Neuromuscular/Myofascial/Trigger Point Therapy  Examine for taut bands that are often associated with trigger points, and  use applied pressure to treat the pain-producing nodules.  A medium paced thumb or finger-gliding stroke is used.  Ischemic compression is applied to the tissue for deactivation of the trigger points.  Active or passive stretching is then used to change the muscle memory.

 

A self care review is conducted to encourage the client's participation in the recovery process, which might include stretching, changes in habits and alterations in lifestyle that help to eliminate perpetuating factors.   Hot and cold therapies are also used dependent on the treatment.

 

Used for over 30 years in Europe, Phototherapy is a newly available therapeutic physical modality using photons of light from the visible red to the infrared spectrum for tissue healing and pain reduction.

 

 

 

 

 

Swedish massage therapy was developed by Swedish doctor Par Henrik Ling in the late 19 century and involves the use of the hands, forearms and elbows to work the superficial muscles. It’s designed to promote relaxation, increase oxygen flow in the body and rid the body of toxins.

 

When most people think of massage, they’re thinking of Swedish massage and it’s the most common form of massage practiced in the West. Spas, fitness clubs and even salons typically offer Swedish massage as one of their services.

The purpose of Swedish massage is to bring relaxation to the body by manipulating the muscles with long, gliding strokes that follow the direction of blood that’s returning to the heart. Lotions and oils are often used to minimize friction between the therapist’s hands and the recipient and stimulate the skin. These movements help to increase blood oxygen levels, rid the muscles of toxins and waste products and increase overall flexibility while reducing tension.

 

Swedish massage is best known for its long, gliding strokes on the top layer of muscle, but there are a variety of other Swedish massage techniques that include kneading, vibration, percussion and active and passive movement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Provides a special time of communication that fosters love, compassion, and respect

• Improves general well-being

• Provides an intimate time for children to confide in parents

• Improves overall functioning of the gastrointestinal tract

• Promotes relaxation and helps babies self-regulate calm, which reduces crying

• Helps to normalize muscle tone

• Improves circulation

• Enhances immune system function

• Improves midline orientation

• Helps to improve sensory and body awareness

• Enhances neurological development

• Helps baby/child to sleep deeper and more soundly

• Helps to increase oxygen and nutrient flow to cells. Improves respiration

• Helps to improve pain management; can relieve discomfort from teething,

• Helps with congestion, gas, and colic

• Enhances release of hormones in the body. The growth hormone can be stimulated which helps weight gain.

• Reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone

• Provides all of the essential indicators of intimate parent-infant bonding and attachment: eye-to-eye, touch, voice, smell, movement, and thermal regulation.

• Stimulates all of the physiological systems. Massage sparks the neurons in their brains to grow and branch out to encompass other neurons.