Thinking Outside the Box
Modalities of Healing and Wellness
MM39021
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Myofascial TherapyWhat is Fascia?
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 continuous structure that exists from head to toe 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. Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.) A high percentage of people suffering with pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but are not diagnosed. Causes of Myofascial Pain Myofascial pain can have two sources. Pain can be generated from the skeletal muscle or connective tissues that are 'bound down' by tight fascia. In addition, pain can also be generated from damaged myofascial tissue itself, sometimes at a 'trigger point' where a contraction of muscle fibers has occurred. In either case, the restriction or contraction inhibits blood flow to the affected structures, thus accentuating the contraction process further unless the area is treated. https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/myofascial-release-therapy https://www.myofascialrelease.com/about/fascia-definition.aspx |
ROCKTAPE Certified
Normalizing Muscle Tone and Peaking Performance at Fatigue.
THE FACTS
Rock Tape is made of a mix of tightly woven, elasticated cotton and nylon fibers. The quality and combination of the materials are important, as the tape has to be able to face the demands of movement without restriction, and be very flexible.
You can wear it for up to a whole week, as the acrylic glue that coats the skin-facing side withstands sweat, moisture, and all kinds of vigorous movement – even underwater. Other than the glue; there’s nothing in the tape – no lotions or potions.
Yet it can reduce pain; enhance function and lessen fatigue. It gives athletes that competitive edge, and naysayers become converts once they try it.
Rock Tape is used clinically to achieve the following benefits:
Reduce pain
Drain swelling
Improve posture
Improve function
Facilitate early return to activity or sport
Improve sporting performance
Oh Yeah? Where’s the Proof?
People who study Rock Tape and its effects would be the first to tell you that although they can explain what the tape does – lifting the epidermis; aiding separation of fascial layers, etc. – that they have no idea how it actually works.
Athletes cannot afford to waste valuable time or energy pursuing methods that are ineffective, so the worldwide popularity of RockTape worn by professionals whose careers rely on peak performance is a great indicator of the proof being in the pudding. It works; end of story as far as users are concerned.
Proven Results of Rock Tape is clinically effective at reducing pain and enhancing performance, and there are a slew of ongoing studies and independent academic research on exactly how.
What the studies have shown to date is that Rock Tape can:
Improve power and strength in uninjured muscles
Raise the anaerobic threshold of muscle during endurance activity
Improve pain, range of motion and function in people with shoulder impingement
Reduce pain and improve function in painful conditions like plantar fascitis and Patello-femoral pain.
The elastic qualities of Rock Tape induce a decompressive effect between skin and the underlying tissues. This decompression has three primary effects:
The Mechanical Effect: Rock Tape is designed to mimic the elasticity of human skin; muscle and connective tissue in its ‘stretchability’.
This aids the body by adding a degree of stabilization without rigidity; restoring good glide mechanics between layers of tissue and fascia for smooth movement.
The Neurological Effect: Sticking Rock Tape to your skin reduces pressure and compression from injury and inflammation.
When tape is in place, it provides a non-painful stimulus, which interferes with the pain signals being sent to the brain – think of rubbing your shin if you knock it against something to alleviate the initial ‘ouch’ factor.
If you place Rock Tape over tight muscles or injured tissue, it aids the body’s active stabilization process by changing the feedback and activity of the nerves in the area.
The Fluid Effect: The tape, with its elastic properties, lifts the skin vertically away from the underlying tissues, decompressing the subcutaneous space.
This area contains lots of blood vessels, nerve endings, and so on, so when given more space by the lifting effect of the tape, blood and nutrient flow improves in and out of the taped area.
Improved blood and nutrient flow in; improved waste product and lymphatic flow out means more oxygen available to muscles; rapid removal of products produced by injury and inflammation, promoting faster healing; reducing pain and allowing unimpeded performance.
THE FACTS
Rock Tape is made of a mix of tightly woven, elasticated cotton and nylon fibers. The quality and combination of the materials are important, as the tape has to be able to face the demands of movement without restriction, and be very flexible.
You can wear it for up to a whole week, as the acrylic glue that coats the skin-facing side withstands sweat, moisture, and all kinds of vigorous movement – even underwater. Other than the glue; there’s nothing in the tape – no lotions or potions.
Yet it can reduce pain; enhance function and lessen fatigue. It gives athletes that competitive edge, and naysayers become converts once they try it.
Rock Tape is used clinically to achieve the following benefits:
Reduce pain
Drain swelling
Improve posture
Improve function
Facilitate early return to activity or sport
Improve sporting performance
Oh Yeah? Where’s the Proof?
People who study Rock Tape and its effects would be the first to tell you that although they can explain what the tape does – lifting the epidermis; aiding separation of fascial layers, etc. – that they have no idea how it actually works.
Athletes cannot afford to waste valuable time or energy pursuing methods that are ineffective, so the worldwide popularity of RockTape worn by professionals whose careers rely on peak performance is a great indicator of the proof being in the pudding. It works; end of story as far as users are concerned.
Proven Results of Rock Tape is clinically effective at reducing pain and enhancing performance, and there are a slew of ongoing studies and independent academic research on exactly how.
What the studies have shown to date is that Rock Tape can:
Improve power and strength in uninjured muscles
Raise the anaerobic threshold of muscle during endurance activity
Improve pain, range of motion and function in people with shoulder impingement
Reduce pain and improve function in painful conditions like plantar fascitis and Patello-femoral pain.
The elastic qualities of Rock Tape induce a decompressive effect between skin and the underlying tissues. This decompression has three primary effects:
The Mechanical Effect: Rock Tape is designed to mimic the elasticity of human skin; muscle and connective tissue in its ‘stretchability’.
This aids the body by adding a degree of stabilization without rigidity; restoring good glide mechanics between layers of tissue and fascia for smooth movement.
The Neurological Effect: Sticking Rock Tape to your skin reduces pressure and compression from injury and inflammation.
When tape is in place, it provides a non-painful stimulus, which interferes with the pain signals being sent to the brain – think of rubbing your shin if you knock it against something to alleviate the initial ‘ouch’ factor.
If you place Rock Tape over tight muscles or injured tissue, it aids the body’s active stabilization process by changing the feedback and activity of the nerves in the area.
The Fluid Effect: The tape, with its elastic properties, lifts the skin vertically away from the underlying tissues, decompressing the subcutaneous space.
This area contains lots of blood vessels, nerve endings, and so on, so when given more space by the lifting effect of the tape, blood and nutrient flow improves in and out of the taped area.
Improved blood and nutrient flow in; improved waste product and lymphatic flow out means more oxygen available to muscles; rapid removal of products produced by injury and inflammation, promoting faster healing; reducing pain and allowing unimpeded performance.
Lymphatic Drainage
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage? Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized therapeutic massage technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymph, a clear fluid that helps remove toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials from the body. This gentle, rhythmic treatment supports the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in immune function, detoxification, and inflammation control.
Unlike traditional massage techniques that focus on deep muscle manipulation, MLD employs light, deliberate strokes that follow the direction of lymph flow. This method promotes lymph movement through the body’s natural pathways, encouraging a healthier immune system and more efficient waste removal.
How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Works The lymphatic system lacks a central pump like the heart, relying instead on muscle contractions and body movements to propel lymph fluid. After surgical procedures or periods of inactivity, this system can become sluggish, leading to swelling, discomfort, and delayed healing. Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps to manually stimulate this process.
During a session, a trained provider uses slow, rhythmic hand motions to direct lymph flow toward lymph nodes. These movements encourage drainage of congested areas, reduce edema (swelling), and accelerate the removal of metabolic waste and toxins from the body. For post-operative patients, MLD can be essential in preventing fibrosis (hardened tissue), managing pain, and improving overall outcomes.
The Proven Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage offers a wide range of benefits that support both cosmetic and medical wellness goals:
Post-Surgical Recovery One of the most common applications of MLD is for post-surgical recovery. Procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, facelifts, or breast surgeries often cause swelling and fluid retention. Lymphatic drainage massage reduces inflammation, minimizes bruising, and speeds up healing.
Swelling and Fluid Retention MLD is highly effective for managing lymphedema and other conditions involving swelling. Stimulating lymph flow helps relieve fluid buildup in the extremities or treated areas.
Immune System Support A well-functioning lymphatic system is critical for immune health. Regular lymphatic massage encourages the efficient transport of white blood cells, improving the body’s ability to fight infection.
Detoxification and Skin Health Manual lymphatic drainage enhances detoxification, clears cellular waste, and boosts skin clarity. It is often integrated into holistic wellness and skincare routines to promote a glowing, healthy complexion.
Relaxation and Pain Relief The gentle, methodical strokes used in MLD provide a deeply relaxing experience. It helps reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and alleviate chronic pain associated with poor lymph flow or inflammation.
https://evolvmedicalaesthetics.com/manual-lymphatic-drainage-what-it-is-and-where-to-find-it-near-you/
Unlike traditional massage techniques that focus on deep muscle manipulation, MLD employs light, deliberate strokes that follow the direction of lymph flow. This method promotes lymph movement through the body’s natural pathways, encouraging a healthier immune system and more efficient waste removal.
How Manual Lymphatic Drainage Works The lymphatic system lacks a central pump like the heart, relying instead on muscle contractions and body movements to propel lymph fluid. After surgical procedures or periods of inactivity, this system can become sluggish, leading to swelling, discomfort, and delayed healing. Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps to manually stimulate this process.
During a session, a trained provider uses slow, rhythmic hand motions to direct lymph flow toward lymph nodes. These movements encourage drainage of congested areas, reduce edema (swelling), and accelerate the removal of metabolic waste and toxins from the body. For post-operative patients, MLD can be essential in preventing fibrosis (hardened tissue), managing pain, and improving overall outcomes.
The Proven Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage offers a wide range of benefits that support both cosmetic and medical wellness goals:
Post-Surgical Recovery One of the most common applications of MLD is for post-surgical recovery. Procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, facelifts, or breast surgeries often cause swelling and fluid retention. Lymphatic drainage massage reduces inflammation, minimizes bruising, and speeds up healing.
Swelling and Fluid Retention MLD is highly effective for managing lymphedema and other conditions involving swelling. Stimulating lymph flow helps relieve fluid buildup in the extremities or treated areas.
Immune System Support A well-functioning lymphatic system is critical for immune health. Regular lymphatic massage encourages the efficient transport of white blood cells, improving the body’s ability to fight infection.
Detoxification and Skin Health Manual lymphatic drainage enhances detoxification, clears cellular waste, and boosts skin clarity. It is often integrated into holistic wellness and skincare routines to promote a glowing, healthy complexion.
Relaxation and Pain Relief The gentle, methodical strokes used in MLD provide a deeply relaxing experience. It helps reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and alleviate chronic pain associated with poor lymph flow or inflammation.
https://evolvmedicalaesthetics.com/manual-lymphatic-drainage-what-it-is-and-where-to-find-it-near-you/
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Craniosacral Therapy
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What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he served as professor of biomechanics.
Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams - about the weight of a nickel - practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
View our Testimonials, including a video link from MCNBC with Aetna CEO.
How does CranioSacral Therapy Work? Few structures have as much influence over the body's ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. And, the central nervous system is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system - the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.
Every day your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.
Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses his or her hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.
By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body's ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.
What conditions does CranioSacral Therapy address?
Can I take CST courses if I'm not a healthcare professional? Many states and provinces require a license to touch in order to practice CranioSacral Therapy. Check with your state or province to determine what laws apply.
For any state/province that does not require a hands-on license to perform CranioSacral Therapy, the following minimum prerequisite study is required:
Is there any condition for which CST shouldn't be used? There are certain situations where application of CST would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.
How many CranioSacral Therapy sessions will I need? Response to CST varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. Your response is uniquely your own and can't be compared to anyone else's - even those cases that may appear to be similar to your own. The number of sessions needed varies widely - from just one up to three or more a week over the course of several weeks.
When was CranioSacral Therapy developed? It was in 1970, during a neck surgery in which he was assisting, that osteopathic physician John E. Upledger first observed the rhythmic movement of what would soon be identified as the craniosacral system. None of his colleagues nor any of the medical texts at the time could explain this discovery, however.
His curiosity piqued, Dr. Upledger began searching for the answer. He started with the research of Dr. William Sutherland, the father of cranial osteopathy. For some 20 years beginning in the early 1900s, Sutherland had explored the concept that the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement. For decades after, this theory remained at odds with the beliefs of the scientific and medical communities. Dr. Upledger believed, however, that if Sutherland's theory of cranial movement was in fact true, this would help explain, and make feasible, the existence of the rhythm he had encountered in surgery.
It was at this point that Dr. Upledger set out to scientifically confirm the existence of cranial bone motion. From 1975 to 1983 he served as clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University, where he supervised a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers in research and testing. The results not only confirmed Sutherland's theory, but led to clarification of the mechanisms behind this motion - the craniosacral system. Dr. Upledger's continued work in the field ultimately resulted in his development of CranioSacral Therapy.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he served as professor of biomechanics.
Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams - about the weight of a nickel - practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
View our Testimonials, including a video link from MCNBC with Aetna CEO.
How does CranioSacral Therapy Work? Few structures have as much influence over the body's ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. And, the central nervous system is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system - the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.
Every day your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.
Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses his or her hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.
By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body's ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.
What conditions does CranioSacral Therapy address?
- Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury
- Migraines and Headaches
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Autism
- Stress and Tension-Related Disorders
- Motor-Coordination Impairments
- Infant and Childhood Disorders
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- TMJ Syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- ADD/ADHD
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Orthopedic Problems
- And Many Other Conditions
Can I take CST courses if I'm not a healthcare professional? Many states and provinces require a license to touch in order to practice CranioSacral Therapy. Check with your state or province to determine what laws apply.
For any state/province that does not require a hands-on license to perform CranioSacral Therapy, the following minimum prerequisite study is required:
- 80 hours of Anatomy and Physiology and 15 hours of Pathology. One way to satisfy this requirement is through the home study coursework, Upledger Health Science Essentials, available through the London (Ontario) College of Osteopathy.
- 4 hours of ethics, from an accredited professional organization or school.
Is there any condition for which CST shouldn't be used? There are certain situations where application of CST would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.
How many CranioSacral Therapy sessions will I need? Response to CST varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. Your response is uniquely your own and can't be compared to anyone else's - even those cases that may appear to be similar to your own. The number of sessions needed varies widely - from just one up to three or more a week over the course of several weeks.
When was CranioSacral Therapy developed? It was in 1970, during a neck surgery in which he was assisting, that osteopathic physician John E. Upledger first observed the rhythmic movement of what would soon be identified as the craniosacral system. None of his colleagues nor any of the medical texts at the time could explain this discovery, however.
His curiosity piqued, Dr. Upledger began searching for the answer. He started with the research of Dr. William Sutherland, the father of cranial osteopathy. For some 20 years beginning in the early 1900s, Sutherland had explored the concept that the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement. For decades after, this theory remained at odds with the beliefs of the scientific and medical communities. Dr. Upledger believed, however, that if Sutherland's theory of cranial movement was in fact true, this would help explain, and make feasible, the existence of the rhythm he had encountered in surgery.
It was at this point that Dr. Upledger set out to scientifically confirm the existence of cranial bone motion. From 1975 to 1983 he served as clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University, where he supervised a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers in research and testing. The results not only confirmed Sutherland's theory, but led to clarification of the mechanisms behind this motion - the craniosacral system. Dr. Upledger's continued work in the field ultimately resulted in his development of CranioSacral Therapy.
