About Manual and Movement Therapy Modalities

CranioSacral Therapy​: ​Pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician and Professor of Biomechanics John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at MSU, CST is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams – about the weight of a nickel – practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

For more information visit Upledger Institute and YerbyTherapy.com. For questions about CranioSacral Therapy or to schedule an appointment, contact Rene` Danos Yerby or Adrian Ward.

Rolfing® Structural Integration: Rolfing is an original and scientifically validated form of hand- on bodywork developed over 60 years ago by Dr. Ida P. Rolf. Rolfing is a system of connective tissue manipulation and body education, which is focused on creating structural alignment and balanced movement. Rolfing has the ability to dramatically alter a person's posture, body structure, and movement patterns through releasing patterns of strain and tightness in the fascial system. Dr. Rolf discovered that she could achieve remarkable changes in posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofascial system (the muscles and the connective tissue called fascia which surrounds and penetrates the muscles and all other structures of the body) and eventually named her work Structural Integration. "Rolfing" is the nickname that many clients and practitioners gave this work, and it is now a registered service mark in 27 countries. Dr. Ida Rolf founded the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, located in Boulder, Colorado, which also has international offices in Germany, Brazil, Japan, and Australia. Rolfing structural integration has the ability to dramatically alter a person's posture and structure. Athletes, dancers, children, business professionals, and people from all walks of life have benefited from Rolfing. People seek Rolfing as a way to ease pain and chronic stress, and improve performance in their professional and daily activities. It's estimated that more than 1 million people have received Rolfing work. Research has demonstrated that Rolfing significantly reduces chronic stress, changes body structure, creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement.

For more information visit Rolf.org and RolfingBirmingham.com​. For questions regarding Rolfing Structural Integration or to schedule an appointment, contact Andrew Brown.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder Technique) is an advanced therapeutic method that encourages the lymphatic system to work at its optimum efficiency. This therapy uses gentle rhythmic movements, which help to eliminate waste from the body and returns vital proteins to the blood stream, which is crucial to our health and wellbeing. Conditions which can benefit from MLD treatment include fluid retention, edema resulting from sprains/muscle injuries/post-surgical swelling, arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, sinusitis, fatigue, cellulite, migraines/tension headaches, as well as digestive problems.

For more information, visit www.VodderSchool.com. For questions about Manual Lymphatic Drainage or to schedule and appointment, contact Lauren Brown or Adrian Ward.

Feldenkrais ®: Developed by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli physicist, the Feldenkrais method is an educational system that allows the body to move and function more efficiently and comfortably. The goal is to reorganize the habitual patterns in our nervous system by heightening sensory awareness which allows retraining to occur in the sensory motor cortex. This system can also accomplish much more, relieving pressure on joints and weak points, and stimulating the healing process of the body regarding a wide range of musculo-skeletal issues.

For more information visit www.Feldenkrais.com. For questions about Feldenkrais, contact Margaret Pittenger.

Organic Movement and Fitness Training (MovNat® Natural Movement®): The MovNat method of Natural Movement education utilizes a broad range of movements that are natural to being a human being, and compose our most fundamental fitness training, such as Walking, Ground Movements, Ground Positions and Transitions, Crawling patterns, Balancing practices, Lifting, Carrying, Jumping, Vaulting, Throwing, Catching, Hanging, and Climbing. In our incredibly sedentary, modern lifestyle we can re-learn how to move like a natural human, who lives in relationship to our natural environment. As children, we all proceed through the same movement developmental journey, however for modern people this process was interrupted and underdeveloped. Although these movements can sound intimidating, this method is actually suitable for a broad range of abilities, from Seniors, to children, to out of shape people in middle age, and has broad therapeutic applications. Part of this training is to learn how to reintroduce more movements into our existing lifestyle, whether indoors, outdoors, in the office, etc.

For more information, visit OrganicMovementBirmingham.com and MovNat.com. To register for a class or schedule a private session, contact Andrew Brown (MovNat Certified Trainer Level 2) and Lauren Brown (Movnat Certified Trainer Level 1).

Sarga Bodywork: Sarga Bodywork is a barefoot massage method that employs the use of a fabric strap fastened to a massage table to deliver therapeutic myofascial and deep tissue techniques. This fabric strap is used by practitioners for stability and to add tensional and gravitational force to specific manual therapy methods. These methods, combined with the broad contact surface of the foot facilitate less restriction and more ease and relaxation in recipients’ bodies. Sarga Bodwork marries method and design, enabling practitioners to gain tensional support and force with a fabric strap fastened to a massage table or floor-mat via our proprietary equipment. In addition to support, the Sarga Strap can be transformed into a variety of tools, and facilitates a wide range of body mechanics for the practitioner. By pulling up on the strap while applying downward pressure, practitioners gain tensional force that can then be transferred onto the recipient’s body. Utilizing high-friction lubrication, gravitational and tensional force, practitioners can deliver consistent, oblique pressure to provide a uniquely effective myofascial therapy. Sarga Bodwork encourages myofascial technique over effleurage or deep tissue techniques. We define myofascial technique as manual therapy characterized by sustained, oblique, and high friction contact with the aim of stimulating a stretch response in the fascia associated with muscle (myo) tissue (think shear-force). This technique helps to facilitate length, hydration, and mobility in recipient's connective tissue. We celebrate the broad, densely innervated surfaces of our feet as perhaps the most effective and intelligent tools for this purpose!

For more information, visit www.SargaBodywork.com. For questions about Sarga or to schedule and appointment, contact Lisa Ayers.

Functional Range Conditioning (FRC®): Developed by world-renowned musculoskeletal expert Dr. Andreo Spina, Functional Range Conditioning® is a comprehensive joint training system based in scientific principals and research. There are 3 main goals when training using FRC® system and all are closely interrelated, and acquired simultaneously. Mobility Development: Mobility refers to the amount of active, usable motion that one possesses. The more mobile a person is, the more they are able to maximize their movement potential safely, efficiently, and effectively. Joint Strength: While improving mobility and movement potential, the FRC® system also acts to ‘bullet proof’ (or safe-guard) your joints so that movement can be executed safely. Body Control: Training with FRC® improves the function of your nervous system. This leads to a reduction of pain and injury, joint health and longevity, as well as an increased ability to move freely and easily.

For more information, visit www.FunctionalAnatomySeminars.com. For questions about FRC or to schedule an appointment, contact Hai Nyugen.

Kinstretch®: Kinstretch is a movement enhancement system that develops maximum body control, flexibility, and usable range of motion.The Kinstretch system is one born out of scientific research. All of the movements and training techniques have been selected based on a meticulous and rigorous investigation of evidence, conducted by physical conditioning and medical experts, as it pertains to body control, injury prevention, joint health, and physical longevity. Unlike many training systems, Kinstretch practice is complete with a self-assessment system allowing you the ability to monitor your own body for dysfunction that may be causing pain, loss of performance, or that may be putting you at an increased chance of injury. Kinstretch improves movement capacity, flexibility, mobility, agility, physical performance, body awareness and control; injury prevention, mitigation and management; strength, neurological function, range of motion, and weight loss. What to expect from a Kinstretch class: EXPECT to develop a practice that is based on scientific research in mobility training. EXPECT to use limited equipment- only small props such as mats, Kinstretch blocks and Kinstretch balls. EXPECT to use and control your own body  throughout the class, meaning this class is based on internal effort (irradiation). EXPECT to be introduced to FRC (Functional Range Conditioning) principals and terminology. Instructors may provide you with FRC terminology through their instruction, as it is based off of FRC principals. EXPECT to be educated. Kinstretch is meant to enhance your life and help you get better at whatever you want to get better at. The more you show up, the more familiar you will be become with the concepts. The more you implement this practice into your lifestyle, the more effective the training will be/the more results you will see. EXPECT a variety of students in the class. Kinstretch is not geared to a specific population; it is geared to humans in general. Expect a variety of ages, body types, athletes, teams, individuals with various occupations and fitness levels on a continuum.

For more information, visit Kinstretch.com. For questions about Kinstetch or to attend a class, contact Hai Nyugen.

​Pre-natal Massage: A massage technique specifically designed for pregnant women to help relieve common pregnancy discomforts and promote mother and baby's wellbeing. Pregnancy massage is very gentle and effective and has many benefits for the mother, such as increasing energy, easing aches and pains, slowing the process of varicose veins, reducing fluid retention and releasing stress. Pregnancy massage can also help labour preparation by teaching the mother to consciously release tension and focus on relaxation breathing techniques, as well as releasing tension in the lower back and abdomen.

For questions about Pre-natal Massage or to schedule an appointment, contact Adrian Ward.

Neuromuscular Therapy​: Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a form of soft tissue manual therapy. It is distinguished from other types of massage in that a quasi-static pressure is applied to the skin with the aim of stimulating specific areas of skeletal muscle. Often these areas of muscle are myofascial trigger points. NMT is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal column and nerves) with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system. NMT is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system maintains homeostatic balance.

For questions about Neuromuscular Therapy or to schedule an appointment, contact Lisa Ayers.