Advanced Diploma in Myofascial Release for Postural Integration

A professional qualification in structural assessment, fascia, breathing and postural integration.

From the moment we are born, gravity begins shaping the human body. Every breath, every step, every injury and every year asks the body to reorganise itself beneath gravity's continual influence. Over time, tissue loses elasticity, the spinal curves change, the thorax becomes restricted and breathing mechanics alter.

Many of the postural presentations we recognise as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis may be understood as different expressions of the body's lifelong adaptation beneath gravity. This diploma begins with understanding those adaptations, then sets out to restore movement throughout the thorax, helping the rib cage recover its natural buoyancy and creating the conditions for the whole body to reorganise itself.

Restoring thoracic buoyancy influences breathing, circulation, lymphatic flow, gait, balance, posture and movement efficiency.

At a Glance

A two-module professional qualification: self-paced online study plus a nine-day practical programme
Module Two — Restoring Thoracic Buoyancy: Torsional Release & Sustained Fascial Holds
Delivered in Manchester over three teaching blocks
Next dates: 22–24 January, 5–7 February, 26–28 February
For qualified practitioners holding a minimum Level 4 qualification, or equivalent
Delivered within a trauma-informed and trauma-responsive framework

About the Diploma

The Advanced Diploma in Myofascial Release for Postural Integration has been designed for practitioners who wish to develop a deeper understanding of structural assessment, fascia, posture, breathing and movement. The qualification is completed in two modules.

Module One establishes the practical application of Myofascial Release through self-paced study and clinical practice. Module Two introduces Restoring Thoracic Buoyancy, a nine-day practical programme exploring thoracic organisation, rib mechanics, breathing, fascial continuity and postural integration.

The diploma is awarded only after successful completion of both modules together with all required assessments.

Your Programme Lead — Christian Platts

Christian Platts has worked in clinical practice since 2000 and has taught Myofascial Release to practitioners for more than twenty years. Throughout his career he has remained fascinated by one recurring observation: regardless of diagnosis, many people present with remarkably similar structural adaptations. Rib flare, rib rotation, thoracic collapse, scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, altered breathing patterns and persistent compensation frequently coexist, each influencing the others.

This enquiry has also been personal. Living with a triple scoliosis, rib flare, rib rotation and the long-term effects of birth trauma, including meconium aspiration at birth, Christian has spent many years exploring how these patterns developed and how they could gradually reorganise through careful manual therapy, movement, breathwork and clinical observation. The principles taught throughout this diploma have evolved through that process, refined through his own structural rehabilitation, thousands of hours of clinical practice and more than two decades of teaching.

Alongside his work as a manual therapist, Christian is an experienced breathwork facilitator and trainer, health coach, Internal Family Systems practitioner, trauma-informed and trauma-responsive educator, and group facilitator.

“The practitioner remains their most important clinical instrument. Developing skilled hands begins by developing the ability to observe, feel and understand structural organisation within ourselves.”

Practitioners presenting with rib flare, rib rotation, scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, thoracic restriction or altered breathing patterns are invited to participate as both therapist and recipient whenever appropriate. Experiencing structural change within your own body develops a depth of observation that informs every aspect of clinical practice.

Qualification Pathway

The Advanced Diploma is completed through two modules.

Module One — Self-Paced Application of Myofascial Release

Module One has evolved from more than twenty years of teaching Myofascial Release. It is completed through a comprehensive online learning library presented by Christian Platts. The instructional videos demonstrate the clinical principles and practical techniques that underpin the diploma, allowing practitioners to develop confidence before attending practical training.

Throughout Module One, practitioners apply the techniques within their own practice before completing approximately ten hours of treatment with a case study client. To complete Module One, practitioners submit:

A written case study
Before-and-after photographs
Confirmation of approximately ten hours of treatment

Practitioners who have previously completed Christian Platts' in-house Myofascial Release training, or who hold recognised Myofascial Release qualifications, may attend a professional discussion in place of Module One. Successful completion of Module One, or a successful professional discussion, provides entry to Module Two.

Module Two — Restoring Thoracic Buoyancy

Torsional Release & Sustained Fascial Holds. Module Two is a nine-day practical training programme introducing Christian Platts' latest work in postural integration. Building on the foundations established in Module One, practitioners explore thoracic organisation, rib mechanics, breathing, fascial continuity, structural assessment and the body's lifelong adaptation beneath gravity.

Completion of the nine-day programme fulfils the practical teaching component of Module Two. Following the practical programme, practitioners complete the remaining assessment requirements before the diploma is awarded.

Who Is This Diploma For?

The diploma has been designed for qualified healthcare, manual therapy and movement professionals who wish to develop advanced clinical skills in structural assessment, fascia, breathing and postural integration. Applicants should hold a minimum Level 4 qualification aligned with the National Occupational Standards, or an equivalent professional qualification.

The diploma is suitable for:

Myofascial Release Therapists
Sports Therapists
Massage Therapists
Osteopaths
Physiotherapists
Chiropractors
Pilates and Yoga Teachers
Exercise and Movement Practitioners
Breathwork Practitioners

Structural Assessment

Every participant begins Module Two with a comprehensive structural assessment. Learning to recognise structural organisation is every bit as important as learning techniques. Assessment includes standing, supine and weight-bearing posture, thoracic movement, rib cage mobility, walking assessment, treadmill gait analysis, breathing pattern assessment, functional movement and agreed body measurements where appropriate.

These assessments are repeated throughout the programme, allowing practitioners to observe measurable structural change while refining their clinical observation and reasoning.

The Nine-Day Programme

Days One to Three — Restoring the Thorax

The opening three days focus on restoring movement throughout the thorax. Practitioners learn the complete Torsional Release approach together with Sustained Fascial Holds, developing an understanding of how individual ribs influence breathing, posture and whole-body mechanics. Teaching includes rib articulations, Torsional Release, Sustained Fascial Holds, diaphragm release, costal margin techniques, thoracic assessment, recognition of rib rotation and collapse, clinical reasoning, breathing mechanics, gait analysis and core recruitment.

Work around the thorax frequently evokes physical, emotional and physiological responses. The classroom provides space for those experiences whenever they arise. Reflection, discussion and therapeutic presence remain woven throughout the programme, recognising that structural change often unfolds across multiple systems.

Days Four to Six — Restoring Spinal Organisation

As movement returns throughout the thorax, attention expands towards the spine. Teaching includes vertebral articulations, fascial decompression, cervical, thoracic and lumbar techniques, fascial continuity, therapeutic touch, relaxation skills and the therapeutic use of sound. Assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment planning continue to develop alongside practical application.

Days Seven to Nine — Whole-Body Integration

The final three days explore how restoring thoracic organisation influences the rest of the body. Teaching includes the feet, knees, hips, pelvis, gluteal function, coccyx, proprioception, corrective exercise, restorative movement and fascial coordination. Practitioners integrate the complete approach through practical treatment sessions, supervised clinical work, discussion and advanced treatment planning.

Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Practice

Restriction within the thorax often reflects many years of adaptation. The diploma is delivered within a trauma-informed and trauma-responsive framework, recognising the relationship between structure, breathing, physiology and lived experience. Discussion throughout the programme includes regulation, therapeutic presence, grief, praise, professional boundaries and the therapeutic relationship. Participants receive a preferential rate for the forthcoming Advanced Trauma Responsive Training.

Assessment and Qualification

The Advanced Diploma in Myofascial Release for Postural Integration is awarded only after all components of the programme have been successfully completed. These include:

Successful completion of Module One, or an approved professional discussion
Successful completion of Module Two — Restoring Thoracic Buoyancy
Submission of all required clinical case studies
Clinical reasoning and reflective practice
Supporting clinical evidence, including photographs and video where appropriate
Successful completion of the assessment process

Graduates become eligible to progress to the Master's Programme in Clinical Breathwork Practice, where the structural principles established within this diploma are expanded into advanced breathing assessment, nervous system regulation and therapeutic breathwork.

Programme Philosophy

Gravity continually shapes the human body. Every breath, every injury, every adaptation and every year contributes to the way the body organises itself. The body is always responding to compression, injury, habit, emotion, ageing and the countless demands placed upon it throughout life.

The work is grounded in observation. Observation develops into understanding, understanding informs clinical reasoning, clinical reasoning guides treatment, and treatment creates the opportunity for further adaptation. At the heart of this diploma is a simple question:

What becomes possible when the thorax regains its capacity to lift, expand and adapt?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a nine-day course?

No. The nine-day practical training is Module Two of the Advanced Diploma. Practitioners first complete Module One — Self-Paced Application of Myofascial Release, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through a professional discussion.

What is Module One?

Module One is a self-paced online learning programme developed from more than twenty years of teaching Myofascial Release. Practitioners study the instructional videos before applying the techniques within their own practice and completing approximately ten hours of treatment with a case study client.

Can I attend Module Two without completing Module One?

Only practitioners who have successfully completed Module One, or who have demonstrated equivalent knowledge through a professional discussion, are eligible to attend Module Two.

I have already studied Myofascial Release. Do I still need Module One?

Not necessarily. Practitioners who have previously completed Christian Platts' in-house Myofascial Release training, or who hold recognised Myofascial Release qualifications, may complete a professional discussion instead of Module One.

When is the Advanced Diploma awarded?

The diploma is awarded only after successful completion of Module One (or an approved professional discussion), successful completion of Module Two, submission and successful completion of all required case studies, and completion of the assessment process.

Is this diploma suitable for practitioners with scoliosis, kyphosis or lordosis?

Yes. Many practitioners attend with their own structural presentations. Experiencing the work personally often deepens clinical observation and informs treatment with future clients.

Is the programme trauma-informed?

Yes. Trauma-informed and trauma-responsive principles are integrated throughout the diploma, recognising the relationship between structure, breathing, physiology and lived experience.

Will I gain practical experience?

Yes. The diploma combines practical application, structural assessment, supervised treatments, discussion, clinical reasoning and reflective practice throughout both modules.

Why does Module Two begin with the thorax?

The thorax influences breathing, posture, movement, load distribution and the relationship between the ribs, diaphragm and spine. Module Two explores how restoring movement throughout the thorax influences the organisation of the whole body beneath gravity.

What happens after completing the diploma?

Graduates become eligible to continue their studies on the Master's Programme in Clinical Breathwork Practice, further developing advanced skills in breathing assessment, nervous system regulation and therapeutic breathwork.