Treatments
I provide a supportive, professional and relaxing environment. You will be given a health history form to fill out. Assessment and discussion about your general health and particular concerns will be part of the initial visit. We will talk about your treatment goals and develop a treatment plan together.
The length of time necessary to see results is usually 2-3 sessions closer together either weekly or every 2 weeks followed by visits every 3-5 weeks for several sessions. Depending on the condition and the degree, persistence or chronic nature of it will determine the recovery time. Follow up treatments as maintenance or when tension accumulates are recommended.
I will refer to other health care providers such as physiotherapists, naturopaths and medical doctors when additional care or testing is required.
Most clients experience the treatment as deeply relaxing. The autonomic nervous system calms down and the immune system can improve its function. It enhances motion in the joints and decreases pain, increases energy, calms the nervous system and overall functioning of the body systems to deliver a more balanced body. Introducing education in movement, alignment, diet, and changing habits that are aggravating symptoms after treatment is important. Post treatment is an ideal time to benefit from positive health strategies because the body is experiencing more motion and a decrease in pain. This can further decrease symptoms and optimize recovery. Ongoing goals are given to practice at home or work so that a consistent plan can be implemented to assist in improving health.
Treatments are beneficial for:
- Shoulder, neck and low back pain
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Headaches and migraines
- Osteoarthritis, joint pain
- Menstrual and menopausal concerns
- Respiratory conditions
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Neuropathies due to nerve entrapment (thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel, sciatica)
- Pre and post – natal health
Chronic and Acute Pain
How we experience pain or discomfort is complex. Recently, I have been introduced to current pain research which explains the current view of pain as multifaceted and complex. Pain theory looks at pain as being elicited by physical, emotional and external factors. This is known as the biological, social and psychological model or biopsychosocial model.
The brain receives signals that something is not quite right and may be harmful to the body. This does not mean that pain is the signal sent rather it is information for the brain to interpret. Attitudes, values, and behaviours and the circumstances surrounding the incident or condition all impact the experience of pain or discomfort. Pain can also be a result of a gradual accumulation of tension or stress. Due to these three different areas in this model and the variables within each area the experience of pain is quite unique to each person.
Treatments can change the trajectory of acute or chronic pain by introducing motion and down regulating an overactive or under active nervous system. Most often a decrease in symptoms occurs: sleep, digestion improves, and motion increases in the joints. Along with movement education, exercise and a healthy diet and changing habits which are not supporting your body treatments can lead to improved health and quality of life.