Massage Therapy
We offer massage therapy techniques that include:
- CranioSacral Therapy
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Joint Mobilization
- Muscle Energy Therapy
- Ortho-Bionomy (Myofascial Release Therapy)
- Strain/Counterstrain (Positional Release Therapy)
- Reiki and Reflexology
- Visceral Manipulation
These modalities are useful in treating a number of conditions:
- Chronic neck and shoulder tension
- General muscle fatigue and stress
- Degenerative disc disease
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Headaches
- Low back pain
- Sciatica
- Tendinitis
- Whiplash injuries
- Sports injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Strains and sprains
- Frozen shoulder
- Arthritis
1) Visceral Manipulation
This gentle technique assists musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. VM increases proprioceptive communication in the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.
Visceral manipulation is noninvasive and releases specific organs by moving surrounding restrictions. The result is improvement of organ function and relaxation of irritated nerves that may be limiting movement of ribs, vertebrae, hips, knees, shoulders, etc.
Strains in the connective tissue around the viscera can result from surgical scars, illness, posture or injury. Tension patterns form deep within the body, creating a cascade of effects and compensations, often far from their source. This creates points of tension that the body must move around, and this irritation creates functional and structural problems.
Imagine an adhesion around the liver. It would create an axis that demands abnormal accommodations from nearby body structures. For example, the adhesion could alter rib motion, which could then create imbalanced forces on the vertebral column and, with time, develop a dysfunctional relationship with other structures. This scenario highlights just one of hundreds of possible results of a small dysfunction, magnified by thousands of repetitions each day.
2) CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. Using a soft touch (generally no greater than 5 grams) restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system can be released.
The brain and spinal cord have a strong influence over the body’s ability to function properly. The central nervous system is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system – the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.
Every day your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. These changes often cause tissues to tighten and distort the brain and spinal cord, resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.
By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.
3) Ortho-Bionomy
A gentle technique that uses activate self-correction of nerve reflexes, allowing the body to return to its original patterns of health. Physical and emotional healing occur as the body remembers its natural ability to seek balance by moving from pain to comfort.
Ortho-Bionomy helps with a variety of acute injuries such as whiplash, sports injuries and surgery; chronic conditions like headaches, back pain and stress; problems associated with postural and structural imbalances, and emotional issues.
Working within patients' comfort zones is one of the principles of Ortho-Bionomy, since creating resistance and tension stops connective tissue from releasing. Rather than trying to 'change' people physically, the intent is to help them become conscious of what is problematic within their bodies. This increased awareness helps them participate in their own self-correction, and enables them to regain their original patterns of balance and wellness.
4) Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization is the passive movement of a joint, used to loosen the joint capsule (Saran Wrap-like tissue which holds in fluids and helps lubricate the joint surface) and connective tissue surrounding a restricted and painful joint. Because mobilizing a joint releases so many layers, it can create broad scale decreases of pain and increases in range of motion. It is often very gentle, and works well in conjunction with techniques like CranioSacral Therapy and Muscle Energy Therapy, which target neurological structures more specifically.
5) Muscle Energy Therapy
Because Muscle Energy Therapy effectively reduces muscle spasms that perpetuate the pain cycle, it couples well with physiotherapy and chiropractic care. When we have joint immobility, often the muscles that pull joints out of neutral will be tight and irritated. This technique gently persuades the affected muscles and their nerves to release and allow proper joint mechanics to return.
Muscle Energy Therapy is performed with active muscle engagement of an isolated joint, in a specific direction, and against a distinctly executed counter-force. It is used to treat decreased range of motion (usually in the spine and pelvis), muscular tension, and pain.
6) Positional Release (Strain-Counterstrain)
Positional Release Therapy (PRT), also known as strain counterstrain,resolves pain and dysfunction through positioning the body in positions of comfort. The neurological system can be manipulated to interrupt the pain spasm cycle. Over time, PRT can reset the resting length of tissue to a "normal" range, which promotes increase in strength, performance and function.
Essentially, PRT is the opposite of stretching. Much like unkinking a knot from a chain necklace, PRT works in the same fashion; tissues are pushed together, twisted, compressed and encouraged to take tension off "neurological chain links." The therapy is pain-free and is suited for all ages and most painful conditions.
Pilates
Why Pilates?
Pilates is a system of movement and therapeutic exercise developed over 60 years by Joseph Pilates, a pioneer of physical therapy. Utilizing specialized equipment, the method works by toning muscles and balancing joints. It stimulates circulation through facilitating muscular flexibility, joint range of motion and proper musculoskeletal alignment. In addition, Pilates promotes new neuromuscular patterns, heightened body awareness, and more precise coordination. This combination of benefits can help prevent re-injury and reduce, or even alleviate, chronic pain and immobility.
The Pilates method, or "classic Pilates", addresses specific injuries while rehabilitating the entire body, thus encouraging healing. Breath work is an integral part of the sessions, since oxygenation and circulation combine to accelerate the healing process.
Pilates is often the most effective tool for injury rehabilitation because it addresses and strengthens the body as a unit. As you become stronger, you will become aware of bracing patterns and imbalances, which will lead you to understand how to deal with incorrect movement in every day life.
Mat and reformer classes are available, either separate from other treatments offered, or in conjunction with a massage therapy appointment. Call us to schedule a session.