What does TPR, MFR, CTM etc. mean?
What are these different types of therapy?
A lot of people have asked me to explain the different types of therapies that I am trained in. In order to help bring a better understanding of what these terms mean I'm writing this blog to help everyone understand what I have to offer and how it can help them!
MyoFascial Release (MFR) -
MFR is a manipulation of the skin and underlying tissues (fascia). In a well lubricated and properly cared for body the skin, muscles and tendons slide easily across one another. Sometimes due to illness, poor diet or physical trauma the tissues begin to adhere to one another. MFR gently stretches the tissues apart from one another opening a space for more movement. Benefits of MFR are increased range of motion (ROM) and flexibility, decreased pain and sensitivity and increased circulation. Clothing should be removed locally for the best results of this type of therapy.
Joint Mobilization -
This is a technique which uses passive stretching (client just relaxes into the movement) to help open the joint to increased movement. Moving the joint through the entire ROM slight stretching and opening can occur which will help the client feel more free in their movements. Benefits of this often includes increased ROM, flexibilty and decreased pain with movement. Clothing is optional if loose enough to allow the body free movement.
Trigger Point Release (TPR) -
Trigger points are areas in the muscles and tendons which are holding tension. These little groups can form rather large lumps or knots when not released properly. Trigger points also cause 'referred pain'. Sensations of pain which appear in one muscle or part of the body which are truly associated with a different area of the body. A pain in the leg can actually be from a trigger point located in the lower back. This is caused from the brain being confused as to which nerve is actually sending the pain message. Most often the nerve which controls the first muscle group will trigger the more distant muscle to also 'feel' the pain. Sometimes this sensation is reversed. By locating the true cause of the discomfort and releasing the muscle both areas will feel the relief needed. The benefit of this type of treatment is increased ROM, decreased pain, increased strength and greater flexibility. Clothing can be left on for this type of treatment although best results will be achieved with direct contact to the skin.
HydroTherapy -
By using moist hot and cold compresses significant changes in the tissues of the body can assist the treatment being performed. Applying heat is a great way of helping the body warm up, relax and begin to bring more bloodflow into an area that is suffering from tension or edema (too much fluid). Cold compresses are excellent for relieving inflammation. Using the two consecutively complements the treatment by relieving the inflammation and then bringing in more bloodflow to remove any excess fluids from the area. Moist compresses are preferred as they transfer the heat and cold best - the body is mostly water so water makes the best conduit for this. Benefits of this treatment are decreased pain, proper circulation and assisting other therapy's effectiveness. Clients may prefer to remove clothing for this treatment to keep them dry, otherwise clothing can remain on.
Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) -
CTM is a form of therapy which aims at lengthening the connective tissues and fascia through long deep slow strokes. By stretching the muscles and tendons to their full length, releasing restrictions and letting go of some emotional ties to the core reason for the holding patterns a deep change in the physical and emotional well being of the client can be achieved. When more space is found within the body a new perception of self can begin to unfold. Benefits of this practice can be a postural differences, stronger sense of self-awareness, emotional well-being and diminished stress. Clothing should be removed for the most benefit of this work as fabric acts as its own restriction to the strokes.
Lymph Drainage -
Lymph Drainage is a very gentle form of bodywork. Lymph nodes are the body's conduits for removing excess fluids and pathogens (virii, bacteria, dead cells, etc) from the tissues. Lymph nodes are a non-pressurized system in the body and as such depend on natural body movement (walking, swimming, dancing, etc) to flex the muscles and move the fluids towards the main veins of the body where they can be filtered and removed by the kidneys. Since the lymph nodes function from the pressing of the muscles against the skin the touch of the therapist must be just as soft or the lymph nodes will close. This can be an excellent choice for someone suffering from extreme edema where deeper massage techniques such as Swedish or TPR are contraindicated. Benefits of lymph drainage are increased immune response and decreased tissue inflammation. Clothing is optional for this type of therapy although the best results are achieved with direct skin contact.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) -
CST is a subtle form of bodywork that makes slight adjustments in the alignment of the sacrum and cranial bones. Each hold may last from only a moment to an entire session. The aim for all CST sessions is to help ease the body into the still point - a place where awareness, relaxation and healing are aligned and functioning at their highest. The subtle shifts that are experienced often bring about deep states of meditative calm, unwinding of the body's holding patterns and emotional release. Benefits of CST are increased emotional well-being, greater self-awareness, decreased stress and less pain. Clothing can remain on for this type of therapy.
Reiki -
Reiki is a form of energy work that allows the Universal Love energy to flow freely from practitioner to client. This can be achieved hands on or hands free, in the same space, over the phone or at a pre-determined time when both client and practitioner are otherwise inaccessible to one another. Opening these channels with prayerful intent and the use of symbols assists the client and practitioner to achieve deep healing of present, future or past life traumas, wounds and concerns. Benefits of Reiki can include a stronger sense of well-being, decreased stress, increased creativity and vitality as well as physically removing blocks towards the body's natural powers of healing. Clothing, as well as the presence of the client, is optional for this treatment.
Chi Nei Tsang -
Chi Nei Tsang is an ancient modality from China. Soft, deep strokes on the abdomen are used to help release toxins and emotional blocks from the organs. Each organ carries a particular kind of energy - the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys heart, lungs and genitals each hold specific energies which can foster unresolved emotional distress. Through the release of emotional blocks in the organs a greater sense of health, vitality and well-being can be achieved. The benefits of CNT can range from increased digestion, fertility, and well-being to decreased stress, chronic worry and fear patterns. Clothing is optional although access to the abdomen is preferred to visually monitor changes in the tissues.
Please feel welcome to contact me with any questions or comments about these or other types of therapy!