Massage Therapy
Massage is the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue of the body. It can be used to treat specific conditions, chronic pain, postural dysfunction and injuries or to reduce stress, promote relaxation and induce rest. Techniques are usual Swedish based including stroking, kneading, flushing increasing circulation to tissue and promoting relaxation.
Craniosacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
- Migraine Headaches
- Chronic Neck and Back PainColic
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Orthopedic Problems
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Chronic Fatigue
- Emotional Difficulties
- Stress and Tension-Related Problems
- Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
- Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Post-Surgical Dysfunction
(Information taken from Upledger Institute website)
Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction
Aka TMJ – This is the dysfunction of the jaw joint. The technique treats and assess the jaw, neck muscles, temporal and other headache referring muscles, base of skull, sinuses and overall posture. TMJ can be caused by trigger points from muscles, injury, dental issues, sinus issues, postural dysfunction etc. The techniques require working the neck, head and face muscles along with some intraoral work to the intrinsic muscles around the jaw joint. This technique is enhanced by Craniosacral Therapy, osteopathy based techniques.
Visceral Manipulation
The visceral system relies on the interconnected synchronicity between the motions of all the organs and structures of the body. At optimal health, this harmonious relationship remains stable despite the body’s endless varieties of motion. But when one organ cannot move in harmony with its viscera due to abnormal tone, adhesions or displacement, it works against the body’s other organs and muscular, membranous, fascial and osseous structures. This disharmony creates fixed, abnormal points of tension that the body is forced to move around. And that chronic irritation, in turn, paves the way for postural distortion, neuromuscular dysfunction, and disease processes.
Visceral Manipulation is based on the specific placement of soft manual forces to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. These gentle manipulations can potentially improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body. It encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your organs, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal system through the connective tissue attachments, and influence general metabolism.
(Information taken directly form The Upledger Institute website)
Myofascial Release
Fascia is a unique tissue system of the body that has an similar appearance to a spider’s web. Fascia is a very intricate tissue , covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein and all internal organs including the heart, lungs, bain and spinal cord. Dysfunction to this structure can create restrictions. Dysfunction can be from injuries, surgeries, infection, chronic inflammation, and poor posture to name a few. The treatment is like a stretch. It can be light to fairly deep depending on the area. It is done on the surface of the skin without oil to create tension.
Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system consists of vessels, nodes, organs and lymph fluid which is part of our immune system. The nodes and vessels are superficial, therefor the lymphatic is very light and directionally specific to the body’s natural direction of drainage. The massage promotes drainage or clearing of the vessels and nodes and stimulates the organs to process the waste from these vessels. This type of massage is effective when inflammation/congestion is present from injury, inflammation and post surgical. It relaxes the tissues with its gentle, rhythmic technique decreasing congestion that can cause pain and dysfunction.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology Tape is an stretchable therapeutic tape with an acrylic adhesive that is used with the intent of treating pain. Depending on the muscle and what it requires; relaxation, pain relief , drainage or support, the tape is laid in a specific direction with a specific tension to achieve results required. This is a great addition to therapy and one that will last a few days at home.
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