Add-On's
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
IASTM is the use of specialized stainless steel tools to manipulate the myofascia, muscles, and tendons by various direct compressive stroke techniques.
The instruments effectively "break down" fascial restrictions and scar tissue, creating a controlled microtrauma to the trageted soft tissue structure.
Adhesions within the soft tissue may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms.
By breaking down these fascial adhesions and restrictions, a local inflammatory response occurs. Inflammation is good in this case! Microtraumas to the soft tissue initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis (AKA, excessive scar tissue) and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of the affected soft tissue structures. This give your body the opportunity to have full functional movement of the restricted area! Which will hopefully result in more functional movement patterns, which = less pain.
*Red markings and bruising is a common result of this work. It is from breaking superficial blood capillaries as the tools are rubbed on the skin with minimal medium on the skin.
Myofascial Release
(John F. Barnes Approach)
The Barnes approach utilizes sustained pressures manually applied by the therapist to manipulate fascial adhesions. The depth of pressure and length of the hold are unique to each client based on the tension in their body. The holds require a minimum of 1-3 minutes to effectively soften the fascia. Restrictions often initially feel tender. Many people report a sensation of lengthening, relaxation, movement, warmth, or tingling during a release.
Hot Stones
Smooth basalt rocks are heated and used to relax the body’s muscles and soft tissues. They are also used to alleviate pain, improve circulation, and is believed to rid the body of toxins.
Cupping
Dating back to 1,550 B.C., cupping was used in ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. Cupping increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue, as well as create space between the fascial layers.
*Bruising and marking may be evident for 3-7+ days after treatment
*Cupping is contraindicated directly on veins, arteries, nerves, skin inflammation, any skin lesion, body orifices, eyes, lymph nodes, varicose veins, on open wounds, bone fractures, and sites of deep vein thrombosis
* I will not preform cupping on any of these pathologies or areas*
15 minute Reiki
I will spend 15 minutes after your treatment on the area of the body I am most energetically drawn to.
Take Home Rehab Plan
Based on what I noticed during your treatment, I can make a list of exercise, stretching, and "self-care" recommendations that can help alleviate muscle tightness and imbalances .