Framework Instructional Videos

Video Review by Scott Hopkins, DC

If you are a frequent reader of Dynamic Chiropractic, you have most likely read at least a few articles by Dr. Marc Heller. Dr. Heller has recently created a set of videos called the Framework Instructional Videos. The set consists of five videos: Principles; The Pelvis; Lumbar Spine; Thoracic Spine and Chest Wall; and Cervical Spine. Each video is accompanied by a detailed set of PowerPoint notes, which is shown throughout each presentation.

The set focuses primarily on technique, but it is also peppered with philosophy, anatomy, rehabilitation and biomechanics. The technique video starts out by applying a concept called "listening." The major premise is that by doing a broad-contact static palpation, an experienced chiropractor can get a general idea as to where the problem is. Dr. Heller then goes into prioritization and inhibition testing, a technique to determine which areas should be addressed first. He explains how to determine the subtle direction in which the vertebrae are misaligned. By "engaging the soft barrier" of a restriction, the subluxation can be determined, and the correction can be accomplished.

The main ways that adjustments are completed in the Framework Instructional Videos are with low-force manipulations, such as ELF and recoil. ELF (engage, listen, and follow) is a derivative of myofascial release. Recoil (minus the toggle part) is done by engaging and releasing in the direction of correction. Dr. Heller also discusses positional release, also called strain-counterstrain. Each type of adjustment is done specific to the area of the spine, taking into account the history of the lesion. Please keep in mind that my explanation is merely a quick, germane overview of all that these tapes contain.

Since many of Dr. Heller's concepts are different than how I normally practice, some of the information seemed foreign to me. However, after watching the videos a second time, I understood what Dr. Heller was teaching, and it made a whole lot of sense. This technique is not something you are going to master after the first viewing, but that applies to everything. I am actually quite excited about reviewing them further, to see what else I can pick up. The entire set of videos is very detailed and nothing is overlooked. By watching these tapes, I realized that there are many areas of the body that I never even considered checking before. One added bonus is that Dr. Heller is very easy to contact. When I had questions, he returned my e-mails promptly. He also has made the countless articles he has written on these topics available on his Web site: www.drmarcheller.com.

The benchmark differentiating between a bad video and a good one is whether the orator is reading from a set of notes in an emotionless, monotone voice, or if he or she truly understands and owns the material. Dr. Marc Heller is obviously quite knowledgeable about what he is teaching. He is a master at what he does, and this is obvious in his videos. If you are interested in a set of well-presented, easy-to-understand videos, and you want to learn more about low-force chiropractic, with a heavy emphasis on understanding what is going on, these videos are for you. I would recommend these videos to anyone looking to "expand their bag of tricks," so to speak.

To order any or all of these videos, call (800) 359-2289.

Dr. Hopkins' Rating:

9.75 out of 10