Therapies Utilized in this Practice

Therapies Utilized in this Practice

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Complementary Advanced Soft Tissue Techniques generally provide additional benefits that more fully integrate the healing process. This is the Osteopathic approach utilized in this practice.

Soft Tissue Therapies

Utilized in this Practice

(based on the work developed by)

NeuroMuscular Therapy

Clinical Massage Techniques

Osteopathic Techniques

Structural Integration

MyoFascial Release Techniques

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Integration

Muscle Energy Techniques

Visceral Manipulation

Flexibility Conditioning

Health & Nutrition Education

NeuroMuscular Therapy...

(Janet Travell, M.D.)

(Paul St. John, LMT)

(Leon Chaitow, D.O.)

The assessment and specific treatment of hypertonic (abnormally tight & contracted) muscle tissues that contribute to BioMechanical (functionally related) imbalances and the reduction in our ability to normally function. Hypertonicity is often the result of sustained abnormally high neurological activity. Left untreated, this high level of 'firing' in nervous tissue can negatively affect the function of other muscles, organs and glands.

Clinical Massage Techniques...

(various presenters)

The manipulation of soft tissue so as to soften contracted and fibrotic areas... encourage the flow of blood, lymph and other body fluids... and to assist in the elimination of metabolic waste products, toxins and physiological debris.

Structural Integration...

(Dr. Ida Rolf)

The elongation, spreading and normalization of various layers of Fascial tissue. This resultant increase in tissue length and elasticity then permits... a more correct posture and alignment... movement with greater range, freedom, and flow... improved physiological functioning due to the reduction of restrictions... and an increased sense of self confidence and self esteem.

MyoFascial Release Techniques...

(various presenters)

This includes several techniques, most of which are based on gently inducing and following the release (elongation and rotational unwinding) of Fascia as well as those tissues restricted by Fascia. These techniques assist in achieving the goal of improved structure and function.

CranioSacral Therapy...

and CranioSacral Integration...

(William Sutherland, D.O.)

(John Upledger, D.O.)

(Dallas Hancock, D.C.)

The CranioSacral System involves the inner most part of our body... the membranes and connective tissue that houses the Brain, Spinal Cord and the Nerve Roots exiting the Spine. Functioning properly, this system refines blood into CerebroSpinal Fluid which bathes and nourished our Brain and Central Nervous System. When the CranioSacral System is not functioning properly... there is less fluid to nourish the Brain... there are structural imbalances in our Cranium and Sacrum which contributes to structural distortions in other parts of our body... and there may be pressure build ups in our head due to the restricted flow of fluids.

The goal of this gentle work is to normalize the CranioSacral System so that its rhythm is strong, full and balanced... and to also normalize the articulations within and in between the Cranial Bones. As this is done, the improvements in structure will generally result in the improvement of functions throughout our body.

Muscle Energy Techniques...

(Fred Mitchell, Sr., D.O.)

These are soft tissue adjustment techniques in which a patient is placed in a specific position... and the asked to gently move in a specific direction, while the therapist resists that movement. As that gentle movement is resisted, the restricted position of tissues within joints release, and are normalized. This then enables a more normal posture and function.

Visceral Manipulation...

(Jean-Pierre Barral, D.O.)

The organs within the trunk of our body are held in place by ligaments and other connective tissues. Like the structures in the CranioSacral System, these organs are supposed to move freely and rhythmically. As these attachments become less mobile, they contribute to organ dysfunction... and possibly also a deep sense of discomfort. It is the aim of this organ specific technique to normalize those restricted soft tissue structures, so as to enable the organ to function more optimally.

Flexibility Conditioning...

(Aaron Mattes, RKT)

Based on the work of Aaron Mattes and others... these stretching techniques achieve tissue elongation at a lower tissue stress level by utilizing passive muscle positioning... and an appropriate stretch duration.

Health & Nutrition Coaching...

Therapy can be assisted with information and recommendations regarding positive lifestyle choices such as stretching routines, exercise, mind/body awareness and nutrition. Nutrition goes beyond proper intake. It must include absorption, assimilation and utilization.

Osteopathy...

(various Doctors of Osteopathy... D.O.)

Osteopathy emphasizes overall health through encouraging balance and harmony between the relationships of the body's Nerves, Muscles, Bones, and Organs. It is an integrated approach that looks upon the body as a 'whole'... the sum total of its inter-related parts. When the parts inter-relate in a harmonious way, the body is healthy. When there is not harmony, the body is dysfunctional or diseased in some way. The Principles of Osteopathy are the basis of my practice. Osteopathic Techniques, as those described above, are part of the Advanced Soft Tissue approach utilized during treatments.

NeuroMuscular Therapy

Clinical Massage Techniques

Structural Integration

MyoFascial Release Techniques

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Integration

Muscle Energy Techniques

Visceral Manipulation

Flexibility Conditioning

Health & Nutrition Education

This practice is based on

Osteopathic healing approach & treatment

Joel Safran, RMT

over 20 years experience

(416) 665-9737