Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater.
Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.
Fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the fascial system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent poles, which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time and repetitive stress injuries has a cumulative effect. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the functioning of our body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.
The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, through the enhancement of strength, flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.
Hot stone massage
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where we use heated stones of various shape and size. They are basalt stones, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.
Before you arrive, the stones are sanitized and heated in 120 and 150 degree water. We use traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, we replace it with another.
You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders. Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
How does deep tissue massage work? When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.
Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
Joint Play
Mobilization involves moving the joints in a way that you cannot move it yourself. It involves small movements of the actual bone surfaces on each other. There are many different movements of mobilization, some that help to decrease pain and others that help to increase the movement range of the joint. Typically, in physical therapy mobilization is understood as a repetitive passive movement of varying amplitudes of low velocity applied at different parts of the range of motion depending on the effect desired.
Thermophore
Moist Heating Pad / Pack electric fomentation unit was developed to conveniently provide moist fomentation treatments whenever moist heat is indicated. The Thermophore Hot Pack has a special tightly-woven fleece blend cover which retains moisture from the air. When the unit is turned on, the surge of heat into the cover moves the moisture from the heated fleece blend to the cooler body tissue.
Paraffin Wax
Fast and effective heat therapy provides soothing relief from arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, strains and aid in recovery from surgery.