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Manual Therapy Treatments
As part of my core physiotherapy training, and initially after qualifying, I learnt how to administer the traditional physio techniques of joint mobilisations and soft tissue massage. While these techniques are useful for working with the muscles and joints, I soon realised that I needed to be able to work with the rest of the body - the nervous system, abdomen, organs, connective tissue and blood vessels - to be able to treat the patient more effectively. The impact of restrictions in these areas can have whole-body implications and this is why I have gone on to study other therapies not traditionally offered by physios. I have found that, with these enhanced skills, I am much more able to help clients who come to my clinic.
The craniosacral system consists of the soft tissues and fluids around the brain and spinal cord. Restrictions of the tissue in the craniosacral system can impact on the central nervous system, endocrine system and other body systems and can be associated with discomfort, pain and dysfunction.
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to feel the intrinsic flow of the craniosacral rhythm, the therapist can help relieve any restrictions in the flow of cerebral spinal fluid around the body which may be causing ill health and help optimise the movement and flow of this system to help restore a sense of comfort and ease in the body.
Craniosacral Therapy
Viscera relates to the internal organs of the body, such as the liver, kidneys and intestines which are suspended in the body cavities by ligaments and connective tissue.
Strains in the connective tissue of the viscera can result from surgical scars, adhesions, illness, posture or injury. This can lead to pain and dysfunction away from the problem area and can be the missing link for the treatment of some chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
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At the core of Visceral Manipulation (VM) is 'listening' to the tissues with gentle touch through the hands. Through manual listening techniques the practitioner can feel where the tissues are pulling toward the areas of restriction, the areas where the body is not moving, and the areas of the greatest impact on the person's wellbeing from the manual therapy perspective.
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I have been training in VM since 2013 through the Barral institute and now am sufficiently proficient to be a teaching assistant for the UK branch of the institute.
Visceral Manipulation
Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds, permeates and protects every other tissue, tendon, muscle, bone, ligament and organ of the body. It can be likened to the pith in an orange.
The fascial system provides cushioning and support, allowing free movement without restriction or pain. Following physical and emotional trauma and through poor posture, fascia scars and hardens in the affected site and creates tension on adjacent pain-sensitive structures and those along the fascial pull.
The fascial pull can be imagined by scrunching a corner of your clothing and observing how the clothing creases from that point and spreads out into other areas.
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A continuous, gentle, pressure for five to eight minutes is applied, following the tissue as it releases and allowing the fascia to elongate naturally and return to its normal resting length.