Thoughtful Safe Effective |
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Thoughtful I believe that healing takes place on many different levels and each person's experience is unique. Utilizing the most appropriate modality in the right way results in an optimum outcome. One person may require mostly deep tissue and fascial work to address a tissue injury, another who is sensitive to deep pressure may require the gentler intuitive approach of Craniosacral Therapy or Reiki. Another may need the stress reducing effects of a relaxation massage. Each session is a problem solving opportunity for me and my client. Together we determine the most effective healing strategy. Safe Thoughtful use of technique encourages change in the body that feels appropriate. While change can be beneficial we are not always ready for it. A thorough intake process and communication during sessions is crucial in bridging the gap between what I feel as the practitioner and what my clients feel before, during, after and between treatments. Effective Understanding how the body reacts to change and to different body work techniques is important for a successful outcome. Addressing the link between the tissue and the nervous system provides an ultimate healing response, as specific tissue techniqes can address mechanical and physical restrictions while craniosacral therapy, somatics or neuromuscular re-education can address the holding patterns creating dysfunction. Increasing my client's awareness about the changes that have occurred is key. This can be accomplished before, during or after treatment. Following hands on body work with body mechanic and posture correction provides a more lasting change. Techniques Deep Tissue - The term "deep tissue" is used to describe numerous massage techniques, including fascial release, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and deep frictioning. While the intention of the work is usually to work deep into the body's tissues, it can also be used to release restricted tissue directly under the skin layer. It can be applied agressively or gently depending on the tolerance of the client and the outcome desired. Practitioners will use fingers, knuckles, elbows and sometimes special trigger point releasing tools. Craniosacral Therapy - Accessing the energetic as well as the physical components of this therapy, the intent is to remove restrictions occuring throughout the body by accessing the natural rythms in bone articulations, tissues and fluids. Trauma, illness, age and nutrition are some of the factors that can disrupt the optimum flow thus affecting joint articulation, and tissue, organ and emotional health. Neuromuscular Re-education - This involves any technique where the intention is to modify the connection between the brain and the tissue. The brain creates habitual postures, contractions/spasms, and movements based on repitition or trauma. A successful healing outcome depends on getting the brain to reconsider the message it is sending to the affected area so that the spasm, or contraction, or incorrect posture etc. can be released and a new idea introduced. There are many techniques for this. I use Somatics, Neuromuscular Therapy, Strain Counter Strain, Body Mechanics and Postural education. Swedish Massage - Swedish Massage is characterized by "kneading" the muscles; lifting and separating tissue. There are numerous types of strokes used in this technique which strive to improve circulation, activate sluggish muscles and stimulate the nervous system. I use swedish massage in almost all of my sessions interspersed with other techniques. Sports Massage - Traditionally this type of massage is used before of after sporting events. Before a work out, it stimulates circulation, oxygenates the tissues, warms the joints and muscles. After a work out it does all of the same things but is very effective at reducing the post muscle soreness and at helping the heart, lungs and muscles transition to a relaxed state. I use sports massage techniques in conjunction with other techniques to improve circulation and warm up the tissues. Frequently Asked Questions What Causes The Knots In My Muscles? Easy Tips For Minimizing Muscle And Joint Strain Even though our lifestyles are very different from our ancient ancestors, physiologically our requirement for movement hasn’t changed. This doesn’t mean you need to be a marathon runner to stay healthy. Here are some simple tips to help you maximize your body’s fitness and ability to withstand strain. Keep moving! Avoid inactivity for longer than 1 hour without getting up and moving around (except of course while sleeping). A major cause of blood clots in the lower legs is sitting for long periods. When your muscles aren’t working they are pooling in their own waste and being deprived of nutrients and oxygen. If you sit at a computer, get up frequently and swing your arms around, move your shoulders up and down, shake out your legs and take a few deep slow breaths. Keep your muscles in shape! There is a link between chronic pain and tense weak muscles. Also, a major cause of falling in aging adults is muscle weakness and poor balance. Adopt whatever exercise routine is appropriate for your age and fitness level. If you are unsure, consult your physician. Use reasonable and correct body mechanics. Use your legs! When pushing, pulling, lifting and reaching, keep your legs under you and let them do the work. It is helpful to put one foot in front of the other hip width apart to provide support and so you can push off from the ground. Keep your upper body moving in the same direction as your lower body. The idea is to lead with your feet. Never plant your feet and then twist your upper body, unless this is done in a controlled way as during an exercise or stretching routine. This is especially important if you are carrying weight. Pick up your feet and step through the movement, no matter how small, always keeping your feet and shoulders going the same direction. If you need to bend to pick something up, bend at the hips, keep the lower back flat and shoulder blades pulled back and down (as if you were putting them in your back pockets). Carry your load close to your body. If you are sitting and need to reach forward, keep your back straight and hinge at the hip joint. Remember, you can’t pick up a box, drive a car, or rake the lawn with your head. Many of us hold our heads too far forward during activities, especially at the computer. This causes neck strain and headaches. Consider that the average head weighs about 8 pounds. It is meant to sit evenly on top of your spine. The small muscles in the neck and those that attach the neck to the head aren’t meant to hold heavy weight, they are meant to rotate, flex and extend the neck and head. If your head is too far off of the center of gravity these small muscles are overworked and develop fibrosis and trigger points which degrade the condition of the muscle tissue and refer pain into the head and down to the arms and hands. Try this simple exercise. It is easy over the course of a day to lose awareness of how our bodies are feeling. One quick way to demonstrate this is, after an hour or so at the computer or working in the yard, stop and close your eyes. You will become instantly aware of how your body is feeling in the moment. Your eyes and other senses use up brain power and when engaged can block conscious sensation from your muscles and other parts of your body. With your eyes still closed, start moving around, adjusting your posture, your position until you feel your muscles relax. |
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Copyright 2005 Donna Ray LMP. All rights reserved. |