MFR CST VM – Saunders Therapy

Visceral Manipulation

May 18, 2022April 18, 2022 by Robin

Visceral manipulation is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy used to help your internal organs (viscera) glide smoothly within your body. The techniques focus on gentle mobilization of internal organs and their fascial connections to promote synchronized movement between the organs and structures. Our visceral physical therapists have received advanced training through the Barral Institute.

Viscera are the soft internal organs of the body (such as the liver and bladder). These organs have a natural rhythm and motion and are intended to move in harmony with each other. When organs are out of synchronicity with other organs and tissues, it not only affects the optimal performance of the organ itself, but it also affects the surrounding tissue that is connected to the organ through the fascial system. This can lead to pain and dysfunction in areas far from where the organ lies.

Visceral Manipulation is used to locate and solve problems throughout the body. It encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your organs, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal system through the connective tissue attachments, and influence general metabolism. Although several professions can practice Visceral Manipulation, receiving your care from a physical therapist ensures a comprehensive approach.

What To Expect

All patients receive a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation that includes assessment of your posture, muscle imbalances, biomechanics, and joint mobility to identify areas contributing to your symptoms.

Your physical therapist will use soft manual forces to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. These gentle manipulations can potentially improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.

With Visceral Manipulation, your treatment is very gentle. It is often combined with other forms of therapy, like Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, joint mobilization, and appropriate exercise.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

June 7, 2022April 18, 2022 by Robin

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle hands on technique to restore normal position and motion of the bones of the skull, spine and sacrum, and to restore cerebrospinal fluid flow. Physical Therapists who perform craniosacral therapy have had specialized training and have very skilled touch and intuition.

What is the Craniosacral System? What is the Theory?

The body’s craniosacral system includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the cranium (head) to the sacrum (tailbone). The cerebrospinal fluid circulates through the brain and spinal cord at a rate of 6 to 12 cycles per minute and is called the craniosacral rhythm. This craniosacral rhythm can be felt through gentle touch and can lead the therapist to restrictions in the body. Restrictions in the membranes of this system can affect the central nervous system and other systems in the body.

Contracture in the soft tissues at the skull and spinal cord can restrict the flow in the craniosacral system. CST uses the craniosacral rhythm and system as a guide to correct restrictions and to facilitate optimal craniosacral function. The result is improvement in pain and function.

What To Expect

With Craniosacral Therapy, your treatment is very gentle. Very light pressure in just the right spot releases flow restrictions and results in immediate pain relief and restored motion.

Craniosacral Therapy is often combined with other forms of therapy, like Myofascial Release, joint mobilization, and appropriate exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Craniosacral Therapy

Myofascial Release (MFR)

June 7, 2022April 18, 2022 by Robin

Myofascial Physical Therapy Technique performed on supine patient

Myofascial release (MFR) is a hands-on approach of evaluating and treating fascial restrictions. Our myofascial physical therapists have years of training and experience, including multiple certifications from John Barnes, the Upledger Institute, and the Barral Institute. Some massage therapists or other practitioners perform Myofascial Release, but receiving care for your myofascial system from a physical therapist mean that you are in the best hands – your care is the most comprehensive with this combination of skills and training.

What is Fascia? What is the Theory?

Fascia is connective tissue that is continuous from head to toe covering every bone, muscle, organ, nerve, artery, and vein in the body. It connects all parts of the body. Myofascial tissue normally has a very high water content which allows it and the tissue it surrounds to move freely.

When we experience trauma, such as a fall, surgery, or other insult to the body, the water content reduces significantly and the fascia becomes tight and restricted. The result is increased tension/load on other systems in the body, such as the muscles and nerves, causing pain in areas of the body that may be far away from the original site of injury.

By applying gentle sustained pressure and stretches to the fascial restriction, it releases the tissue and improves its water content. The result is decreased pain and improved mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Myofascial Physical Therapy

What To Expect

All patients receive a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation that includes assessment of your posture, muscle imbalances, biomechanics, and joint mobility to identify areas contributing to your symptoms.
With Myofascial Release, your therapist will encourage you to become aware of the sensations occurring in your body before, during, and after treatment. You will be encouraged to allow your body to unwind or naturally move as the fascial tissues are released.
Expression of emotions experienced during or after your treatment session is also encouraged. Often with the release of emotions, the restrictions in the system will also release, resulting in pain relief.