Cranial Osteopathy (a.k.a. Osteopathic Cranial Manipulation or Osteopathy in the Cranial Field)

Cranial osteopathy is a specific approach within the osteopathic concept. It influences the structure and fluid surrounding the central nervous system, creating an impact on the whole body and initiating the body's inherent capacity to heal itself. It employs the fact that the membranous connections throughout the body are continuous with the linings around the central nervous system as well as all other body structures. This is a very gentle approach used to free areas of the body which have restricted motion.  It can be safely and effectively applied to infants and children as well as any age adult.  This form of treatment was founded by William Garner Sutherland, D.O.

Myofascial release is a gentle manual procedure that is used to treat primarily the muscular and membranous tissue structures. A gentle, but constant force is applied to the tissues until release occurs and free movement is achieved.

Lymphatic Technique

This manual procedure is designed to promote circulation of lymphatic fluids and can be used to treat various difficulties.  It is most often employed/used for congestive illnesses, including edema (swelling), pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, etc.  The goal of treatment is to stimulate the proper circulation of fluids within the body and to enhance the functioning of the immune system.

Muscle Energy Technique (ME)

This is a manual technique in which the patient is instructed to use his or her muscles from a precise position and in a specific direction against counterforce applied by the physician. The purpose is to restore motion, decrease muscle tissue changes, and modify asymmetry [of somatic dysfunction] through the use of isometric stretching.

Counterstrain (CS)

The counterstrain technique is a manual procedure in which the patient is moved passively away from the restricted motion barrier, towards the position of greatest comfort. The goal of treatment is to restore relaxation to the affected muscle fibers, thus, causing a decrease in pain sensation.

High velocity is a manual technique in which a barrier or restriction is engaged and a short quick thrust is used to move through the barrier.  The goal of treatment is the correct realignment of bones at their points of articulation with one another.

Facilitated Positional Release (FPR)

Facilitated positional release is a manual procedure in which the muscles are brought to a point of "balanced tension" at the point of bony articulations.  This modality is used to facilitate the correction of bony structure and to reduce the heightened pain response of injured areas within the spine.

Ligamentous Articular Release (LAR)

Ligamentous articular release is a manual procedure aimed at correction of spinal mechanics and skeletal articulations.  It employs a gentle pressure at points of articulation in order to achieve balanced tension of the ligaments.  The goal of treatment is to improve range of motion.

Somatoemotional Release (SER)

Somatoemotional Release is based on the fact that the tissues of the body are extremely sophisticated.  It emphasizes the capability of the cells to record significant traumatic events of one's life - physical, psychological, emotional or spiritual trauma.  These traumatic patterns are then burned into your muscle memory.  SER is a modality aimed at the release of these patterns in order to allow the body to heal itself and restore its homeostasis.