What is LightForce Technique?

LightForce Technique (LFT) is a gentle mobilization technique that is extremely effective and easy to use.  It utilizes gentle, joint gapping and is efficient enough to allow you to mobilize the spine and pelvis in 20 minutes or less.  LFT also uses Muscle Assist and Muscle Resist techniques which are similar to “mobilization with movement” and “muscle energy” procedures. 

Unlike other techniques, LFT focuses on mobilizing the myofascial and connective tissue system through gentle, specific joint stretching.  LFT also uses unique hand and body positions and the LFT-Bar to reduce strain on the therapist, decreasing the likelihood of injury to the therapist.  High velocity manipulation is not taught and is believed to be, by the instructors, more likely to cause injury to both therapist and patient.

Types of Mobilization Techniques Taught

1. Direct Mobilization:  Graded joint mobilization, Craniosacral, Myofascial (Meltdown), mobilization with movement, etc. Force is directed into resistance.
2. Muscle Resist Muscle Energy, Post Isometric Relaxation: Uses patient assistance to contract away from barrier followed by relaxation and movement to the new barrier.
3. Muscle Assist or Mobilization with Movement:  Uses active patient movement to assist the practitioner using direct, pain free mobilization.  Uses patient momentum to overcome joint resistance, tissue tightness and joint/muscle memory.
4. T-Bar Mobilization uses a small a comfortable rubber tipped pressure point device to relieve stress on the therapists’ spine and extremities.
5. Indirect Technique (Unwinding):  Moves joint in position of ease, away from resistance.

What is Mobilization?

1. Mobilization refers to relatively low velocity, repetitive movements applied to the spine or extremity joints.  Some practitioners refer to grades 1-5 as mobilization and describe grade 5 as high velocity manipulation and grade 1 as very small, gentle movements.
2. Manipulation refers to high force, high velocity thrusts that often results in moving the joint with a concomitant “popping” sound.  It is often referred to as an adjustment, or a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust.

What Courses are Available?

There are two 12 hour weekend classes available:

1. Class I teaches mobilization of the spine and pelvis.
2. Class II teaches mobilization of extremities and TMJ

Is Anything Else Included?

1. A strong focus will be placed on how to use motion and static palpation to accurately screen for mechanical dysfunction. 
2. We will discuss how kinesiotaping, laser therapy, and exercise can be blended with mobilization. 

Who Can Attend?

The class is primarily designed for therapists and is only open to practitioners with a license that allows them to practice joint mobilization.If you have any interest in holding a class at your facility, you will be given a significant discount, depending on how many therapists plan to attend.  If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

Sponsoring a Class

Classes are held in cities where we have a sponsoring clinic or organization. 
408/202-5885 Karen Woodbeck, PT, ATC, OCS
650/224-8789 Curtis Turchin, DC, MA
866/789-7456 Apollo Physical Therapy Products

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