevent recurrences. This might include reorienting computer components or altering seat settings in a car.

Q: How long does one undergo therapy?

A: Therapy sessions last either 30 or 60 minutes. The number of required sessions is highly individualized, depending on the severity of the underlying problem, a person's own innate healing capacity, and the level of compliance with self-treatment techniques. Some problems are cleared up in a handful of sessions; others require prolonged attention.

Q: How much does an average session cost? Is this form of treatment covered by health insurance?

A: Rates among practitioners vary depending on credentials and degree of experience. My rates are $75 for half-hour sessions [and] $125 for full hour sessions. ... When performed by a physical therapist, most health insurance providers reimburse for this work.

Q: How can people learn more about this form of treatment and find other places in the region that offer it?

A: My Web site, www.maurymalyn.com includes much more information, as well as, links to related sites.

Q: Can you offer tips or practical steps people can take to prevent ergonomic-related injuries?

A: Pay attention!! Be especially mindful of what you do during the course a day, and pay close attention to which activities may be leading you into pain. Then, spend some time thinking out the specifics of those activities. What happens when you adjust the position of an automobile seat? How do you respond to repositioning your computer monitor? ... Try some new kitchen cutlery with larger, softer handles. Seek out the help of professionals who bring a different way of looking at a situation and who can suggest frequently simple solutions. When you are engaging in any activity that involves repetitive motion, limit the time involved, stretch appropriately, take breaks.

Q: What is your fitness strategy? How do you stay in shape?

A: I work out regularly with the athletic trainers at Vertex Fitness in Bryn Mawr. ...When the weather cooperates I like to exercise and unwind by whitewater kayaking and surf-kayaking. In addition, my work is a pretty good form of exercise!