Manual Therapies

Myofacial and/or muscular problems that Manual Therapies can help:
chronic pain, headache, back pain, whiplash, muscle spasms, restriction of motion, poor posture, carpal tunnel and neurological dysfunction.

• Myofascial Release

 Myofascial Release is a very effective technique that works to relieve the facia layers of adhesions to surrounding tissues and rebalance our muscle and connective soft tissue system. Specialized 'stretch' and 'release' technique as well as other techniques are incorporated to return the facia to its neutral position and condition.

What is the process?
You and your therapist will discuss relevant information including any discomforts you have such as pain, injuries, disorders and similar matters. Problems are noted and treatment begins. The goal is to provide safe and effective treatment that encourages your body to restore, realign and balance your myofascial system.

• NeuroMuscular Therapy aka Trigger Point Therapy

This therapy was developed by Dr. Janet Travell. 
Trigger Point therapy is the application of an appropriate amount of light pressure to "trigger" the muscle tissue into a reset function which allows the tender tissue to return to its neutral and natural position thereby relieving the pain or lack of range of motion of a joint or appendage.

What are Trigger Points?
Trigger points refer to the areas of tenderness in a muscle. There are two basic types of trigger points: active and latent. Active trigger points cause muscular pain. Active points will often refer pain and tenderness to another area of the body when pressure is applied. Latent trigger point's only exhibit pain when compressed, they do not refer pain to other areas of the body. Latent trigger points are likely to be one of the causes of stiff joints and restricted range of motion.

Trigger points are different from acupressure points. Acupressure points are concentrations of energy or blockages of the body's energy pathways. Trigger points are physical phenomena that can be felt by touching.

What Causes Trigger Points?
Trigger points have several causes. Some common causes are: birth trauma, an injury sustained in a fall or accident, poor posture, or overexertion.

• Swedish Massage

In the classical treatment this gentle technique of long strokes, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and kneading movements are used to release muscle tensions, remove the pain and improve blood circulation.  Rubbing between bones and strokes generally are performed in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Swedish massage reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as part of a regular program for stress management. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It also just simply feels good.

Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit: Swedish massage techniques include:

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