CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

 

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a non-invasive, gentle touch, hands-on healing technique that assesses and enhances the functioning of the craniosacral system. This system includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, as well as the skull, spine, and sacrum.

 

CST serves as a complementary therapy, designed to alleviate pain and stress, promote the healthy flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and relieve dysfunction caused by the compression of soft tissues around the central nervous system (CNS i.e. the brain and spinal cord) or the bones of the head and sacrum.

 

CST is highly effective, clinically proven, gentle, non-invasive & thus widely used healthcare modality that supports the body's immunity, innate resistance to disease, its natural and self-healing processes leading to overall wellness.

 

How CST Works & What to Expect

 

Craniosacral tissues can tighten as a result of injury, tension, stress or infection, leading to strain cause strain on the CNS and disruptions in normal body functions, including the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. To undo these blockages, CST practitioners use a light touch -less than 5 grams, about the weight of a nickel coin - to relieve stress and tension in the craniosacral system, and hence releasing strain on the CNS. The therapist may also gently manipulate the bones of the skull, pelvis and /or spine to restore optimal cerebrospinal fluid flow to the CNS. 

 

CST is generally considered safe by the healthcare community, due to the minimal pressure applied, making it suitable for treatment of infants and children.

 

Some individuals may experience feelings of relaxation, extra energy, lightheadedness, seeing colors, mild nausea or diarrhea after their first few sessions.

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Post CTS Session Recommendations

 

After a CST session, it is recommended that a client should drink plenty of water. The release of tension and pain can cause the body to release toxins stored in soft tissues back into the bloodstream, and staying hydrated will help flush these toxins out more efficiently. Patients are also advised to avoid physically demanding activities for 1-2 days following a treatment session, as rest helps the body adjust to a healthier physiological state.

 

CST may also lead to the release of trapped emotions, so it’s very important to be patient with yourself during this healing and recovery process. Acknowledging these feelings is an opportunity to become more in tune with your body.​

 

Depending on the nature of the health issue (...chronic, acute, wellness maintenance, etc.) your treatment may require anywhere from 2 to 10 sessions, with possible follow up sessions for maintenance. Consult with your craniosacral therapist to determine the best course of for your condition.

 

Contraindications,

CST is NOT RECOMMENDED FOR individuals with: 

• - increased intracranial pressure

• - intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding)

• - acute stroke (6-8 weeks)

• - tumors and aneurysms

• - recent skull fractures

• - Spina Bifida

• - cerebrospinal fluid leaks

• - Arnold Chiari Malformations

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MEDICAL / ORTHOPEDIC BODYWORK

 

Medical / Orthopedic Massage targets specific, medically diagnosed problem. While massage therapists are not permitted to diagnose their clients, a doctor’s diagnosis is needed to determine if massage therapy is appropriate.

 

Medical massage aims to address specific health issues. It may incorporate a number of various techniques, some of which are:

 

- Trigger point therapy

- Deep tissue massage

- Cross-fiber friction

- Muscle energy technique​

 

Myofascial Release Technique, for example, targets the fascia, the web-like protective tissue that surrounds muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, and organs. This tissue is composed of elastin and collagen fibers and can become hardened due to injury or chronic inflammation, resulting in restricted movement, pain and biomechanical imbalances.

 

This technique focuses on stretching and breaking down the hardened fascia to restore flexibility and range of motion. It can take several sessions to see significant improvements, with each session often focusing on one area for extended periods. 

Myofascial release is particularly effective for alleviating pain from old injuries and restoring natural mobility, especially when chronic stiffness or pain persists.

 

Oncology massage is a specialized form of medical bodywork tailored to individuals with cancer. Practitioners undergo extensive training to meet the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of clients at all stages of cancer, whether during diagnosis, treatment, recovery, survivorship, or terminal stages.

 

Therapists trained in oncology massage are skilled in adjusting techniques to accommodate the effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. The goal is to provide comfort, support, and relief throughout the cancer journey.

 

 

 

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

 

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) focuses on stimulating the lymphatic flow throughout the body. Practitioners are trained to feel the rhythm, direction, and quality of lymphatic flow and can use advanced techniques to identify alternative drainage pathways. 

 

Developed by Dr. Bruno Chikly, LDT combines principles of traditional medicine, Asian medical practices, and manual therapies. 

The lymphatic system plays a central role in the removal of metabolic waste. When the lymphatic flow is interrupted or becomes sluggish due to factors like dehydration, poor diet or inactivity, it can affect the entire body. 

Lymphatic massage uses gentle, rhythmic strokes along the body to gently stimulate lymph flow. Lymphatic massage uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to manually stimulate lymph flow, which helps in waste removal and supports detoxification. This type of massage therapy can reduce fluid retention, aid pain management and increase overall well-being.

Additionally, LDT has positive effects on the nervous system, supporting the body and mind in managing chronic conditions linked to nervous system health.

 

 

 

POSTURE & MOVEMENT REHABILITATION

 

Back pain, neck pain, and other neuromusculoskeletal conditions result from weak or traumatized posture. New medical studies show that posture is a powerful indicator of how well and how long you’ll live.

 

Strengthening your posture's structural balance and functional alignment helps relieve pain, optimize performance (sports, work, etc.), improve appearance and promote successful aging. 

 

Certified Posture Exercise Professionals (CPEP’s) are health and fitness professionals trained in StrongPosture® protocols, which are designed to be taught to people of various levels of fitness, trauma or ability.

 

 

 

MEDICAL INVESTIGATIVE THERMOGRAPHY

 

The human body has a very specific temperature pattern. Changes in this pattern, as a result of inflammation or disease, can be detected using thermal imaging. Medical Investigative Thermography or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive screening tool that uses a specialized camera to measure extremely subtle temperature changes on the skin’s surface that correlate physiologically to underlying dysfunction or pathology.

 

While diagnostic tools, such as mammography, MRI and ultrasound are only able to identify structural abnormalities (such as a tumor at least pea-sized), DITI looks for FUNCTIONAL abnormalities (the process that occurs before a tumor grows)...