Manual Therapies

Manual therapy techniques can greatly enhance recovery when used in conjunction with traditional therapy approaches. There are several manual therapy techniques which can be used including myofascial release, Craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and lymph drainage. Each of these techniques works with a different system of the body and restores balance to allow improved function.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Myofascial release works with the fascia system. Fascia is the most pervasive tissue in the body. It is a 3-D network that covers every organ, muscle, nerve, blood vessel from head to toe. It provides shape, lubrication, and nutrition to the body. Myofascial release involves "the facilitation of mechanical, neural, and the psychophysiological adaptive potential as interfaced via the myofascial system". It opens the pathways for recovery and facilitates the patient's inherent ability to correct soft tissue dysfunction. It improves postural symmetry, increases fluidity of movement, decreases subjective pain complaints, and feeds neuroplasticity via the Law of Avalanche: Multiple sensations may be aroused in the brain by a simple stimulus in the periphery.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Craniosacral therapy evaluates and enhances the function of the craniosacral system which is a semi-closed hydraulic system within the dura mater. The dura mater envelopes the brain and spinal cord and is filled with cerebral spinal fluid which protects and surrounds the brain and spinal cord, removes waste products, and provides nourishment. Restrictions of the dura and imbalances of the rhythm are detected and a gentle touch is used to promote the body's natural healing process.

VISCERAL MANIPULATION

Visceral manipulation works with the mobility & motility of the organs of thoracic cavity. This motion can become restricted by physical trauma, surgery, inflammation, abnormal tone, or compromised nervous system. It is also influenced by the nervous system and by the craniosacral rhythm. Restoration of the mobility will result in improvements in function.

LYMPH DRAINAGE

The lymphatic system must be performing optimally to ensure that toxins, waste and excess fluid are filtered out of the body. The gentle facilatory touch of lymph drainage will encourage proper lymph circulation and maintain normal cellular functioning and a healthy immune system.