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Our Services
Pain & Injury Relief
All of our practitioners have trained extensively
in manual
therapy techniques through:
The Upledger Institute
The Jones Institute
Bruno Chikly, MD, DO(hon.)
Jean Pierre Barral, DO, RPT & The
Barral Institute
John F. Barnes, PT
Alain Gehin, Doctor of Etiopathy
The Ursa Foundation
Ron Murray, CAR, D.O.M.P. (can)
(For more information
on the above, please
click
here)
Medical Professionals
Please
Click Here for More Information
Synergy Specializes in Gently Reducing
and/or Eliminating:
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Orthopedic Dysfunction including:
neck, back, shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, feet
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Central Nervous System Impairments
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Scar Tissue
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Head Injury Trauma
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Most Types of Muscular Pain
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Whiplash
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Chronic Pain
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Pelvic & Low Back Pain
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Fibromyalgia
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Headaches including Migraines
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Post-Surgical Pain
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Temporomandibular Joint Problems
(TMJ)
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Structural Alignment Issues
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Digestive Problems
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
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Pain in the Ribs
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Ankle Strains or Sprains
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Motor-Coordination Problems
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Much More
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Treatment Techniques
We Use Gentle Hands-On Approaches to
Relieve Your Pain
Please click on a link below for more information about a specific
technique
or scroll down to read about all of our techniques.
Craniosacral Therapy
Relieves:
- Back Pain
- Headaches and Migraines
- Whiplash
- Sciatica & More
Corrects:
- Numbness
- Trauma from Childbirth (Infant of Mother)
- Head Injury Trauma
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Motor-Coordination Problems
Craniosacral Therapy is performed fully clothed. The
therapist uses a very gentle touch. Some people feel a
lot of changes and movement during the session, while
others report that they feel nothing. Most find that
they feel lighter afterwards and that the severity of
their pain decreases.
The craniosacral system consists of membranes and
cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain
and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull,
face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the
sacrum or tailbone area. As cerebrospinal fluid is
produced and then reabsorbed, there is a reactive gentle
motion in the head and body that the therapist can
detect with their hands. The therapist monitors the
rhythm to detect potential restrictions and imbalances.
Using delicate manual techniques, the therapist releases
problem areas to relieve any undue pressure on the brain
and spinal cord, thus affecting the entire body.
History
Craniosacral therapy is a technique that is a
descendant of Dr. William Sutherland's work in cranial
osteopathy. Similar techniques include Sacro-Occipital
technique and Craniopathy. Pioneered and developed by
osteopaths, these techniques have more recently been
embraced by the wider medical community.
Cranial work is not aggressive. Eight cranial bones
and 14 facial bones articulate together in harmony.
Sutures tie the cranial vault together and have specific
movement patterns. These movement patterns are evaluated
by the clinician, who, as Sutherland stated best,
"listens" with their hands. The treatment is then
focused on relieving the restriction in movement of the
sutures and increasing cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and
lymphatic flow.
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Myofascial Release
Relieves:
- Headaches
- Whiplash
- Neck Pain
- Sciatica
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia
Myofascial Release is particularly effective when the
body feels really tight and as though it can't move
freely. A gentle technique, the therapist palpates for
areas of fascial tension and using a gentle touch, helps
release that tension.
Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps around
muscles and internal organs, attaches muscles to
bones and bones to bones. An example of
fascia is the thin layer that is kind of tough on top of
a boneless, skinless, chicken breast.
After trauma, repetitive stress, or with postural
imbalances, the fascia in the body becomes sticky and
restricted. This technique works to free that up and
thus improve movement, posture and alignment.
History
Myofascial Release is a passive stretching technique
that uses feedback from the patient's tissues to
determine the direction, amplitude and length of the
stretch. The therapist relies on this feedback to
achieve maximum relaxation of the tight or restricted
tissues without the discomfort often associated with
intense stretching. The purpose is to "un-stick" the
fibers of the muscles and fascia, releasing deeply held
patterns of tension. This relaxes and re-educates the
muscle, freeing it to operate within its full capacity.
Myofascial models were described in Osteopathic
literature of the 1950s, and our understanding of the
fascial system has grown considerably since then. Many
contemporary treatment approaches focus on the fascia,
including connective tissue massage, Rolfing, strain
counterstrain, and soft tissue mobilization.
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Visceral Manipulation
Relieves:
- Pain
- Digestive Problems
- Neck Pain
- Post-Surgical Pain
Improves:
- Post-Surgical Recovery
- Structural Alignment
Visceral Manipulation is a gentle technique that frees
up the fascia and allows the organs to glide against
each other more easily. Fascia wraps around all of the
organs or viscera. After injury - trauma, repetitive
stress, and/or postural compensations - fascia around
the organs can become restricted and contribute to
overall fascial tension and pain patterns.
As in the craniosacral system, the organs also have a
regular pattern of movement in the living body. The
therapist monitors this movement and feels for any
patterns of tension. Using a gentle technique with their
hands, the therapist is able to release this tension,
often at a very deep level. This can have a profound effect
on how easily the body moves, decreasing muscle tension
and pain, improving alignment throughout the body.
History
Physicians and folk healers have manipulated organs
since antiquity, but it was not until the last quarter
of the 20th century that this art evolved into a
science. French Osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral studied the
rather rough manipulations of French folk healers,
applied his Osteopathic knowledge to the organ support
system, and over the years made large developments in
the art and science of Visceral Manipulation.
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Lymphatic Drainage Technique
Relieves or Reduces:
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Toxins
- Chronic Pain
- Symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Swelling
Manual Lymph Drainage is a non-invasive massage
technique developed in Europe in the 1930s. It is a
safe, gentle and painless, hands-on technique that
drains excess fluid from the tissues and also has
detoxifying effects. The practitioner uses their hands
and fingers stimulating gentle, wave-like movements that activate lymph and
interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the
functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous
systems. Increased lymph circulation can, in turn, have
a myriad of beneficial effects. These include: increased
range of motion, decreased fibrosity of scar tissue,
decreased localized pain, and improved healing. It has
also been shown to increase speed and quality of healing
post minor surgery and/or injury.
Please Note: At this time, none of the clinicians at
Synergy are qualified to treat patients with severe
lymph edema.
History
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) was developed by the
Danish physiotherapist, Dr. Emil Vodder, in the 1930s.
The therapists at Synergy have been trained in Lymphatic
Drainage Therapy, developed by French physician, Bruno
Chikly, MD, DO (hon.)
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Core Stabilization
Effects:
- Strengthens low back
- Prevents future injuries
- Reduces pain
Core Stabilization is excellent for people recovering from injuries, or
who have low back or hip pain caused by instability in the hips.
Having strength in your core gives your body a great deal of stability.
When you have that stability, you are much less prone to injury and
pain. Part of the rehabilitation process is to create this inner
strength to help with your current injury or pain and to prevent future
injuries.
Your core muscles are the muscles deep in your abdomen and pelvis
(hips). You feel them, for example, when you stop your urine mid-stream.
Creating strength in these muscles stabilizes your hips, which are a
very important part of the structure of the entire body. When learning
core stabilization, you'll be given exercises to do at home, directed by
a Physical Therapist.
History
Core stabilization dates back more than 50 years and
was introduced in the US during the 1960s to treat
neurological disorders and spinal injuries. It
focuses on using the deep muscles of the entire
torso in a coordinated movement. The strengthening
of these core muscles stabilizes the spine, pelvis,
and shoulders and forms a solid base for movements
of the arms and legs. The primary areas of focus of
this training are rectus abdominus, internal and
external obliques, transversus abdominus, and
multifidus.
It has been suggested that in almost 90% of all body
movements, core muscles are actively supporting the
entire trunk region. It is effective as a long-term
solution to recurring back and neck pain.
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Muscle Energy or Muscle
Release Therapy
Relieves:
- Back Pain
- Sciatic Pain and Numbness
- Pain in the Ribs (you may feel shortness of breath)
- Ankle Strains or Sprains
Muscle Release Therapy is a technique that releases
muscle and soft tissue tension that is limiting the
movement and/or changing the position of a bony
structure. The goal is to release the soft tissues such
as muscle, fascia, ligaments, and tendons so that the
bones can move more freely and have better alignment.
This technique is highly effective in decreasing pain
and making it easier to move. One example is if you have
sharp pain in your ribs when you take a deep breath.
Muscle Release Therapy can release the soft tissues
around the ribs so that the ribs move more easily and
are in better alignment and thus eliminate the pain.
Patients often remark how much easier it is to breathe
after having this work done.
The clinician performing muscle energy determines where
there are areas of muscular dysfunction and then
passively positions the patient at the restricted motion
barrier. While the clinician holds the patient in this
position, the patient exerts gentle force, away from the
restricted barrier, which the clinician then resists.
The patient is then asked to relax and the clinician
gently moves the patient through the restricted barrier.
This procedure is repeated several times. This process
resets the resting length of shortened muscle, thus
improving range of motion.
History
Muscle Energy is a technique that was developed by Fred
Mitchell, Sr., DO and first described in the book,
An Evaluation and Treatment Manual
of Osteopathic Muscle Energy Procedures,
published in 1979.
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Deep Tissue Sculpting
Relieves:
- Chronic Tension
- Toxins from the Body
Deep Tissue Sculpting is effective for relieving pain
from deeply held muscle tension, such as back pain,
chronic pain, sciatic pain, etc. It is not recommended
for acute injuries or if the pain level is so high that
deep pressure cannot be tolerated.
Deep Tissue Sculpting is different from Swedish Deep
Tissue Massage in that the therapist does not use oil or
lotion and works very slowly. The therapist works deeply
in such a way as to encourage the body not to react
defensively and the treatment is kept within the comfort
range of the client. The therapist follows the tissue as
it releases. The purpose is to "un-stick" the fibers of
a muscle while releasing deeply held patterns of
tension, removing toxins, relaxing, soothing and thereby
re-educating the muscle to operate in full capacity.
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Gentle Spinal Mobilization
Releases:
- Back Pain
- Stiffness
Gentle Spinal Mobilization is used to restore normal
motion of the spine. The therapist gently rocks, glides,
or rotates the restricted or stiff part of the spine.
The movement is done with rhythmic motions in a pain
free manner and never involves sharp, fast, or forceful
movements.
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Strain Counterstrain
Relieves or Reduces:
- Headache
- Nerve Pain
- Jaw Problems
- Shoulder Pain
- Foot & Ankle Pain
- Whiplash
- Loss or Decreased Mobility at the Joint
- Neck & Back Problems
Strain Counterstrain is a passive technique that works
by reducing or eliminating muscle tightness caused by an
abnormal stretch reflex, or a shortened, tight and often
painful muscle. When using strain counterstrain, the
therapist will locate tender points by pressing gently
on specific points in the body. (Tenderpoints are
discreet, pea-sized areas of tenderness that are
manifestations of specific neuromuscular dysfunctions.
The tenderpoint is found in the shortened muscle group,
which is not necessarily in the muscle groups that have
pain.) After locating the
tender point, the therapist will place the client in a
specific position that makes the tender point go away or
become less. At all times, the positions used are kept
within the comfort range of the client. The position
shortens the painful muscles which cause the point to be
much less sensitive. The position is held for a specific
length of time and then the therapist slowly moves the
body back to neutral. The point is retested and often is
no longer tender. When the tender point is resolved, the
related muscle(s) relax and thus the pain and tension in
the area is reduced or eliminated.
History
Strain Counterstrain is an Osteopathic, manual medicine
technique created in the 1950s by Dr. Lawrence Jones,
DO. The therapists at Synergy have received their
training directly from various Jones Institute
instructors.
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Trigger Point Therapy
Relieves:
- TMJ
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Chronic Pain Disorders
- Fibromyalgia
In Trigger Point Therapy, specific locations or trigger
points, on the
muscles are held with firm pressure until they release.
Once the
points are released, many clients find that their
original pain either disappears or is significantly
reduced.
Trigger points are small areas of tightness within
muscles that form tight bands and knots from the
contracted muscle fibers. These can develop in a muscle
when it is injured or overworked. The pain that trigger
points cause is generally referred to another part of
the body, so treating that pain directly is often
ineffective or temporary.
Trigger Point Therapy requires the participation of the
client to communicate the presence and intensity of pain
and discomfort. There are also simple massage techniques
and stretches that patients can be taught to use on
themselves, preventing chronic patterns of tension in
their body from becoming acute and reducing their need
for therapy.
History
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, developed by Dr. Janet
G. Travell, MD, is a form of neuromuscular therapy that
examines and treats muscles, muscle attachments,
ligaments, and connective tissues.
Current studies indicate that nerve impulses to the
muscle fibers within a trigger point will not "shut off"
and that trigger points require manual intervention to
help them release.
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Interactive Metronome
Leads to Improvements in:
- Attention and
Concentration
- Sports and Athletic Performance
- Language Processing
- Behavior (Aggression and Impulsivity)
- Motor Control and Coordination
- Academic Performance
Who Can Benefit?
Adult and pediatric patients who have benefited
from IM included those with:
- Sensory Integration Disorder
- Asperger Syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) / Attention Deficit
with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Cerebral Palsy
The Interactive Metronome (IM) is a brain-based
rehabilitation assessment and training program developed
to directly improve the processing abilities that affect
attention, motor planning, and sequencing. This, in
turn, strengthens motor skills, including mobility and
gross motor function, and many fundamental cognitive
capacities such as planning, organizing, and language.
The IM program challenges the participant to precisely
match a computer generated beat with repetitive motor
actions such as tapping his/her toes on a floor sensor
mat or hand clapping while wearing an IM glove with palm
trigger. Feedback is available immediately and is
measured in milliseconds to determine timing accuracy.
For more information please
look at
Interactive Metronome's website.
History
Interactive Metronome was developed in the early 1990s
and immediately proved of great benefit to children
diagnosed with learning and developmental disorders.
Backed by years of clinical research and supported by
prominent medical leaders in the industry, IM soon
gained national attention as a breakthrough intervention
to help those patients increase attention &
concentration, motor control & coordination, language
processing, and control of impusivity.
In recent years, innovative therapists have discovered
the positive effects that IM can have on patients with
acquired neurological and motor deficits. Rehabilitation
hospitals and clinics now use IM in much the same way as
their learning and developmental colleagues, to care for
patients diagnosed with Stroke, Brain Injury, Balance
Disorders and Parkinson's.
Interactive Metronome's application is so broad because
it measures and improves motor planning and sequencing,
a critical part of the central nervous system. IM's
Rehabilitation Technologies Division was formed to
enhance traditional approaches to rehabilitation.
Today, there are more than 2,500 certified IM providers
in over 1,700 clinics, including Synergy, hospitals, and
universities throughout the United States and Canada.
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Patient Education
Education of our patients is a
standard practice at Synergy. Because they have the time
to listen, our therapists are often able to learn quite
a lot about their lives: their daily activities,
exercise habits, and the level to which they understand
and take care of their bodies. This in-depth knowledge
allows us to provide exercise and stretching regimens
that are customized to each patient's abilities, and to
educate them effectively about the nature of their
injury or illness and how it impacts their lives. Our
goal is not only to relieve their current complaint, but
also to give them the knowledge and the physical
awareness to prevent future injuries.
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