Physical Therapy: Manual Therapies
What is Reiki therapy?
Reiki is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 in Japan. It is believed to move healing energy through the palms of the practitioner. There is no scientific evidence to either proof or disproove the efficacy of this technique.
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial release is an evidence based massage technique which releases the contractions or adhesions in the fascia. Fascia is one of the largest categories of tissue in the body. It surrounds all the muscles allowing them to smoothly move over each other, it underlies the skin and attaches the organs to the body walls.
When there is an injury to the body, whether from the trauma of an accident or from surgery, the fascia of that area becomes damaged. If the fascia is not treated in this gentle manner it will remain disturbed and can effect muscle extensibility and function in addition to causing pain and inflammation. The practitioner's hands determine the direction of least resistance in the tissues and allow the tissues to unwind under very light pressure.
Benefits of myofascial release
- Increases soft tissue extensibility
- Decreases pain and stiffness
- Increases joint range of motion
- Improves energy flow in the body
What is Strain/Counter Strain Therapy?
Strain/counter strain therapy is an evidence based massage technique which treats injured or spasming muscles and trigger points. The point of injury is determined, then manual techniques are used to release the tissue by putting the muscle in a shortened position and allowing it to relax.
What is muscle energy therapy?
Muscle energy technique is an evidence based manual technique which helps to regain joint and muscle extensibility by activating the stretch reflex of the muscle to allow for greater joint movement.