Manual Therapies
Hands on Body Work has been a method of treatment for thousands of years across the world and there are many modalities for this.
Below I give some examples of how manual therapies have taken my interest.
When I was young, my dad's work involved both manual labour and desk work, occassionally I would give him a neck and shoulder massage. It fascinated me how his muscles would yield and soften whilst I tried various methods, and I was very pleased when he was grateful that he 'felt much better'.
Again, as a child, my Grandma came back from her hospital appointment for her knee pain, when I asked how she had got on she said she had a sheet of exercises and had to go back in 6 weeks. I was surprised, at that time, that there wasn't more, no weekly massage, special gel, device or knee support. Whilst I know have a better understanding of the reasoning, I still believe that hands on manual therapies can add great relief through promoting circulation and relaxing tension, as part of a treatment programme.
As a young adult I went on a 12 weeks Structural Integration course with a Therapist, each session she used hands on techniques to release tissues, free up movement and posture. I was absolutely fascinated, not only did I feel much freer in my movement and posture, but I felt much freer mentally, reducing my anxiety, improving my confidence, decision making and assertiveness. I thought how amazing that physical hands on work could make you feel so much better mentally.
It still fascinates me how the body responds to myofascial work, how the nervous system can relax as the body gives, freeing up aches and pains, movement and posture, and how this can change a person.
Myofascia
Myofacsia, sometimes called connective tissue, is the tissue that runs through the whole body, fully connected from the layer underneath the skin (think of a onesy) to the tissue that surrounds the muscles, and fluidily intertwines between them, turning into tendons and continuing throughout the body (for those who cut/cook meat it's the transparent and white tissue).
Myofascial Work
Working on the myofascia / connective tissues can relax and 'release' muscles and through the neural receptors give the brain and nervous system a lot of important feedback.
Sometimes this can be gentle skin moves, or deeper pressure and movement, trigger points, stimulation and functional movement.
Bowen Technique
I LOVE the Bowen Technique. 25 years ago whilst looking at manual therapy courses I read an article about Bowen, a gentle hands on therapy that studies have shown to help musculoskeletal problems such as frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck, knee, hip, shoulder pain, headaches and migraines.
I was intrigued and booked onto a course to see and feel what it was about and of course whether it worked.
I felt it's benefit on the course so booked the second part. Myself and all the other students were very excited to feed back about all the family and friends we had helped and some of the amazing stories.
Every body is different and respond to different therapies. Some people love the no pain no gain methods, however for many these fill them with fear, already being in pain, so gentle therapies like Bowen are a great comfort.
A Bowen 'move' is just a gentle skin move over specific areas, tendons, ligaments, muscles.
As there is nothing else going on, the nervous system responds to this stimulus and time is given for this interoceptive exploration of the brain and nervous system. Studies show the brain drops a brain wave towards rest and recovery.
Over the course of the week following treatment, the body makes it's own adjustments usually providing great relief.
For the majority of my clients, friends and family, this gentle approach has been a great help, in particular with sciatic symptoms, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, neck stiffness and pain and knee pain.
As Bowen is a whole body treatment, many have found other benefits than those that they were seeking to resolve.
Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage
Again, 25 years ago I went on an Indian Head Massage course, and love the response when people receive this.
Head Massage can relax tension in the scalp, neck and shoulders and encourage blood flow.
Both as a relaxing experience in itself but also in helping relieve and prevent tension headaches, neck and shoulder tension and improving sleep.
WEEKLY FRIDAY CLINIC at:
Nantwich Health and Beauty Clinic
19 Beam Street, Nantwich
Cheshire CW5 5NA
