Manual Therapy: means hands-on treatment. There are many techniques that qualify as Manual Therapy.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle light touch hands on method of manual therapy that facilitates the release of held restrictions in the entire body, with particular attention to the craniosacral system.

The craniosacral system is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This system plays a vital role of maintaining the environment in which the central nervous system functions.

By improving mobility of the system and other tissues and fluids of the body, CST assists the body’s natural ability to normalize itself and promote better health.

The craniosacral system has great influence over and is functionally interconnected with the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, the neuromusculoskeletal system, and the endocrine system.

The circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid in the system produces a rhythmic motion that can be palpated throughout the entire body and is used for evaluation and for treatment.

Changes in the craniosacral rhythm can be an indicator of dysfunction.  Balancing this rhythm can have a strong positive impact throughout the body reducing the effects of stress and optimizing health.

Craniosacral therapy was developed by Dr. John Upledger.

Myofascial Release or MFR is another specific technique included under manual therapy. Accidents, injuries or the overuse of muscles can cause muscle and surrounding connective tissue, or fascia, to become restricted causing pain and or limited movement. MFR is an indirect approach usinggentle slow stretches that works on releasing fascia throughout the body’s connective tissue correcting long-standing tissue restrictions with an outcome of decreased pain and increased mobility.

Strain/Counter-strain is a soft tissue indirect manual approach reduces pain by decreasing “protective” muscle spasms.

Muscle Energy Techniques is a therapeutic approach that restores normal motion to a painful or restricted joint. This technique uses a direct three-dimensional approach of soft tissue contraction/relaxation against resistance of the patient.

Soft Tissue Mobilization is a direct manual approach that elongate the fascial fibers that surround our muscles.

Joint Mobilization is a direct manual approach that mobilizes the joint to increase range of movement.