Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation & Lymphatic Drainage
Fascial System: Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports all the structures in the body. Fascia can become restricted through physical trauma, scarring and inflammation then it becomes a source of tension in the body that can interfere with mobility, stability and function.
Craniosacral System: The Craniosacral system refers to the structures that surround and support the brain and spinal cord. The cerebrospinal network is the internal milieu for the suffusion of all the fluids and innervations of the brain and nervous system unto the muscles and viscera. Craniosacral techniques are designed to restore normal movement in this system.
Visceral System: The visceral system relies on the interconnected synchronicity between the motions of all organs and structures of the body. When one organ cannot move in harmony with its viscera due to abnormal tone, adhesions or displacements, it works against the body’s other organs and muscular, membranous, fascial and osseous structures. This creates abnormal points of tension that the body is forced to move around. This chronic irritation paves the way for postural distortion, neuromuscular dysfunction and disease process.
Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system aids the immune system in destroying pathogens and filtering waste so that the lymph can safely be returned to the circulatory system. Its primary function is to remove excess fluid, waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, cancer cells and toxins. The lymphatic system also works with the circulatory system to deliver nutrients, oxygen and hormones from the blood to the cells that makeup the tissues of the body.
These manual therapy techniques are all similar in the use of gentle, hands-on sustained pressures to evaluate dysfunction, eliminate pain and restore motion.
Myofascial Release: Each Myofascial Release technique contains the same components. The therapist finds the areas of tightness and applies a light stretch and waits for the tissue to relax and then increases the stretch. The process is repeated until the area is fully relaxed. The therapist will be able to find the sore spots just by feel. The size and sensitivity of these sore spots, called Myofasical Trigger Points, will decrease with treatment. Most people are surprised by how gentle this form of therapy is and some even fall asleep. Myofascial Release is not a massage. It is used to equalize muscle tension throughout the body.
Craniosacral Therapy: CST is a gentle hands-on method. By using about 5gm of pressure, or roughly the weight of a nickel, the therapist evaluates the system by testing for ease of motion and the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid pulsing within the membranes. Specific techniques are then used to release restrictions in sutures, fasciae, membranes and any other tissues that may influence the craniosacral system. The result helps free the central nervous system to return to its optimal levels of health and performance.
Visceral Manipulation: Visceral manipulation is based on the specific placement of soft manual forces to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. Therapists assess the dynamic functional actions as well as the somatic structures that perform individual activities. They also evaluate the quality of the somatic structures and their functions in relation to the overall harmonious pattern. Due to the delicate and often highly reactive nature of the visceral tissues, gentle force precisely directed reaps the greatest results. As with other methods of manipulation that affect the body deeply, Visceral Manipulation works only to assist the forces already at work which allows the trained therapists the assurance that they are benefitting the body rather than adding further injury or disorganization.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage: MLD is a type of gentle massage that uses a specific amount of pressure (less than 9 ounces per square inch) and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow. The lymph system does not have its own pumping system. It is dependent on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of the lymph vessels and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph ducts which return lymph to the cardiovascular system. MLD primarily focuses on promoting the natural flow of the lymphatic drainage system. This reduces the blockages which decreases swelling and promotes a healthier body.