THERAPEUTIC BODYWORK & Exercise
Craniosacral Therapy(CST) is an established osteopathic technique based on the principle that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. It is a light-touch, hands-on therapy designed to facilitate this natural ability. CST works to release soft-tissue restrictions that cause imbalance and interfere with healing.
The Craniosacral system consists of the soft tissues (meninges) and fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that surround the brain and spinal cord supporting and protecting the central nervous system. A CST therapist uses light touch to monitor the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and feel for areas of weak flow or restricted tissue motion. Following tension through the body’s tissues to its source of dysfunction, the therapist applies manual techniques to release these restrictions allowing the nervous system to rebalance and the body to self-correct.
Craniosacral Therapy has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of health challenges including but not limited to:
- Chronic pain.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Insomnia.
- Migraine headache.
- Complex regional pain syndrome.
- Fascial adhesions.
- High blood pressure
- Restrictions in blood and lymph flow
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Neuralgia.
- Neurodegenerative diseases.
- Temporo-mandibular joint syndrome.
- Stroke
- Post-concussion syndrome.
- Speech impairment.
- Epilepsy.
SomatoEmotional Release (SER)
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) expands on the principles of CST with the intention of releasing the residual effects of past injuries and negative experiences that can lodge in the body’s tissues causing symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and emotional stress. SER helps to decrease the adverse effects of past traumas by facilitating a gentle process for releasing tissue memory. This mind-body somatic approach may also help a person to gain insight into how held trauma may be influencing physical and emotional health and support the transition to wholeness and optimal function.
Reference (https://www.upledger.com/therapies/)
Deep aching muscular pain that is persistent or worsening. A tender point or tight “knot” in a muscle. Difficulty sleeping due to pain or tension. Decreased range of motion or ability to stretch. Overall stress or fatigue—these are just a few signs of possible fascial adhesions.
Fascia is the collagen based connective tissue that surrounds every structure of the body. It forms a web-like system that not only surrounds the large structures of bones, muscles, and organs, but penetrates these fibers and tissues down to the cellular level. Fascia supports and brings nutrients to all these structures and is the ground substance that connects and unifies the body from the skin to the deepest levels of organ and bone. Stress, dehydration, injury, and nutritional imbalances can cause fascia to adhere to the skin layers muscular structures or organs it surrounds. These fascial adhesions can, in turn, restrict movement, lymphatic functioning and decrease the optimal functioning of the vital organs
The myofascial system is the structural and functional interaction of fascia with the muscular system (myo meaning muscle). Myofascial therapy is a manual technique applied to release adhesions in the myofascial system. Myofascial therapy is known to increase joint range of motion, relieve joint and muscular pain, relieve headaches, release neural impingements, facilitate circulation, and improve a number of chronic pain conditions related to postural imbalances and muscular tightness. Myofascial work has also shown to be effective in softening and realigning scar tissue as well as improving the appearance of surgical scars.
Myofascial therapy involves applied pressure that may be held in a position to relax, stretch or realign the tissue. It can include both light touch techniques as well as deeper pressure. You may be asked to move slightly against pressure to release a particular area or free the restricted movement of a joint. A myofascial session is generally more therapeutic in approach than a typical relaxation massage. While it is not unpleasant, the work can be intense at times, and a skilled therapist will always stay in careful communication with you regarding your pain-threshold. There is usually more movement and changing of positions on the table than in a typical massage, and while the mood of the session is more “clinical” than “spa,” the result can be a more deeply satisfying sense of rejuvenation and ease, as you find your body liberated from the restrictions of old patterns.
Addressing chronic pain, and stress patterns at their root cause: your daily life.
Whether for injury, stress, or persistent pain and tension patterns, Therapeutic movement and corrective exercise will take your progress to the next level empowering you with the knowledge and tools to relieve pain, counterbalance stress, balance posture, and condition your body for greater resilience and performance. Even a few simple movements for as little as fifteen minutes a day can enhance your bodywork sessions for longer lasting results and continuous improvement. Ongoing regular sessions build your resources for addressing physical challenges on your own as they come up.
During our first session, we will assess your posture and movement patterns, and discuss any challenges or concerns you are hoping to correct. Then we work together to discover a series of corrective movements tailored to your particular challenge. Exercises are largely based on the principles of the Pilates Method and may also include other forms of resistance training, flexibility training, and body awareness work.
Pilates
Pilates is a method of movement and exercise designed to improve strength, flexibility, and awareness named after its founder and creator Joseph H. Pilates. Emphasizing proper breathing, smooth, rhythmic movement, and correct alignment, the Pilates method focuses on quality of movement over forced repetitions. Whole-body movement that begins from core, Pilates demands a mental focus that increases body awareness, and leaves you feeling grounded, well-conditioned, and capable.
Pilates exercises can be performed on a floor mat with or without props, or on apparatus designed specifically for the method. Over the decades of its existence, Pilates has been incorporated into the training of athletes and dancers, and is frequently used in physical therapy and rehab settings. For more information on Pilates and its history click here (https://www.pilates.com/pilates/origins).
At Bodywork Balance, I offer Pilates for corrective and rehabilitative work as well as for ongoing sessions for strength, conditioning, general fitness.