Bodywork Emphasis ..................................... $50/1hr   $70/90 min   $90/2hrs

Why it Works

When musculo-skeletal problems occur there is usually a change in muscle and/or fascial tension. Most of the increased tension is created involuntarily through reflex controlling activity in the nervous system. Tension will occur around trauma to help contain the damage [a protective mechanism]. Tension builds up in tissues that are continually held in a shortened position (this then becomes accepted as "normal" by the nervous system). As hypertonicity develops, relaxation and stretching becomes more difficult due to tight areas pulling on normal tissues around them. Also, the individual will be tempted to hold the muscles or areas even shorter to avoid discomfort (compensatory movement patterns). Poor patterns of movement, inefficient biomechanics, reduced functional abilities, impaired performance, pains and aches and a chronic situation can all develop quite easily.  When pressure is applied to tight or sensitive areas it may cause pain initially and then, hopefully, relaxation. This may be due to: a) endorphin release to suppress pain and release tension;  b) ischemia (from compression of the local blood vessels) then hyperaemia (on release);  and c) activation of the "pain-gate" , sensory overload of the peripheral nervous system.  

To treat, we have to bring the situation into conscious control and break the reflex pattern.  

    • Inhibit motor impulses to the muscular end-plate.

    • Inhibit the sensory impulses from the muscle fibers , furthering the relaxation of the muscle.

    • Stretch the musculo-tendinous junction, overloading the Golgi Tendon Organs, therefore inhibiting the contraction that occurs with stretching (stretch reflex) ie. assisting the inverse stretch reflex.

Bodywork Modalities

    • Manipulations: Specific and general, Direct and Indirect, High Velosity, Short Amplitude Thrusts

    • PNF: Proprioceptive Neuro-Muscular Facilitation

    • MET:  Muscle Energy Techniques

    • RI:  Reciprocal Inhibition

    • PIR: Post Isometric Relaxation

    • CRAC: Contract Relax Antagonist Contract

    • ICT: Isolytic Contraction Techniques

    • NMT: Neuromuscular Techniques

    • INIT: Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Techniques

    • ICCT: Isotonic Concentric Contraction Technique

    • CIIC:Combined Isotonic and Isometric Contraction

    • SCS: Strain Counter-Strain

    • PRT: Positional Release Techniques

    • CTM: Connective Tissue Manipulations

    • STR: Soft Tissue Releases