Myofascial Release is a treatment approach that involves treating the connective tissue of the body which is called fascia. This fascial system is a 3-dimensional web composed of elastin which provides some stretch, collagen which are very tough tissues and a gel material which lies in between the layers of elastin and collagen. This 3-D system is one continuous sheath that goes from head to toe without interruption. It surrounds and invades every other tissue and organ of the body including nerves, blood vessels, muscle, bone and organs.

Under normal conditions, the fascia is a soft, giving system that allows our muscles, blood vessels, nerve fibers and organs to function in a supportive protective environment. However, when we become injured, this system tends to shorten, thicken and harden. This causes increased pressure on the organs that are embedded within this system.

The good news about this tight, twisted, hardened system is that it can be affected by gentle pressure and/or gentle stretch. The fascia system has the unique property such that when you compress it, it returns the hardened gel back into a soft material. It also starts a bioelectrical flow. This flow is a measurable electrical current that seems to unravel this tight system. Because the body is self-correcting, this treatment approach appears to have long-lasting results with patients reporting a decrease in symptoms and an increase in function.

Strain/Counterstrain is a passive positional procedure that places the body in a position of greatest comfort, thereby relieving pain by reduction and arrest of inappropriate position sensing activity in nerve fibers that maintain tissue pain.

From the definition it is clear that the strain/counterstrain concept is not directed toward tissue injury or damage but at malfunctioning neuromuscular reflexes within that tissue. Specifically the primary position sensing nerve endings are singled out as reporting false information to the brain and causing tissue pain. During treatment the painful area is passively positioned toward comfort or ease and away from pain, bind and barrier. This position results in maximal shortening of the involved muscle and positional receptors in the fibers. That shortening produces a reduction of muscle firing and a return to a normal resting tissue state. Strain/counterstrain is an indirect technique because its action is away from the restricted barrier.

A strain/counterstrain therapist will scan the body for area of tightness and specific tender points. A finger on this tender point monitors the area as the other hand positions the patient into a posture of comfort and relaxation. The patient will report feeling diminished pain at the tender point. Once the position of comfort is found it is maintained for 90 seconds. Following the hold period, the patient is slowly brought back to neutral. This effective treatment diminishes tissue tenderness and tension.

Craniosacral therapy is a hands-on method of improving health and function. The craniosacral system is a semi-closed hydraulic system contained within a tough waterproof membrane, which envelops the brain and spinal cord. An important function of this system is the production, circulation and re-absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced within the craniosacral system and maintains the physiological environment in which your brain and nervous system develop, live and function. The cerebrospinal fluid moves through this system in a normal rhythm.

Craniosacral therapy involves assessing this rhythm for imbalances and utilizing gentle techniques to promote balance. The goal is to use the minimum amount of force to allow the system to self-correct. Treatment techniques affect the fascia, a tough connective tissue within our bodies that holds us together. A restriction in this fascia may create impairment to normal physiological motion within the body. Craniosacral techniques release restrictions to allow for normal craniosacral motion and a balanced system.

Women's Health

The myofascial release approach helps with various women's health issues including pelvic pain, headaches, migraines, incontinence, painful periods and painful intercourse.

Occupational Safety

Many patients work in environments that can lead to painful conditions due to repetitive movements and prolonged postures. Modifications can significantly reduce the wear and tear on the body. Onsite visits may be necessary to properly advise.

Community Health and Wellness

Community outreach including teaching preventative measures may help avoid painful conditions.

Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain patients often times have poor response to exercise and therapy. I use a total body approach to treat the cause of the symptoms. This may produce increased tolerance to exercise and ultimately less pain and increased function.