DO YOU SUFFER FROM CHRONIC PAIN?
WITH LITTLE RELIEF?
WITH LITTLE RELIEF?
WITH LITTLE RELIEF?
WHAT IS MYOFASCIAL RELEASE?
THE HUMAN SKELETAL SYSTEM IS MADE UP OF BONES, MUSCLES AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE. FASCIA IS THE SOFT TISSUE COMPONENT THAT PROVIDES SUPPORT AND PROTECTION FOR THE ORGANS, MUSCLES, BLOOD VESSELS AND NERVES. FASCIA IS A THREE DIMENSIONAL WEB THAT EXTENDS CONTINUOUSLY FROM THE TOP OF THE HEAD TO THE TIP OF THE TOES. IT COATS EVERY ORGAN, MUSCLE, BONE, NERVE AND BLOOD VESSEL ALL THE WAY TO THE CELLULAR LEVEL. FASCIA CAN BECOME CRYSTALLIZED, BOUND DOWN AND SHORTENED FOLLOWING, TRAUMA, INFLAMMATION AND ASYMMETRY. THESE RESTRICTIONS RESULT IN PAIN, DECREASED MOBILITY AND STRUCTURAL ASYMMETRIES WHICH CAN MANIFEST ITSELF IN ANY PART OF THE BODY. MYOFASCIAL RELEASE IS A MANUAL THERAPY TECHNIQUE THAT ENGAGES THE FASCIA TO RELEASE RESTRICTIONS, MOBILIZE ADHESIONS, REDUCE PAIN AND IMPROVE POSTURE AND SYMMETRY. MYOFASCIAL RELEASE OFFERS A NON- INVASIVE, MEDICATION FREE OPTION TO RESOLVE PAIN AND INCREASE MOBILITY. A SESSION CONSISTS OF 55 MINUTES “HANDS ON” TREATMENT IN A RELAXING, THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT.
ABOUT RUTH ROHR, OTR
- RUTH ROHR, OTRRUTH ROHR, OTR IS AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN NUMEROUS SETTINGS. INCLUDING REHABILITATION, LONG TERM CARE, HOME CARE AND MENTAL HEALTH. SHE HAS EXTENSIVE TRAINING IN BARNES METHOD OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE, AS WELL AS FRICTION THERAPY, CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY AND NEUROMUSCULAR TECHNIQUES. HER PASSION IS TO USE HER VAST AND DIVERSE SKILLS TO TREAT INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC PAIN AND LIMITED MOBILITY. SHE UTILIZES A HOLISTIC APPROACH, ASSESSING PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS. HER GOAL IS TO HELP YOU RETURN TO A PRODUCTIVE, ACTIVE, PAIN FREE LIFESTYLE.
WHAT WE TREAT
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE CAN BE USED TO TREAT:
BACK PAIN
CHRONIC PAIN
NECK PAIN
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
JAW PAIN (TMJ)
MIGRAINES
WOMENS HEALTH
DIAGNOSIS
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- TMJDTMJD
Temporomandibular Joint disease is characterized by repeated grinding or clenching of the teeth. This repetitive motion can cause inflammation in the jaw and neck muscles, resulting in pain to the head, neck and shoulders. In addition, to compensate , the body shifts, the head moves forward, the shoulders or hips rotate, and chronic pain can develop anywhere in the body. Myofascial Release treatment addresses the imbalances in the whole body to provide long lasting relief.
The muscles in the jaw, throat, neck and upper chest are released, followed by balancing of the shoulders and /or pelvis. Frequently intra oral treatment is performed as well, to further soften the muscles of the jaw and neck.
The patient is instructed in simple self treatment exercises to maintain gains. Patients are encouraged to be an active partner in their treatment, scheduling periodic preventative follow ups and participating in a regular exercise program.
- Sciatic PainSciatic Pain
Sciatica is pain, tingling or numbness produced by irritation of the sciatic nerve. The nerve exits the spinal cord in the lower back and extends down the back of the leg. Sitting, standing or a long time, or any knee to chest movements can make symptoms worse. Tightening in the hip flexor muscles, the back or leg muscles can all cause the pelvis to rotate and shift. This causes imbalance causes abnormal forces to develop on the spine and can lead to increased pressure on spinal nerves causing sciatic pain.
Myofascial release treatment addresses pelvic imbalances to return proper alignment and reduce increased stressors to hips, legs and back. Following the balancing of the hips, releases are performed to legs, back and hip flexors and extensors. Frequently, imbalances are found at shoulders and neck and addressed as well, to provide long lasting relief.
The patient is instructed in simple self treatment exercises to maintain mobility. Patients are encouraged to be an active partner in their treatment, scheduling periodic preventative follow ups and participating in a regular exercise program.
- Plantar FasciitisPlantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is characterized by a sharp stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot, that can occur suddenly. The plantar fascia connects the front of the foot to the heel, when this tissue is overused it can develop small tears. This can result in inflammation leading to plantar fasciitis.
Myofascial Release can lengthen and soften this fascia, reducing inflammation and allowing the tissue to heal. In addition, a complete postural assessment is performed prior to treatment to identify imbalances that can be contributing to this condition. The pelvis frequently will require rebalancing, as well as treatment to release restrictions to legs and trunk.
Patients are provided with an individualized self treatment program to maintain their results. Patients are instructed to be an active partner in their treatment, scheduling periodic preventative follow ups and participating in a regular exercise program.
- Pregnancy DiscomfortPregnancy Discomfort
Pregnancy signifies a time of tremendous change to a woman’s body. She can experience low back pain, sciatic pain, reflux and the inability of just finding a comfortable position. The growing fetus places increased pressure on maternal organs, nerves and blood vessels. It causes a shift in the center of gravity with resulting shifts to the pelvis, shoulders and spine causing pain and discomfort due to these asymmetrical forces on the body.
Myofascial Release helps to make space, alleviating stress and pain, allowing both the fetus and mothers body to work more easily and provide the optimal environment for fetal development. It rebalances the pelvis and spine, relieving asymmetry and promoting mobility and comfort.
The expectant mother is instructed in simple home exercises to maintain mobility. A consistent schedule of treatments throughout the pregnancy leads to decreased pain and discomfort. Patients report increased ease of labor and delivery and ease of recovery following delivery.
- FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia
Deep muscle pain, soreness, morning stiffness, radiating pain, sensitivity to touch are all symptoms of Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. The nervous system has become sensitized and exhibits overactive responses resulting in chronic pain. Fascia, the connective tissue that ties our bodies together can contract in response the stress or “danger signals”. In fibromyalgia the brain mistakenly triggers these “danger signals”, resulting in chronically tight muscles and chronic pain.
Myofascial release, loosens and softens the fascia, alleviating these triggers. Research has shown that after 20 sessions of Myofascial Release, subjects reported significant pain relief that lasted even one month after the last session.
The patient is instructed in an individualized self treatment program to maintain their results. Patients are instructed to be an active partner in their treatment, scheduling periodic preventative follow ups and participating in a regular exercise program.
- Women's HealthWomen's Health
As Women, our bodies are miraculous, able to sustain, and birth new life. However, this amazing experience brings with it, major challenges, changes, and trauma for our bodies.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can develop following childbirth, causing:- Pelvis floor pain,
- Urinary incontinence,
- Frequent urination,
- Bowel dysfunction,
- Organ prolapse,
- Pain and/or inability to participate in sexual activity.
Though very common, these issues are infrequently discussed in public. Most people are unaware that these are conditions that can be treated, managed, and resolved at times.
Answer the following questions to see if you might benefit from Myofascial Release to address Pelvic Floor Dysfunction- Do you sometimes have pelvic pain (in genitals, perineum, pubic or bladder area or pain with urination) that exceeds 3 on a 1-10 pain scale, with 10 being the worst pain?
- Did you ever fall on your tailbone, lower back, or buttocks (even in childhood)?
- Do you ever experience on or more of the following urinary symptoms?
- Accidental loss of urine.
- Inability to completely empty bladder.
- Very frequent urination, nighttime urination if younger than 60.
- Difficulty starting or the irregular urine stream.
- Do you ever feel increased pelvic pressure or the sensation that your pelvic organs are falling?
- Have you given birth and experienced a C section, delivery with forceps/vacuum, episiotomy/perineum tear.
- Do you have a history of pain in the low back, hip, groin, or sciatic pain?
- Do you ever experience one or more of the following bowel symptoms?
- Bowel leakage.
- Constipation.
- Pain/straining with bowel movement.
- Do you ever experience pain or discomfort with sexual activity?
- Does prolonged sitting increase your pain?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction. Please contact me to discuss your individual concerns and schedule a comprehensive assessment.
Assessment will include a review of your medical history, discussion of current symptoms and concerns, a physical examination which may include both an internal and external exam. I will then formulate an individualized treatment plan to include Myofascial Release, exercise, and self -care techniques.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- TIPS FOR SUCCESSTIPS FOR SUCCESS
Thank you for choosing MFR. You will notice as you begin treatment, that MFR is quite un-like any other form of bodywork that you may have experienced. So, with this in mind I would like to outline a few tips that will help you find success with your treatments.
Your Body Can Heal!
Our bodies have an incredible ability to heal themselves, if given the right environment. What I can do with MFR is open up the body via the fascial system to allow this healing to begin.
Have a Goal
Have a clear and realistic goal before beginning treatment. Being “pain free” may not be a realistic goal in all cases, but decreasing pain and gaining greater range of motion can be. Share your goals with me so that we are both on the same page and so that your I am better able to help you.
During Treatment….
To start, I will do a visual assessment to check the alignment of your body. This assessment, along with your history and areas of concern will determine where we will start.
It is also recommended for the client to wear shorts and a sports bra or a 2 piece bathing suit (or something they feel comfortable in as all releases are done directly on the skin and some may involve movement).
Using the John Barnes method of Myofascial Release, gentle pressure (or traction) is applied to the restricted areas of the body. This pressure is held for at least 5 minutes. In that time you will feel the tissues soften, as this happens more pressure and stretch will be applied. The time factor is extremely important to fully release the deep layers of the fascial system and, in turn, allow our body to begin to heal.
Soft tissue mobilization techniques may also be used if there are a lot of superficial restrictions. This technique is mostly stripping-like strokes along the surface of the skin.
You’re Awareness
To get the full benefits of your MFR treatment, you will need to really focus on what you are feeling in your body during treatment. You may have referral sensations in areas of your body that aren’t being worked on. You may feel your body twitch or shake. You may feel the need to stretch or move during a release (this is the fascial tissue unwinding). You may even feel different emotions coming up during the session (fear, anger, sadness, joy, etc.…). Emotions are felt and expressed with the body and experienced and labeled in the mind.
All of these feelings and sensations are valid, so don’t be too quick to dismiss anything that comes up. We may not know what they mean or where they come from, but it is important that we honor them and feel them through the course of the session.
Healing Crisis
Everybody is going to respond to treatment a little differently, some of you may experience what we call a “Healing Crisis”. This can feel like mild to intense workout pain, a temporary increase in symptoms, flu-like aches/chills, or the feeling of emotional chaos. While this may be uncomfortable, it IS part of the healing process. Your body has been holding on to a pattern of restriction for a while and when it finally gets released you may feel it in the form of a “healing crisis”. When you have been out of touch with your body due to fascial restrictions, what you experience in a healing crisis is more of a “waking up” process. Allowing yourself to feel this is important to the process, as is being gentle with yourself.