TECHNIQUES
In my practice, I employ a multitude of techniques, drawing from myriad disciplines. I'm trained in numerous traditional massage-therapy methods, including myofascial release, deep-tissue, Swedish and others. However, I primarily utilize advanced techniques such as ART®, P-DTR®, NeuroKinetic Therapy®, Bowen Therapy® and the Kinesio Taping® method. I combine these methods with powerful physical assessment tools to achieve results where many other treatments have failed.
My general approach consists of three elements. First, I restore normal movement of the tissues using a structural modality such as ART®. Second, I restore normal function of the tissues using neurological techniques such as P-DTR® or NKT®. Third, I prescribe corrective exercises to restore full strength and get the body working better than ever. There are other methods I employ on an as needed basis. Below is a summary of the techniques I primarily draw upon.
Active Release Techniques® (ART®)
ART® is an elite soft-tissue management system developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy. It is one of the most well-known and wildly popular bodywork techniques in the world today. It is especially popular among athletes, both amateur and professional. ART® quickly and efficiently mobilizes adhered or fibrotic tissues and entrapped nerves, affording immediate and lasting results. As the name suggests, ART® makes use of active patient movements during releases. This not only yields better results, but makes the work more comfortable for the client. Some of the benefits of ART® include:
- Offers immediate, lasting results - Rapidly restores normal range of motion - Restores strength, speed and endurance - Effectively breaks the cycle of repetitive stress injuries - Optimizes athletic performance - Eliminates painful peripheral nerve entrapments - Separates adhered muscles, ligaments, etc. - Stops the Cumulative Injury Cycle in its tracks - Facilitates proper healing of acute injuries - Breaks down and restores movement to fibrotic muscles |  |
Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex® (P-DTR®)
P-DTR® is a product of the original thought and investigations of orthopedic surgeon Dr. José Palomar. This work recognizes that proprioception (sensation of touch, pressure, hot, cold, pain, etc.), and the way the body processes the information from these receptors, is paramount in determining neuromuscular responses throughout the entire body. Motor function is not just determined by the motor system, but rather is modified by the inputs of these receptors. Using a comprehensive system of muscle testing and neural challenges, involved receptors can be located and normal function can be quickly restored. Most therapeutic modalities deal with the "hardware" of the body, neglecting the fact that much of the pain and dysfunction we experience is often actually a problem with our "software". P-DTR is the most comprehensive and effective technique I've come across in my career for dealing with these "software" issues. The work is rapid, tremendously effective and unlike anything you've ever experienced. Some of the benefits of P-DTR include:
- Treats the problem, not the symptoms - Accelerates recovery from acute injuries - Eliminates lingering dysfunction and pain from chronic injuries - Eliminates the debilitating effects of repetitive stress - Optimizes athletic performance - Restores muscle function and coordination quickly - Increases range of motion, strength and stamina - Achieves quick, long-lasting results - Maximizes stability and balance throughout the entire body - Resolves problems you thought you'd "just have to live with" |  |
NeuroKinetic Therapy® (NKT®)
NeuroKinetic Therapy®, known as Neuromuscular Reprogramming® (NMR®) in its previous incarnation, is an innovative and relatively new method of bodywork which utilizes manual muscle testing to assess dysfunctions of the coordination system of the brain resulting from traumatic injury, over use, under use, repetitive stress, postural stress, etc. It cues the brain for new learning resulting in immediate correction of neuromuscular imbalances. NKT works with the body’s organizational intelligence, addressing pain at its source: the motor control center of the brain. Practitioners can quickly and accurately correct the dysfunctional postural and movement patterns that are the source of most mystifying chronic pain and degeneration of the muscles and joints. NKT uses strategy, not force to achieve results. It can provide solutions for conditions that have not responded to previous treatments. This advanced therapy blends well with and is the perfect adjunct to other treatments such as chiropractic, physical therapy and acupuncture. Some of the benefits of NKT include:
- Uses muscle testing to locate the source of the problem - Achieves faster, longer-lasting results than many methods - Eliminates enduring patterns of dysfunction from old injuries - Reduce the effects of repetitive stress injuries - Enhances athletic performance - Quickly improves muscle coordination - Increases range of motion, energy, strength and stamina throughout the body - Work is done with clothes on for maximum comfort - Coupled with therapeutic exercises for maximum benefit |  |
Bowen Therapy®
Bowen Therapy is a gentle, yet powerful technique developed in Australia in the 1950's by Tom Bowen (below). Bowen operates on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and somatic nervous system (SMS) by way of gently manipulating a combination of the stretch reflexes, joint proprioceptors, lymphatic circulation, spinal reflexes, fascia, and the meridian system. Bowen "moves" initiate therapeutic "conversations" between the mind and body, stimulating deep relaxation and healing. These moves cue the body to heal itself. Some of the benefits of Bowen Therapy include:
 (Tom Bowen) | - Increases energy and greater sense of well being - An effective therapy for those overcoming strokes, sports injuries, accidents and other ailments - Increases range and fluidity of motion - Promotes optimal lymphatic circulation - Helps relieve pain and swelling - Helps a multitude of conditions often resistant to traditional therapies |
Kinesio Taping®
The Kinesio Taping® Method is a definitive rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body's natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body's range of motion. It provides extended soft tissue manipulation, prolonging the benefits of manual therapy. Kinesio Tape is latex-free, safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric and can be worn for days at a time. It can even be worn in water. Kinesio Taping has been featured in every Olympic Games since 1994 and was worn by athletes from each and every sport in the 2008 games in Beijing. Some of the benefits of Kinesio Taping include:- Relaxes overactive muscles - Strengthens inhibited muscles - Facilitates lymphatic drainage - Improves circulation - Mobilizes fascia - Supports joints, ligaments and tendons - Reduces pain and inflammation - Supports muscles in movement 24 hours-per-day |  |
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. CST uses gentle pressures, generally equivalent to the weight of a nickel, to release fixations around the brain and spinal cord, including around and between the bones of the skull and face. These fixations effect the movement of the craniosacral system and the flow of nourishing cerebro-spinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. In addition to the largely musculo-skeletal conditions listed at the bottom of this page, Craniosacral Therapy can also address:| - Migraines and Headaches - Stress and tension-related disorders - Motor coordination impairments - Infant and childhood disorders - Brain and spinal cord injuries - Fibromyalgia - Central Nervous System disorders - Learning Disabilities - ADD/ADHD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder |  |
CONDITIONS I WORK WITH INCLUDE:
- Muscle imbalances and muscular pain - Lower back pain - Arthritis - Tendinitis/bursitis - Rotator cuff injuries - Knee pain/injuries - I.T. Band Syndrome - Bunions - Neck/jaw pain and injuries (including TMJ) - Extremity pain and injuries - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Tennis Elbow/Golfer's Elbow - Scoliosis - Sciatica - Plantar Fasciitis - Shin Splints - Intervertebral disk pathologies (e.g. bulging disk, degenerative disk disease) - Incontinence/bed-wetting - Abdominal discomfort/digestive upsets - Vertigo - Kidney and bladder disorders - Lymphatic/immune system dysfunction And more... |  |