Benefits

Pain Relief –
The most recognizable mechanism to pain relief is the gate control theory. Where somatic stimulus (manual therapy) blocks the pain stimulus at the spinal gate because the spine will only process the first impulse it receives and the former travels faster. That is why you find yourself rubbing or holding an injury as an initial response to pain. Additionally, by improving tissue flexibility, circulation, and reducing spasm and trigger points (hyper sensitive tissue), the pain receptors in the affected tissues are indirectly desensitized. Similarly, when inflammation (swelling) is reduced, stimulus to the pain receptors in the affected tissues is also reduced. Furthermore, bodywork will provide relief in both delayed onset muscle soreness and post-surgical pain.

Reduced Inflammation –
A shift in fluids from an injured area to an area with healthy, intact blood and lymphatic vessels is possible, thus reducing inflammation and edema (excessive tissue fluid). Additionally, certain techniques will enhance the function of the lymphatic system and aid in edema uptake.

Enhanced Local Circulation –
Local venous flow and hyperemia (increased amount of blood in the capillary network due to local vasodilation) is improved in the affected tissues. Although exercise is the best method to improve general circulation, for those with injuries that prevent movement, enhancing local circulation with massage can be of vital importance and greatly aid in recovery.

Muscle Balance and Injury Prevention –
Muscle camping, spasm and tension patterns can be assessed and decreased, along with voluntary and involuntary splinting (muscle recruitment), and fascial adhesions and restrictions, all of which promotes improved overall muscle balancing and helps in avoiding injuries such as chronic strain syndromes. Additionally, yoga and stretching/strengthening exercises help improve muscle balance, increased flexibility and core strength that further aid in avoiding injuries.

Enhanced Collagen Remodeling –
During the subacute and maturation stages of healing, proper fiber alignment can be established by breaking apart fibers that are in poor alignment (as a result of natural collagen repair after an injury to tissue). In addition, by using friction techniques, fibroblast activity is stimulated further enhancing collagen repair.

Decreased Stress and a Strengthened Immune System –
Neuroendocrine substances (communication molecules in the blood) such as cortisol and substance P, which stress and weaken the body, are effectively lowered. Furthermore, the availability of dopamine and serotonin, which aid in mood regulation, increase sensations of relaxation and joy and subtly help strengthen the body, are effectively increased. All of these things have a positive impact on the experienced levels of anxiety and stress and the strength of the immune system. In addition, mindfulness helps in staying calm, grounded and focused in the face of any adversity, intensity or stress.

Decreased Recovery Time and Increased Athletic Focus –
Less tension and distress, a higher degree of tranquility and vitality, enhanced alertness, and fewer sleep difficulties. In which case, it seems logical that an athlete’s performance potential and rate of recovery would be positively affected by this decrease in stress and anxiety and enhanced sense of well-being and mental focus. In addition, mindfulness aids in developing restful alertness and balanced somatic awareness that greatly enhances athletic focus and reaching flow states.

Improved Range of Motion and Performance –
Hyper-tonicity of the muscle can be reduced, improving its flexibility and tone. Furthermore fascial adhesions, restrictions and scar tissue can be greatly reduced. All of these benefits allow the muscle to contract and lengthen more efficiently, thus improving length, strength ratio, muscle power and range of motion. In addition, this sense of elongation and flexibility may have a positive impact on athletic performance through improved biomechanics. For instance, a golfer may find greater distance in striking a golf ball if restrictions, trigger points (knots) or scar tissue have been addressed, enabling an increase in trunk and shoulder rotation. Moreover, yoga improves flexibility and range of motion, thus increasing your power, form and efficiency.

Relief from Repetitive Use/Work Related Injuries –
Problematic areas can be specifically treated with an emphasis on breaking down scar tissue and addressing the affected connective tissue, lengthening the muscle and restoring the nerve supply, thus relieving the acute symptoms of repetitive use/work related injuries.

Improved Breathing Patterns –
Breathing capacity can be improved by restoring mobility to the thorax (mid chest area) and the muscles that aid in respiration.

Sense of Well-Being –
A greater sense of well-being is one of the myriads of effects that can be cultivated through manual therapy, mindfulness and movement. Through manual therapy we can experience a kinesthetic effect that allows for more space and ease in the physical body. Through mindful practices and meditation, we can start to see life in way that doesn’t cling or attach to the difficulties in life and experience ease in the mental body. Through movement practices we can start to move vital life force energy that allows for a healthy relationship to body, mind and spirit. All of which translate to a happy, healthy and prosperous life!

Greater Capacity to Deal with Pain and Stress –
As we start to shift levels of mind, we begin to see that the level of mind we typically use to process life’s unfortunate events and difficulties is not the only level of mind we have to choose from. We can then allow pain and stress then to come to a new level of mind that doesn’t solely use thought or past experiences to relate. In this pain and stress recovery program we don’t pick up the first “think” when confronted and allow the new level of mind to process, giving us a greater capacity to deal with the pain and stress that is inevitable in the adventures of life.

Deeper Connection with Our Self and Others –
By stepping out of the everyday mind and ego identity we discover a new way to relate, grow, change and create with our Self and others. We can step into a heart space that is connected to all most importantly our Self.