My Philosophy to therapy is described in the name
Natural Symmetry. Our bodies were developed to function in a certain
way, the natural way. From ancestral times we were designed to stand,
walk, run, and crouch all without chronic pain and tightness. Studying
anatomy and the hanging skeleton model, the natural posture that
functions efficiently and correctly is evident. That is the posture
we were designed to function in and if we use our bodies in this
manner we can live without pain and tightness. Our culture has changed
which has forced us to use our bodies in ways that we were not designed
for and that leads to chronic tension. Sitting in front of a computer
for hours, as an example, we were not designed for that or the posture
most of us take when sitting there. Everyone knows we get sore necks
and shoulders from sitting in front of a computer.
We need to use our bodies the way they were designed to function
in order to not build up tension which creates pain. Once tension
and pain is felt, the muscles need to be relaxed so the skeleton
can align back to proper functioning.
One aspect that I believe is often overlooked in today's medical
field is how much of effect the muscle have in function and pain
in the body. Pain is often treated with either pharmacy or rehab
which is usually stretching and strengthening exercises. The muscles
themselves are directly left alone. If a muscle is tight and you
try and stretch it, the tendons at the ends of the muscle and the
joint ligaments get stretched but the muscle in the middle is much
stronger and elastic and doesn't change. Also if the muscle is extremely
tight, it isn't functioning at capacity. The tight fibers are already
contracted so your missing the strength and power (function) from
those tight fibers. If you perform a strength test it may present
as weakness but is there a lack muscle or is the muscle tight and
therefore not functioning? That is a big difference because one
requires strengthening and the other needs to be relaxed. Strengthening
a tight muscle will only continue and worsen the problem.
There are many choices of services dr. chiropractor, acupuncturist,
massage therapy, physical therapy, and many more with a variety
of techniques in each one. There also are different levels of talent
among the practioners as well as the client's preferences of style.
From these variables I believe in assessment and best course of
action. By that I mean every type of therapy has its usefulness
but not always the best for the specific issue. If pain is felt
in the back, is it from structural or posture issues or is it from
tight muscles or both? Some would see a chiropractor but if the
pain is caused from knots and trigger points or chronic tension
in the muscle, then soft tissue techniques may be better at relieving
the pain. I believe in looking for the root cause and correcting
that by referring the client to the proper technique even if that
means, not me! I believe in having a network of therapists/Dr.s
to refer a client to.
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