CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the CranioSacral system which includes the membranes and cerebral spinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. I began using this technique in 1987 and the training it provided regarding the required light touch was essential in preparation for the systems I would later learn. As with my other approaches, I incorporate the various techniques and knowledge from this system into my treatments.For a more detailed description on CranioSacral Therapy, you can visit the following website: https://www.upledger.com
Lymph Drainage Therapy
I am often asked: “Isn’t Lymph Drainage Therapy only for those who have had cancer and have had lymph nodes removed?” The answer is a resounding “No!” The lymph system can be adversely affected by trauma, illness, repetitive stress etc. It can, for example, be extremely useful in helping reduce edema after an injury or chronic illness. When I took my first class in 2001, I had no idea what an important contribution this method would offer. I pursued further training to the advanced level and enjoy incorporating this technique into my practice on a daily basis. Some key aspects of Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) include:
Involves the palpation of the lymph flow in the different layers of the tissues, including its quality and direction.
With manual therapy techniques, the lymphatic flow can be enhanced and/or corrected to help swelling and the processing of toxins.
Is very gentle and relaxing.
Was developed by French physician, Bruno Chikly. Dr. Chikly was the first to recognize the specific rhythm of the lymphatic flow and teach how to attune it manually.
For more detailed information you can visit: https://chiklyinstitute.com/home
Mechanical Link
Learning Mechanical Link in 1995 changed how I approached manual therapy. This was the first method that offered a systematic approach to evaluate the fascia of the body and determine the most important area to work on at any given time. In addition it offered an extremely gentle but effective way of releasing the tension in the body.
Developed by French osteopath Dr. Paul Chauffour, this system has evolved over the last 25 years and is now being taught throughout the world. I had the wonderful opportunity to not only study with Dr. Chauffour for many years but also the privilege of assisting many of his classes.
This is a system that:
Consists of the evaluation of the myofascial system with emphasis on locating and treating the primary fascial tension within the body.
Consists of a gentle recoil technique to “reset” the tissue’s mechanical receptors.
After a typical mechanical link session, increased flexibility and strength is noticed as well as an immediate improvement in posture.
For more information about the Mechanical Link technique, please visit the following: https://lmosteo.com/en/home.
Visceral Mobilization
I first began my studies in visceral work in 1992 with courses developed by French Osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral, a leading expert in the field of visceral manipulation. After learning Mechanical Link’s approach to the viscera, I was able to combine the knowledge and apply which ever method is most appropriate for any given condition. Key concepts include:
Involves specific placement of soft manual forces to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the organs and their connective tissues.
Choosing to use the word, mobilization, I feel this more aptly describes the gentle techniques used for normalizing the tone around the organs. We often forget that our organs are enveloped in fascia and anchored in the body by connective tissue. With trauma, this fascia is affected just like any other fascia if not more so. Think of your organs as partially blown up balloons filled with water anchored to surrounding bones/membranes/muscles. Now imagine what would happen in a car accident where the body is subjected to tremendous forces. The balloons would bounce around and put strain on their anchors, i.e. ligaments and fascia. Suppose one of the ligaments was one that attaches your heart to the breast bone. With each beat of the heart, this strain is registered. Talk about repetitive strain injury! As Dr. Barral notes: “In a single day, your internal organs move 30,000 times. Your liver alone travels 600 meters.” Visceral mobilization, therefore, is essential to help reduce abnormal tensions around the organs to assist in the restoration of balance and function within the whole body.
For more detailed information on Visceral Manipulation Therapy, please visit the following website: https://www.barralinstitute.com
BodyTalk System
In 2003, I was introduced to the BodyTalk System. The timing was perfect. I had by then acquired so many techniques that my tool box was getting almost too full. It was challenging to know when to use which technique since many claimed to provide the same results. In addition, while multiple methods addressed the mind-body connection, the timing of when to pursue that route seemed too vague and subjective.The BodyTalk system provided a unique cataloging program to help organize and expand my modality tool box. It added numerous additional energy based techniques to address healthcare issues ranging from musculo-skeletal symptoms to infections to belief systems that might be holding one back from healing. It also helped to guide me through my growing modality repertoire and assist me with choosing the best possible approach to use at any given time, by providing a gentle, simple biofeedback technique. Based on the theory that the imbalances arise from a lack of proper communication and synchronization, once the areas are identified, hand placement is used for focus to the involved areas and communication is stimulated through a sequence of tapping first on the head and then on the heart. The tapping on the head is thought to alert the body-mind to the problem and stimulate rebalancing, while the tapping on the heart is done to help store the change.
For more information, visit: https://www.bodytalksystem.com
BodyTalk Access
After learning the BodyTalk System in 2003, I found that not only was it useful for my patients, but also for my family. The fast-aid technique worked wonders on sprains and bruises my daughters would get in sports and the BodyChemistry technique was amazing for taking care of viruses and reactions to toxins and allergens. Antibiotics were rarely used in our family after BodyTalk was a part of our health care plan. Fortunately a one day class was formed and we began to teach some of the techniques to non-health care providers. While I no longer teach this class, I do teach the techniques to my patients as indicated. The hallmark basic technique of the BodyTalk system is “Tapping out the Cortices”. Here is a YouTube demonstration of this:Learn the BodyTalk Cortices technique:
Therapeutic Exercise
As a trained Physical Therapist, I believe in the incredible benefit that exercise has in a person’s life. In fact, if there is one aspect of health that most all health care providers agree upon, it is the benefit of exercise. Maintaining an appropriate and consistent exercise routine is as fundamental as eating a healthy diet or sleeping an adequate amount. However, it does not follow that anyone who walks into my office is ready for an exercise program. Often, the body must first be in balance to be able to perform an exercise. My role in implementing exercise into a patient’s healthcare program includes:
Helping balance the musculo-skeletal system so that exercises can be done safely and without increased pain. Often a muscle is weak because it is not being fully recruited due to imbalances within the body-mind complex. After a treatment, recruitment is usually restored and exercise can be done with more ease and without exacerbation of symptoms.
Helping develop a more positive attitude toward exercise through the body-mind methods (BodyTalk and NET) where belief systems that adversely affect exercise can be addressed. For example, if one had been made fun of during P.E. class as a child, they might have a belief that they are “no good” at exercise. Why even try? When the resonance with this belief is neutralized, adhering to an exercise program is easier.
Implementing appropriate flexibility, balancing and strengthening exercises at the appropriate time.
Preparing someone for a more rigorous rehabilitation program with myself or at another facility. I enjoy a positive working relationship with a number of local Physical Therapists and trainers to help maximize a patient’s potential.
Helping patients determine what type of long term exercise program will best suit their needs and lifestyle. For example, some will need to join a fitness center while others will only do exercises at home etc. Adhering to a regular workout schedule can be very dependent on this variable.