Manual therapy is a specific approach to the body using a combination of hands-on techniques designed to treat muscle tension and chronic pain. Benefits include…

Restoring muscle function
Increasing range of motion
Improving posture, stability and mobility
Facilitates pain-free movement
Reducing and eliminating soft tissue inflammation

Each session will always be different from the last, building on each one as we work toward a common and understood goal. All treatments are made up of multiple techniques blended together to create a well rounded and holistic approach for YOU and your specific needs.

Below are some of the most common styles of manual therapy used in any given session…

Deep Tissue Sculpting: The standard. Great for promoting deep relaxation, releasing tension, and opening up restricted range of motion. Sculpting is a specific kind of deep tissue technique that uses gradual pressure, allowing for the muscle to relax and release for a deeper compression.

NeuroMuscular Therapy (NMT): This technique breaks up excess scar tissue on injured muscles and helps lengthen them when they have become shortened due to repetitive injury. Its not always the most comfortable while receiving, but it is very effective and can free up areas of limited range of motion rather quickly.

Sports Therapy:  A blend of several different techniques to improve muscle function and flexibility. This type of massage was originally created to serve pro athletes but through the years, more and more people leading active lives have found relief from pain and tension using these techniques.

Passive Joint Movement: Creating movement in the joint while applying pressure in the muscle is a easy way to allow the body to let go of certain holding patterns. It helps open up the joint and promotes greater flexibility and range of motion. It also reminds the body that it can move in ways it doesn’t normally move to decrease compensation patterns.

Orthopedic: A comprehensive system of various techniques designed to prevent and rehabilitate injuries. It involves therapeutic assessment, manipulation and movement of locomotor soft tissue to reduce pain and dysfunction with a focus on the functional movement patterns of each individual. Restoring structural balance throughout the body allows focus on both prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Structural Integration: A system of manual therapy that focuses on the connective tissue, or fascia, of the body. The approach is wholistic in that it considers the entire fascial chains or kinetic chains throughout the body when treatments are applied. It is practiced in an organized series of sessions or individual sessions within a framework that is designed to restore postural balance by aligning and integrating the body in gravity.

Prenatal: Techniques specifically designed to support a woman’s body during the 10 months of pregnancy. All FOUR trimesters are always taken into consideration and are completely safe to receive prenatal bodywork during each stage of gestation. Women who are considered “high risk” are asked to get clearance from their OB or midwife before receiving treatment.

Postpartum: Considered to take place for up to a year after childbirth. Modalities release tension and soothe multiple systems throughout the body. Techniques are meant to nurture and support the postpartum recovery process, mom and baby. Each stage is honored as a new mom transitions and grows into her new role.

MyoFascial Release: Fascia is a kind of connective tissue that encases our muscles into bundles and gives our body its shape. We are creatures of habit and we create repetitive holding patterns of tension. Our fascia can become restricted leading to pain and discomfort. Myofascial Release uses stretching of the fascia to open up tight and restricted areas in the body, allowing for you to feel more open and free.

Thai Sports: Noted for being similar to yoga, it’s nick name has often been “lazy man’s yoga”. Similar to passive joint movement but with rhythm and the use of compressions using the feet and knees, hands, arms and elbows. The rhythmic compressions and stretching help to increase flexibility while stimulating a deep sense of relaxation. Thai can be performed on the table, but is traditionally practiced on the floor. Clients are clothed in comfortable attire.

CranioSacral Therapy: The kind of treatment that is beneficial for everyone of all ages and most every condition.  By applying extremely light pressure (5 grams or the weight of a nickel), space is held, and the body heals and finds balance while feeling supported. Clients remain fully clothed throughout the entire session, unless it is a blended treatment with other therapies that require clothes off.

PNF Stretching: Considered an optimal stretching method due to the safety and efficiency of the exercise. It increases range of motion, improves motor performance, and aids in rehabilitation. The muscle releases using a resisted contraction during a stretch. The effects are often immediate and noticeable.

Cupping: An ancient practice that has recently gained traction in the Western elite athletic arena. Cups are used to suction and draw out stagnant blood, fluid and ‘chi’. Benefits include increased range of motion, scar tissue softening, and improved muscle function. Cupping is often integrated into a manual therapy session to achieve lasting benefits.

Hara Abdominal Work: A Traditional Thai technique designed to soften and release the gut and intestines to stimulate digestion and support the absorption of nutrients. Hara consists of deep rhythmic compressions throughout the abdomen that timed with conscious breathing techniques.

Self MyoFascial Release: Release tension and be proactive using specific tools and techniques created to keep you feeling balanced, flexible with optimal range of motion and muscle function.

For more information on which manual therapy session best fits your needs, click HERE