Myofascial release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate. Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain-sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.) Each myofascial release treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.
—John F. Barnes, PT
Physical or emotional trauma can cause a neurological response leading to fascial restrictions in various areas of the body. Upon release of the restricted fascia, it is not uncommon to experience emotional release as well.
What is fascia? Read more.
Usually provided by a physical or occupational therapist, soft tissue mobilization is the use of various direct manual strategies, often with lotion applied to the skin for greater comfort, for facilitating the correction of soft tissue adhesions, edema, impaired joint range of motion, and abnormal sensation and proprioception. These techniques may utilize light to deep pressure on the body’s tissues.
Prolonged faulty posture caused from long hours of poor alignment working at a desk, driving, etc., can lead to imbalance in the bodys’ soft tissues and joint tension loads. This eventually results in postural weakness, poor circulation in affected areas, pain, and other undesirable consequences. At Shine Wellness, patients are taught to identify harmful postures, instructed in healthy postural alternatives, and learn applicable exercises to promote long-term successful outcomes.
A mother’s body truly transforms during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Many moms experience excellent recoveries; however, no two pregnancies, deliveries, or postpartum periods are the same. Some moms experience stress incontinence (urinary leakage during pressure stresses to the pelvic floor such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, jumping). Some believe it is “just a normal part of motherhood.” This is not the case, and stress incontinence can be treated, improved, and often eliminated with proper care. Other common issues arising during pregnancy or postpartum are sciatica, low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, postural asymmetries, diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) and more. At Shine Wellness moms experiencing such issues are nurtured and honored for the process of becoming a mother, the hardest and most fulfilling job of their lives. The integrative bodywork and mindful movement training provided at Shine Wellness address these postpartum concerns, and appropriate secondary referrals may be made if necessary.
Facilitating awareness of faulty and correct resting postures and movement sequences through breath work, mindfulness, and exercises designed to engender lasting, positive results. To ensure long-term success, patients are instructed in individualized movement plans for home use when appropriate.
Includes assessment exam and treatment.
Each session is approximately 75% manual treatment and 25% mindful movement.