​Osteo-articular Pumping 

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Fluid, especially water, is a major element of the fasciae. The proper flow of fluid within the fibers and ground substance, within an articulation, from one fascia to another, and during acute and chronic inflammatory processes is required for proper physiological and biomechanical function of a specific fasciae, articulation and kinetic chain.

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Joint pumping improves this fluid flow and improves function to maintain or improve the health of a specific joint, fasciae, or kinetic chain.

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In essence, pumping allows for an opening of the space between joints to hydrate and increase the quality of the many fasciae in close proximity to the osteo-articular joints. 

 

Transverse Tendon and Ligament Stretching (TTLS)

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Think of ligaments as the brainy part of your joint and connective tissue complex. They have deep connections and communication directly with the central nervous system. 

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Fibers, specifically collagen, are a major element of the fasciae. In a tendon or ligament, there are a larger proportion of fibers to cells.  The fibers give these fasciae its tensile strength and determine their function.

Specialized cells in ligaments and tendons have a sensory function giving valuable information to the central nervous system.

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The higher proportion of collagen fibers and the specialized sensory cell call for a different treatment strategy than fasciae with a lower proportion of fibers or sensory cells. In short, if you have unhealthy tendons and ligaments as well as surrounding tissue, you will experience pain and immobility due to lack of awareness of the part of your body being affected. Also, ligaments and tendons have less water supply than any other part of your body, making them extremely susceptible to becoming brittle.

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TTLS is a technique that addresses the structural needs and sensory functions of ligaments and tendons, as well as the quality and malleability of the surrounding tissue. 

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Treating ligaments and tendons allows for an increase in vascularization to the tissues, an increase in the quality of sensory input from the tendon or ligament to the central nervous system and an increase the overall quality (cells, fibers, extracellular matrix) of the ligament or tendon that is chronically or acutely injured.

 

Fascial Normalization 

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Water is a major component of the human body and is used as a cleaning solution by our musculoskeletal system as well as the fasciae and all other connective tissue. Water travels through collagen tubes to hydrate every part of the human tissue. Another important component of this water moving back and forth through our body is its ability to clean areas of inflammation and rid ourselves of any poisons that could lead to a toxic environment.  It is constantly being pushed and squeezed back and forth like a sponge, in the Extra-Cellular-Matrix (ECM). This continual process of movement of water throughout our body is what is known as the Primary Respiratory System (PRM).  A properly functioning PRM is one of the indicators of fascial health.

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If the PRM of the fasciae is disturbed, the structural and physiological functions of the fasciae at a local or global level may be compromised, leading to dysfunctions of a specific muscle or articulation of an entire kinetic chain.  

Fascia Normalization techniques work to balance the flow of water being transferred throughout the tissues, as well as to open up areas of the body which are not receiving the water supply necessary for rehydration or dispelling inflammation.

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CranioSacral Therapy

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CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger, following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

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CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

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Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

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By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including: