Emmett Technique
Emmett Technique is a gentle therapy that reactivates the connection between the brain and a muscle or muscle group via light touch receptors. Light pressure is used in the form of holding points, switches and glides on specific areas to release pain, discomfort and limited range of motion. It often returns the body to a positive emotional state and increases body awareness. It is also effective for restoring balance and stimulating the lymphatic system.
McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release (MSTR)
Scar tissue forms when the body produces collagen fibres to heal from injuries (e.g. surgery, trauma, burns), they do so in a disorganised way to protect the area as much as possible. There can be any combination of visible scar tissue and underlying fibrous tissue that may cause physical tension, pain or discomfort, altered or reduced sensation, reduced blood or lymphatic flow through the area, and undesired emotional associations. MSTR is a gentle massage technique that helps to “unstick” the collagen fibres from each other and encourages them to reset in a more organised way. This often increases movement and blood and lymph flow to the area, restores regular sensation, changes or reduces the appearance of the scar, and helps to release undesired emotional associations.
Myofascial Release
Fascia is a complex web of tissue that surrounds and
permeates every muscle, bone, organ, nerve and blood vessel, providing it with its shape, stability in position and ability to glide against surrounding structures. Fluids, blood vessels and nerves travel along fascia to their destinations. Also, fascial fibres orient themselves in directions of most use, especially after physical trauma. Therefore, incorrect biomechanics and incomplete healing from injury can lead to pain and other problems involving some or all of these structures and systems, as well as pulling on structures in regions far away from the site.
Fascia responds well to touch or force that is gentle and of long duration. By applying this kind of pressure and
oscillations in directions that ease the nervous system, fascia can relax and unwind, along with other structures and you as well!
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Points are hypersensitive ‘nodules’ in muscles and fascia that keep them in a state of contraction while referring pain to other areas, as well as blocking necessary fluids and nutrients from entering, and toxins from exiting, the muscle.
To deactivate a trigger point it is squeezed for approximately 60 to 90 seconds, which will reproduce the referred pain pattern until the nodule ‘melts away’ at which point the toxins are squeezed out and fresh nutrients and fluids can enter the muscle.
Skeletal Alignment
The skeleton supports the body and protects organs. The pelvis acts as a fulcrum in the middle of the body, and when it is out of alignment can cause loss of balance, uncoordinated movement and problems with internal organs. The spine protects the spinal cord, and nerves and blood vessels pass between and around its sections known as vertebrae. When vertebrae are out of alignment they can pull on fascia and muscles and put pressure on nerves or blood vessels, leading to pain, loss of muscle function or range of motion, and problems with internal organs.
Pressure is applied to the pelvis or vertebrae in combination with easy movements or deep breathe to allow the pelvis or vertebrae to safely return to its aligned position, allowing freedom in movement, reduced muscle tension and improved balance. Home care exercises can also be used to maintain alignment.
Walker Technique/Structural Response Therapy
Fascial adhesions can block fluid transport through the body, which leads to fluid retention, a feeling of heaviness and fatigue, and possibly illness.
Walker Technique focuses on unblocking the lymphatic and vascular systems by using directional friction to break up adhesions in the fascia and guide the excess fluid out of the lymphatic system. Build up of excess fluid under the skin puts pressure on nerves and other structures, which may cause momentary discomfort during treatment, however this dissipates as the fluid is flushed out, leading to a feeling of lightness and a clearer mind.
All modalities are performed with the client fully clothed and in sitting, standing or lying positions.
Conditions that have benefited include:
Movement:
- Difficulty with certain movements, e.g. lifting arms above head, squatting, turning head from side to side
- Problems with coordination in movement
- Muscle weakness
Skeletal:
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Disc Prolapse/Herniation
- Scoliosis
- Excessive spinal curvature (Hyperlordosis/Hyperkyphosis)
Neural:
- Nerve Impingement
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Tingling/Pins and Needles
Pain:
- Neck/Shoulder/Back Pain
- Headaches/Migraines
- Muscle Cramps
- Period Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Trigger Points
Other:
- Vertigo/Balance problems
- Fatigue
- Digestion problems
- Sinus/Respiration problems
- Vision problems
- Voice problems
- Pregnancy