Our team is skilled in various manual therapies that can help reduce pain, stress, and strain, and more. Learn more about the specific techniques we use below.
Manual cupping therapy
This ancient form of manual therapy has been used for thousands of years and is now commonly practiced by many bodywork practitioners. Cupping uses controlled suction (or negative pressure) to separate fused or adhered tissue. This decompressive manual therapy technique can be used to treat muscle and soft tissue dysfunction, improve circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, reduce inflammation, soften scar tissue, and reduce pain.
Myofascial release
This soft tissue manual therapy is used to treat pain and tension that are caused by myofascial tension. Focused manual pressure and stretching are gently applied to areas of the body where muscles and joints are restricted. Myofascial release can be effective in providing pain relief, improving flexibility and mobility, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.
Craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral (or cranial sacral) therapy is a gentle, light touch therapy which encourages releases within the cranium and soft tissues that support the brain and spinal cord. This is shown to improve the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid and calm the nervous system, allowing the body to begin to heal itself. It’s helpful for many conditions, including neck and back pain, headaches and migraines, concussion and vestibular issues, chronic pain, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and depression. CST can be done by itself or in conjunction with other therapies to improve one’s overall health and well being.
Functional dry needling
Functional dry needling is one of many skills our therapists use to help treat a multitude of problems. Dry needling uses a thin monofilament needle that is inserted into the appropriate tissue based on a thorough history and examination by your therapist. The clinical results of dry needling include, but are not limited to, increased range of motion and decreased pain with an overall goal of restoring normal function. Other effects include biochemical changes in the area, increased blood flow, and decreasing tissue banding (trigger points). Dry needling has the best effect when followed with corrective exercise to reinforce normal movement patterns.
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
This advanced soft tissue technique may be used to complement treatment and exercise. It targets the skin, myofascia, muscles, and tendons using different compressive stroke techniques. It can be applied using different materials, often stainless steel or a jade stone. It can be particularly helpful in patients with tendinitis/tendinosis, scar tissue tightness or adhesions, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, and ITB syndrome, among other diagnoses.