Therapies
Mend Well therapists use BioSynchronistics® as a basis for their wellness physical therapy programs. Additionally, exercise and other forms of manual therapy may be used to complement these techniques and enhance your care. See below for descriptions of these various therapies.
BioSynchronistics® is a treatment process that utilizes a holistic approach based on both the force of gravity and the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. This method combines manual techniques that balance, sequentially, all of a body’s systems.
BioSynchronistics-trained therapists view the body as a whole, not just one painful area. They use light touch to systematically correct underlying malalignment and restore biomechanical equilibrium within the body.
BioSynchronistics® was developed by Physical Therapists Cheryl Wilbur and Carol Tschirpke, co-owners of Quality Physical Therapy located in Sturbridge, MA. To learn more about BioSynchronistics®, see the BioSynchronistics® section of this web site, and visit www.biosynchronistics.com.
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CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method used to evaluate and enhance the function of the body’s craniosacral system. This system extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the Cranium) down to the tailbone area (or Sacrum).
It includes membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. As this fluid flows up and down the spinal cord, it creates a palpable rhythm throughout the body, similar to the pulse of the cardiovascular system.
Where there is a dysfunctional area, the craniosacral rhythm is “stuck” and one feels symptoms such as pain, immobility, and tension. This can occur anywhere in the body. The therapist uses a very gentle, non-invasive light touch to locate the “stuck” areas and to assist the return of rhythm to these areas. As this occurs there are feelings of deep relaxation, more freedom of movement, and less pain. CST is a very quiet and passive technique, appropriate for all ages.
CranioSacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic physician John E. Upledger. To learn more about this technique and Dr. Upledger go to http://www.upledger.com
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Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an innovative hands-on method that stimulates fluid movement though the lymphatic system. Bruno Chikly, MD, modified traditional lymph drainage techniques to add a level of precision consistent with recent research.
The lymphatic system is the body’s defense mechanism, transporting large proteins, foreign bodies, and substances such as germs and toxins through lymphatic vessels and nodes. Lymph nodes act as an active purification center by breaking down and destroying these particles so they can eventually be flushed out of the body. When lymphatic flow is impaired, the lymph fluid can become thick and sluggish, causing symptoms such as edema, infection, and pain.
Trained LDT therapists gently palpate over the skin to assess the quality, rhythm, depth, and direction of lymph flow and also note areas of congestion throughout the body. Treatment consists of a very light touch wave-like motion to activate the body’s fluid circulation and decrease areas of stagnation. This helps the body’s tissues become nourished and balanced. Lymphatic drainage stimulates the function of the immune system, promotes relaxation, detoxifies the body, and decreases swelling, pain and muscle spasms.
For more information about Lymph Drainage Therapy and Dr. Chikly, visit www.chiklyinstitute.org.
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Myofascial Release (MFR) is a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The Myofascial Release Approach was developed by John Barnes, PT, LMT, and is focused on the fascial system.
Fascia is a specialized system of the body with an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater. Fascia is a very densely woven soft tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as all 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 3-dimensional continuous structure that exists without interruption from head to toe, front to back, and from interior to exterior. Each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like one strand of yarn reaches all parts of a sweater.
In its normal healthy state, fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. However, when there is trauma, scarring, inflammation, or poor posture, fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted, and a source of tension to the rest of the body.
Therapists using MFR techniques provide gentle, sustained pressure into the fascial system to gradually soften, lengthen, and realign the restricted fascia. Individual stretches may be held for one to two minutes, and sometimes for up to five minutes, before a softening, or “release,” is felt. This therapeutic effect indicates that muscles are relaxing, and fascial adhesions are slowly breaking down. The fascia elongates, which allows a return to healthy alignment. As a result, the client will experience improved mobility and decreased pain.
For more information about the Myofascial Release Approach and John Barnes, PT, LMT, go to www.myofascialrelease.com.
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Therapeutic exercise is an intervention physical therapists use as one component of patient care. The main goal of these exercises is to improve functional ability and general well being in those who are experiencing limitations or disability due to a disease, disorder, trauma, or surgery. Therapeutic exercise includes a broad spectrum of activities, from passive range of motion, relaxation, and breathing exercises to resistance training and high-speed agility drills.
Your therapist will design an individualized program to develop, improve, restore or maintain one or more of the following: strength, endurance, flexibility, stability, coordination and/or balance.
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Visceral Manipulation
French Osteopath and Physical Therapist Jean-Pierre Barral developed Visceral Manipulation (VM). This treatment approach restores health to the body’s internal organs (such as the liver, stomach, diaphragm, pancreas, intestines, etc) and their connective tissue. Each organ has its own intrinsic individual motion, called motility. All organs also have mobility, movement in relation to their surrounding organs and body structures. Optimal functioning of the visceral system relies on smooth synchronization of these motions. When the visceral system is malfunctioning it can often affect the musculoskeletal system. As an example, when the right arm is raised overhead the liver needs to glide upwards freely. If there’s a fascial restriction preventing this glide, full range of motion in that shoulder will be limited and could even lead to shoulder pain and dysfunction.
A visceral restriction occurs when an organ loses part or all of its ability to move. Unfortunately, there are many reasons for this decrease in movement. Restrictions can result from physical trauma, surgeries, sedentary lifestyle, infections, pollution, poor diet, bad posture, and pregnancy/delivery. Over time these insults cause fixed, abnormal points of tension in and around the organs, which may lead to pain as well as functional and structural problems throughout the body.
Visceral Manipulation is based on the specific placement of soft manual touch to encourage normal mobility, tone, and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. These gentle manipulations can potentially improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.
For more information about Visceral Manipulation and Jean-Pierre Barral go to www.barralinstitute.com.
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