The Science of Stillness: How Craniosacral Therapy Reduces Headaches and Chronic Pain. Craniosacral massage therapy could be the missing link to lasting results in pain relief. Discover Orlando best place for craniosacral therapy.

craniosacral work

Many people struggle with persistent headaches, migraines, and chronic neck and shoulder pain without understanding the underlying cause. While often dismissed as muscle tension, these issues can be rooted in the central nervous system. This is where Craniosacral Therapy (CST) offers a unique and highly effective approach.

Understanding the Craniosacral System

At the core of CST is the craniosacral system, which consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This fluid has a subtle, rhythmic pulse that can be felt by a trained practitioner. Trauma, stress, and injuries can create restrictions in this system, disrupting the fluid’s flow and causing a build-up of tension.

How CST Provides Relief

Instead of focusing solely on muscles, CST addresses these deeper restrictions. Our practitioners use a gentle, light touch to assess and release tension in the cranial bones, the sacrum (tailbone), and the connective tissues (fascia) that run throughout the body.

• For Headaches and Migraines: By releasing tension in the dura mater, the tough membrane surrounding the brain, CST can normalize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This reduces the internal pressure that often triggers and perpetuates headaches and migraines.
• For Neck and Shoulder Pain: Restrictions in the craniosacral system can create a domino effect, leading to chronic tension in the neck and shoulders. Releasing these deep-seated restrictions allows the body to restore its natural alignment, providing lasting relief from pain and stiffness.

A Comprehensive Approach to Wellness

Our clinic stands out because of the exceptional training of our therapists. All of our massage therapists are trained in-house by our highly experienced team of Rolfers. This means they receive an advanced education in a variety of modalities, including Craniosacral Therapy. By learning from practitioners with deep expertise in the body’s structure and function, our therapists are uniquely equipped to address the root causes of pain.

To learn more about how Craniosacral Therapy can help you, we invite you to book a consultation & tryout session with one of our certified practitioners.

For advanced therapies such as craniosacral therapy at Balance Orlando, we suggest booking a consult & tryout session with one of our Senior Therapists or Rolfers.

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More resources about Craniosacral:
Upledger Institute:  What is Craniosacral and the history of this technique to help reduce pain, tension, and more   http://More about Upledger

Study on craniosacral Studies and their results on craniosacaral therapy for treating pain https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl  

The post Craniosacral therapy at Balance Orlando. The secret to pain relief. first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.

TMJ Relief can be treated effectively and quickly with IntraOral Massage: TMJ pain can be treated naturally.

Do you experience jaw pain, frequent headaches, or difficulty chewing? These symptoms may be signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD), commonly known as TMJ disorder. If left untreated, TMJ issues can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. Many of our clients have found TMJ relief in just one short session.

Although there are many potential treatments for TMJD, many of the conservative options such as massage and movement therapies are considered to be highly effective. Meanwhile, there is scant evidence in favor of invasive surgical options. In fact, the TMJ Association opened with a quote from the National Institute of Health’s brochure on TMJ indicating that surgeries for TMJ should be avoided if possible.

Of the many non-surgical approaches to treating TMJ, one highly effective yet often overlooked treatment is intraoral massage, also known TMJ massage. This specialized technique targets the muscles inside the mouth to release tension, improve mobility, and provide lasting relief.  A specialist will also discuss if other neighboring areas may be part of the issues that are present in the mouth/jaw such as forward head posture, neck and/or shoulder tension.

What is Intraoral Massage?

Intraoral massage is a therapeutic technique performed by a trained massage therapist or Rolfer with specialized certifications and hands-on training. It involves working on the muscles inside the mouth, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, which play a crucial role in jaw movement. By applying gentle pressure and specific massage techniques, intraoral massage helps release muscle tension, increase circulation, and restore proper function to the jaw.

Benefits of Intraoral Massage for TMJ and Beyond

1. Reduces Jaw Pain and Tension: By targeting tight muscles, intraoral massage alleviates pain caused by TMJD and habitual clenching or grinding (bruxism).

2. Improves Jaw Mobility: Often people with TMJD experience restricted movement or clicking in the jaw. Regular intraoral massage can help restore range of motion and ease discomfort when speaking or chewing.

3. Relieves Headaches and Facial Pain: Tension in the jaw muscles can contribute to headaches and sinus pressure. Massage therapy helps release tight muscles, leading to a reduction in headaches and overall facial tension.

4. Eases Neck and Shoulder Discomfort: Jaw tension and other symptoms of TMJD often correlate with tightness in the neck and shoulders. Intraoral massage helps create balance in the surrounding muscles, reducing overall stress in the upper body.

5. Supports Long-Term Healing: Unlike temporary pain relief solutions, intraoral massage addresses the root cause of tension and dysfunction, promoting long-term relief and better muscle health.

What to Expect During an Intraoral Massage Session

During the session, your massage therapist or Rolfer will wear gloves and use gentle, precise techniques to release tight muscles inside the mouth. They will also incorporate external massage techniques to address tension in the jaw, neck, scalp, and shoulders. The treatment is typically comfortable, and many clients notice immediate relief after just one session. For optimal results, a series of treatments may be recommended.

Who Can Benefit from Intraoral Massage?

Intraoral massage is an excellent treatment option for anyone experiencing:

– TMJ pain or dysfunction

– Chronic jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)

– Tension headaches or migraines

– Facial or ear pain

Book Your Intraoral Massage Today

If you’re struggling with TMJD pain,chronic jaw tension, or headaches, intraoral massage may be the key to lasting relief. Our skilled therapists specialize in this gentle yet effective technique, helping clients restore comfort and function to their jaw. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward pain-free living.

What makes Balance Orlando Intraoral Massage (a.k.a TMJ Treatment) different?

At Balance Orlando, our massage therapists not only have advanced certifications in modalities such as IntraOral massage, they are trained in house by our Senior staff including receiving training by our Rolfers and advisors which include Naturopaths and Chiropractors for a 360 view and comprehensive education.    We strive to provide the highest level of service, optimal results in the least amount of time.   

Our goal is always to provide relief and healing with our clients best interest in mind.  Our highly skilled team works together to ensure you get the best possible results.

Call to speak to a person TODAY 407-704-8867

or Book Online

The post TMJ Relief with Intraoral Massage: A Natural Approach to Jaw Tension first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.

What to expect in your first Rolfing session

In your first Rolfing session, you can expect the therapist to perform an assessment of your posture, movement patterns, and areas of discomfort or pain. This assessment will help the therapist determine where to focus the Rolfing techniques and how best to help you achieve your goals.

During the session, the therapist will apply various manual techniques to the soft tissue, such as deep tissue massage, movement re-education, and other structural integration techniques, with the aim of releasing tension, improving mobility and balancing the body.

It’s normal to feel some discomfort or even pain during the session, but the therapist should communicate with you throughout and adjust the pressure based on your comfort level. After the session, you may feel some soreness, but this should subside within a few days.

Overall, the goal of a Rolfing session is to help you feel better in your body, so expect to have a conversation with your therapist about your experiences and progress throughout the process.

What is rolfing?

Rolfing is a form of physical therapy that was developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950s. It is based on the idea that the human body has a natural alignment and balance, and that various physical and emotional factors can cause the body to become misaligned.

Rolfing practitioners use a variety of techniques, including deep tissue massage and movement re-education, to help realign the body and improve posture, flexibility, and overall movement. Rolfing is often used to treat chronic pain and other musculoskeletal problems, as well as to improve overall physical and emotional well-being.

Rolfing sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and are usually done in a series of 10 sessions, with each session focusing on a different area of the body. It is important to note that Rolfing can be intense and may cause some discomfort during the session, but most people find it to be beneficial in the long run. If you are interested in trying Rolfing, it is recommended to speak with a qualified practitioner to determine if it is appropriate for your needs.

The benefits of rolfing

Rolfing is a form of physical therapy that aims to realign the body and improve posture, flexibility, and overall movement. Developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950s, Rolfing is based on the idea that the human body has a natural alignment and balance, and that various physical and emotional factors can cause the body to become misaligned. Rolfing practitioners use a variety of techniques, including deep tissue massage and movement re-education, to help realign the body and improve overall physical and emotional well-being.

One of the main benefits of Rolfing is its ability to reduce pain and improve mobility. Rolfing can help to alleviate chronic pain and tension in the muscles and joints, which can help people to move more freely and comfortably. It can also help to improve posture, which can in turn help to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal problems in the future.

Another benefit of Rolfing is its ability to improve overall physical function. By realigning the body and improving posture and flexibility, Rolfing can help people to perform their daily activities more efficiently and comfortably. This can be especially beneficial for people who are physically active, as it can help them to move more effectively and with less effort.

Rolfing can also have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. The deep tissue massage and movement re-education techniques used in Rolfing can help to relax the body and mind, which can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Rolfing can also help to improve body awareness and self-confidence, which can have a positive impact on overall mental and emotional health.

In addition to these benefits, Rolfing is also a safe and effective treatment option for a wide range of health conditions. Rolfing has been found to be effective in the treatment of chronic pain, musculoskeletal problems, stress-related conditions, and other health issues. It is generally well-tolerated by most people and has few if any side effects.

Overall, the benefits of Rolfing are numerous and wide-ranging. By reducing pain and improving mobility, physical function, and mental and emotional well-being, Rolfing can have a significant positive impact on people’s lives. If you are considering Rolfing as a treatment option, it is recommended to speak with a qualified practitioner to determine if it is appropriate for your needs.

In more simple words please ?

Rolfing is a type of physical therapy that uses deep tissue massage and movement re-education techniques to improve posture, flexibility, and overall movement. It can help to reduce pain and improve physical function, and it can also have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. Rolfing is a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of health conditions and is generally well-tolerated by most people. It is recommended to speak with a qualified practitioner to determine if Rolfing is appropriate for your specific needs.

Visit www.rolf.org for more information about Rolfing in general.

The post First Rolfing Session first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.

We have a lot of interested customers asking us how Rolfing works. So how does Rolfing work?

Humans, like all creatures, have a body structure that works most efficiently when properly aligned to its original specifications. However, because of work and life’s routines, we put our bodies through repetitive motions on a daily basis that distort that proper alignment, or we spend too much time in the same position. The hands-on treatment during a Rolfing session loosens restrictions in the soft tissues and leads to more mobility. Better range of motion is typically permanent!

What makes Rolfing unique among other approaches is the additional education of posture and movement patterns. Clients gain a lot of detailed awareness of how they orient themselves in space due to the sensory feedback during the hands-on work, but also because they feel different afterward.

Because of this combination of movement education and myofascial bodywork, Rolfing clients improve their overall state of wellbeing, move better and more effectively, and find it easy to have good posture without strain. The biggest benefit of working with a Certified Rolfer through a series of treatments (typically ten sessions with a couple of follow-ups), is that clients improve themselves for years after, without any further treatments.

If you’re not sure whether Rolfing is right for you, you can schedule a Consultation & Tryout appointment with us for just $75. That gives you time to talk to a therapist, learn more about their style of work, and receive a short test treatment. Rolfing does work best in a series of 10 sessions.

Check out our YouTube channel for a fully documented rolfing series.

The post How Does Rolfing Work? first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.

For individuals who work out frequently, train for marathons, or just lead generally active lives, sports massage can be an important part of your wellness routine. Receiving regular sports massage can reduce fatigue, relieve muscle swelling and tension, and help prevent injury due to muscle overextension and overuse. One of the most common complaints experienced by athletes is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS.

DOMS is the soreness that can occur several hours post-exercise, especially after exercises that are unfamiliar to you. Frequent exercise also has the tendency to reduce a muscle’s ability to relax, which can result in chronically tight muscles, loss of flexibility, and poor blood flow.

Sports massage can help reduce and prevent the effects of DOMS as you develop a new workout routine, as well as promote blood circulation and aid in relaxation.

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The post Sports Massage and what it means to you. first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.

Trigger point therapy uses therapeutic massage techniques to locate and alleviate pain caused by trigger points located throughout the body.

What are trigger points?

Essentially, they are small, localized muscle cramps, usually confined to only one or two of the small fibers that comprise a muscle.

To learn more about Trigger Point Therapy, please contact our office and schedule with one of our professional therapists to help reduce your pain associated with painful trigger points.

Our phone number is 407-704-8867

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The post Trigger Point Therapy at Balance Orlando first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.

With this offer you will get a free body evaluation and consultation that is focused to guide you down the path to better health. At the end of the consultation, a hands-on massage will be focused in helping your immediate concerns. The goal is to evaluate and give you some relief in the first treatment, and give you advice on follow-up treatments and self-care.

The post Try a New Massage Therapist at Balance Orlando first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.

Flexible Health Spending Accounts (FSA) are great, but they have one big drawback–they expire at the end of the year. Here’s some good advice on how you can make sure you use every last cent of it.

Use all this year’s money for your necessary treatments!

We suggest you see your primary care physician or chiropractor now and ask for a prescription for massage therapy for a medical condition.

How to use your medical reimbursement account, FSA, or HSA for massage therapy at Balance Orlando:

1. Get a prescription for massage therapy, make sure it lists a real medical condition, and how often massage therapy should be applied. 
2. Visit us at Balance Orlando, 1220 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, 32804, and purchase a package of massage therapy treatments. Ask for an itemized invoice, our office staff is happy to provide this for you.
3. Use your prepaid sessions this year!
4. Either you used your FSA or HSA card to pay for the package, or you will send the receipt to be reimbursed by your reimbursement account. 

More information about how these accounts work:

FSAs and health reimbursement accounts cover massage therapy only if it is a medical treatment for a specific problem, not if it is to relieve general tension.

Medical conditions and health concerns that are proven to be relieved by massage therapy are carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, and any type of pain, including orthopedic and non-orthopedic conditions.

Especially in the wake of the opiod crisis, official recommendations for physicians have changed. Here is an example from the American College of Physicians, explicitly asking medical doctors to prescribe massage therapy for back pain. You can find the actual guidelines here if you need to convince your physician.  

You can also read this enlightening article about how the efficacy of manual therapy as in massage was proven.

In general, you might be able to use your FSA for a lot more than you thought possible. Here is a big list.

The post Flexible Health Spending Accounts (FSA) at Balance Orlando first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) is a specialized type of massage, and feels completely different from more commonly known massage techniques. It is intended to stimulate the lymphatic system and assisting the natural circulation required for the elimination of metabolic waste, excess fluids, and bacteria from the body, and increasing the activity of the immune system.

The lymphatic system plays a big role in healing all kinds of injuries, and its stimulation has become the go-to care after plastic surgery and liposuction, since it has been noticed that healing happens faster and swelling goes down quickly, leading to less complications after surgery.

In order to really address the flow of lymphatic fluid and activate lymph nodes (often called “lymph glands” but they are actually filtering stations and can have a pumping function, but don’t secrete anything as real glands do) the technique used in MLD is very light touch and a characteristic pumping acting with the fingertips that helps to move excess fluid and reduce edema (swelling), often visibly with just one treatment. Deeper massage, even light Swedish, compresses the lymph vessels and lymph nodes, so true lymphatic treatments have to be light. In some areas like the face and neck, sensitive clients can even feel the liquid draining during the treatment.

When to Apply MLD for Best Surgery Results 

It is ideal to already stimulate the lymphatic system before  surgery so that the damage done by cutting is minimized.  The minimum total of sessions should be six for small surgeries, one or two before, four or five after, but for difficult interventions like liposuction, breast augmentation, butt implants, twelve are better–two before the surgery, ten after. It depends on the surgeon’s recommendation, but Sarah’s experience shows that as soon as possible after surgery, three sessions should be in rapid succession.

Please schedule a “Consultation & Tryout” with one of our specalists

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) is a specialized type of massage, and feels completely different from more commonly known massage techniques. It is intended to stimulate the lymphatic system and assisting the natural circulation required for the elimination of metabolic waste, excess fluids, and bacteria from the body, and increasing the activity of the immune system.

The lymphatic system plays a big role in healing all kinds of injuries, and its stimulation has become the go-to care after plastic surgery and liposuction, since it has been noticed that healing happens faster and swelling goes down quickly, leading to less complications after surgery.

In order to really address the flow of lymphatic fluid and activate lymph nodes (often called “lymph glands” but they are actually filtering stations and can have a pumping function, but don’t secrete anything as real glands do) the technique used in MLD is very light touch and a characteristic pumping acting with the fingertips that helps to move excess fluid and reduce edema (swelling), often visibly with just one treatment. Deeper massage, even light Swedish, compresses the lymph vessels and lymph nodes, so true lymphatic treatments have to be light. In some areas like the face and neck, sensitive clients can even feel the liquid draining during the treatment.

When to Apply MLD for Best Surgery Results 

It is ideal to already stimulate the lymphatic system before  surgery so that the damage done by cutting is minimized.  The minimum total of sessions should be six for small surgeries, one or two before, four or five after, but for difficult interventions like liposuction, breast augmentation, butt implants, twelve are better–two before the surgery, ten after. It depends on the surgeon’s recommendation, but Sarah’s experience shows that as soon as possible after surgery, three sessions should be in rapid succession.

Please schedule a “Consultation & Tryout” with one of our specalists

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) is a specialized type of massage, and feels completely different from more commonly known massage techniques. It is intended to stimulate the lymphatic system and assisting the natural circulation required for the elimination of metabolic waste, excess fluids, and bacteria from the body, and increasing the activity of the immune system.

The lymphatic system plays a big role in healing all kinds of injuries, and its stimulation has become the go-to care after plastic surgery and liposuction, since it has been noticed that healing happens faster and swelling goes down quickly, leading to less complications after surgery.

In order to really address the flow of lymphatic fluid and activate lymph nodes (often called “lymph glands” but they are actually filtering stations and can have a pumping function, but don’t secrete anything as real glands do) the technique used in MLD is very light touch and a characteristic pumping acting with the fingertips that helps to move excess fluid and reduce edema (swelling), often visibly with just one treatment. Deeper massage, even light Swedish, compresses the lymph vessels and lymph nodes, so true lymphatic treatments have to be light. In some areas like the face and neck, sensitive clients can even feel the liquid draining during the treatment.

When to Apply MLD for Best Surgery Results 

It is ideal to already stimulate the lymphatic system before  surgery so that the damage done by cutting is minimized.  The minimum total of sessions should be six for small surgeries, one or two before, four or five after, but for difficult interventions like liposuction, breast augmentation, butt implants, twelve are better–two before the surgery, ten after. It depends on the surgeon’s recommendation, but Sarah’s experience shows that as soon as possible after surgery, three sessions should be in rapid succession.

Please schedule a “Consultation & Tryout” with one of our specialists.  For MLD surgical work, we recommend you call our office 407-704-8867 to ensure we are able to assist you in your specific needs.

Sarah Giving a Lymphatic Drainage Treatment

MLD After Muscle Tears, Sprains, Strains, Contusions, Bruises, Burns

All injuries result in an excess of waste products that the lymphatic vessels have to transport out of the tissue, that cells of the immune system have to take in and process, that inner organs have to detoxify and excrete. The faster this can happen, the faster the injury will heal, so particularly in sports medicine, MLD has taken an important role and is now seen as much more useful than ice (which has actually been shown to hinder healing).

If you have a sports injury with swelling, a few treatments with MLD can make a big difference in how fast you heal. For most strains, three treatments should be enough if you are careful to not re-injure yourself.

Look here for the best way to let muscle injuries heal.

Sinus Problems, Snoring, Sleep Apnea

MLD can help a lot with seasonal allergy symptoms and infections that result in swollen sinuses. Some conditions with swelling in the nose-mouth-throat areas like snoring and sleep apnea can also be much improved with stimulation of the lymphatic system and the resulting reduction of swelling, but our clients like it the most that suddenly, after only one treatment, they can breathe more freely.

Lymphatic Massage for General Wellness and Detox

To better understand the importance of this treatment, consider how vital your lymphatic system is to your overall health. As part of the circulatory system, your lymphatic system consists of a complex network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels. The vessels carry lymph fluid toward the heart, and play a key role in your immune system.

If your lymph system is slow or obstructed, it impacts how you feel throughout the day. Our therapy consists of gentle, rhythmic, circular movements, and activates the muscle cells in the walls of the lymph vessels and the surrounding skeletal muscles necessary to propel the lymph through the system. Soon after your massage, you likely “perk up” and your sense of physical and emotional well-being improves. If you’ve been sick, your recovery time can decrease dramatically after a lymphatic drainage massage.

If you’re feeling tired and low on energy, or if you’ve been sick and feeling like your body is fighting to get back on track, lymph massage would likely serve you well. In addition, athletes, surgical patients, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue sufferers may want to consider lymphatic massage. Lymphatic drainage massage has implications for our clients who suffer from serious illnesses, not only those with a general low-energy feeling.

Often, if we’re feeling “run down,” we wait for it to pass, or try to get extra sleep. But sometimes the better, faster, and more effective solution is lymphatic drainage massage.

Make an appointment online with our specialists  and see what lymphatic drainage massage can do for you!

More information, clinical studies:

Review of several studies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755111/

MLD for sports injuries: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26458244

MLD for lymphedema after breast cancer surgeries: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29304140

, who has worked with hundreds of surgery patients and can share her experience and advice.

Sarah Giving a Lymphatic Drainage Treatment

MLD After Muscle Tears, Sprains, Strains, Contusions, Bruises, Burns

All injuries result in an excess of waste products that the lymphatic vessels have to transport out of the tissue, that cells of the immune system have to take in and process, that inner organs have to detoxify and excrete. The faster this can happen, the faster the injury will heal, so particularly in sports medicine, MLD has taken an important role and is now seen as much more useful than ice (which has actually been shown to hinder healing).

If you have a sports injury with swelling, a few treatments with MLD can make a big difference in how fast you heal. For most strains, three treatments should be enough if you are careful to not re-injure yourself.

Look here for the best way to let muscle injuries heal.

Sinus Problems, Snoring, Sleep Apnea

MLD can help a lot with seasonal allergy symptoms and infections that result in swollen sinuses. Some conditions with swelling in the nose-mouth-throat areas like snoring and sleep apnea can also be much improved with stimulation of the lymphatic system and the resulting reduction of swelling, but our clients like it the most that suddenly, after only one treatment, they can breathe more freely.

Lymphatic Massage for General Wellness and Detox

To better understand the importance of this treatment, consider how vital your lymphatic system is to your overall health. As part of the circulatory system, your lymphatic system consists of a complex network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels. The vessels carry lymph fluid toward the heart, and play a key role in your immune system.

If your lymph system is slow or obstructed, it impacts how you feel throughout the day. Our therapy consists of gentle, rhythmic, circular movements, and activates the muscle cells in the walls of the lymph vessels and the surrounding skeletal muscles necessary to propel the lymph through the system. Soon after your massage, you likely “perk up” and your sense of physical and emotional well-being improves. If you’ve been sick, your recovery time can decrease dramatically after a lymphatic drainage massage.

If you’re feeling tired and low on energy, or if you’ve been sick and feeling like your body is fighting to get back on track, lymph massage would likely serve you well. In addition, athletes, surgical patients, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue sufferers may want to consider lymphatic massage. Lymphatic drainage massage has implications for our clients who suffer from serious illnesses, not only those with a general low-energy feeling.

Often, if we’re feeling “run down,” we wait for it to pass, or try to get extra sleep. But sometimes the better, faster, and more effective solution is lymphatic drainage massage.

Make an appointment online with Specialist and see what lymphatic drainage massage can do for you!

More information, clinical studies:

Review of several studies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755111/

MLD for sports injuries: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26458244

MLD for lymphedema after breast cancer surgeries: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29304140

, who has worked with hundreds of surgery patients and can share her experience and advice. 

Massage therapist giving a Lymphatic Drainage Treatment

MLD After Muscle Tears, Sprains, Strains, Contusions, Bruises, Burns

All injuries result in an excess of waste products that the lymphatic vessels have to transport out of the tissue, that cells of the immune system have to take in and process, that inner organs have to detoxify and excrete. The faster this can happen, the faster the injury will heal, so particularly in sports medicine, MLD has taken an important role and is now seen as much more useful than ice (which has actually been shown to hinder healing). 

If you have a sports injury with swelling, a few treatments with MLD can make a big difference in how fast you heal. For most strains, three treatments should be enough if you are careful to not re-injure yourself. 

Look here for the best way to let muscle injuries heal.

Sinus Problems, Snoring, Sleep Apnea

MLD can help a lot with seasonal allergy symptoms and infections that result in swollen sinuses. Some conditions with swelling in the nose-mouth-throat areas like snoring and sleep apnea can also be much improved with stimulation of the lymphatic system and the resulting reduction of swelling, but our clients like it the most that suddenly, after only one treatment, they can breathe more freely. 

Lymphatic Massage for General Wellness and Detox

To better understand the importance of this treatment, consider how vital your lymphatic system is to your overall health. As part of the circulatory system, your lymphatic system consists of a complex network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels. The vessels carry lymph fluid toward the heart, and play a key role in your immune system.   

If your lymph system is slow or obstructed, it impacts how you feel throughout the day. Our therapy consists of gentle, rhythmic, circular movements, and activates the muscle cells in the walls of the lymph vessels and the surrounding skeletal muscles necessary to propel the lymph through the system. Soon after your massage, you likely “perk up” and your sense of physical and emotional well-being improves. If you’ve been sick, your recovery time can decrease dramatically after a lymphatic drainage massage.

If you’re feeling tired and low on energy, or if you’ve been sick and feeling like your body is fighting to get back on track, lymph massage would likely serve you well. In addition, athletes, surgical patients, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue sufferers may want to consider lymphatic massage. Lymphatic drainage massage has implications for our clients who suffer from serious illnesses, not only those with a general low-energy feeling.

Often, if we’re feeling “run down,” we wait for it to pass, or try to get extra sleep. But sometimes the better, faster, and more effective solution is lymphatic drainage massage.

Make an appointment online with Specialists and see what lymphatic drainage massage can do for you!

More information, clinical studies:

Review of several studies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755111/

MLD for sports injuries: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26458244

MLD for lymphedema after breast cancer surgeries: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29304140

The post What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Massage? first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.

When looking for treatments that offer permanent results for Anxiety and Chronic Pain, it is Rolfing that we see gives our clients relief almost immediately. And when finished with a 10 session Rolfing treatment, a body transformation typically occurs because the body has come into proper alignment, not only lifting the head and shoulders, but the internal spirit to is lifted and a consistent sense of enlightenment is witnessed.

We have often noticed how clients coming in with chronic painful conditions also suffer from anxiety, and how both get relieved evenly and at the same time. In Rolfing®, relief from anxiety and pain are seen as side effects, while the real goal is using gravity as support for the whole body’s structure, and using improved awareness and new habits for effortless, graceful posture and movement patterns.

The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute®  has been instrumental in fascia research and finding out how exactly our treatments can have these powerful, often permanent results.

While in the past we thought it was all about bringing the fascia into better shape, now we know that most of the issues are not in the tissues, but in the nervous, hormonal, and immune systems.
Working directly on the body in different depths gives the brain clear feedback on sensations that go from very pleasant to mildly uncomfortable. In a safe setting the client often processes psychological problems through physical sensations.

Manual therapy in general has been proven to relieve anxiety, and the reduction of stress hormones has been shown in various studies. In Rolfing, the additional work with posture and movement encourages clients to change the way they face the world, using their experience of gravity as a grounding force that not only keeps them upright, but also empowers them to thrive.

Receptors in the Skin, Muscles, and Fascia

There are many receptors that process social touch (about seven times more than to process potential danger) in our skin. Particularly Ruffini receptors process slow touch in stroking motions. Deeper layers are addressed by receptors processing stretches and muscle tone, and all these are activated by the slow strokes typical to Rolfing and other myofascial treatments.

The stimulation of all these nerve endings in a setting and by a practitioner that feel safe and welcoming has a profound effect on the hormonal system, releasing hormones that directly reduce anxiety and pain.

 Holding Space

 By providing a nonjudgmental, patient, compassionate presence the practitioner makes use of ancient response of our nervous system to allow processing stress responses and trauma. Rolfers are particularly trained in holding space. 

Lu’s personal experience in working with clients who have anxiety

 “I have been working with hands-on techniques for over 20 years, starting with my training in naturopathic medicine in Germany, where I am licensed as a physician. I noticed that hands-on treatments were a lot more reliable than acupuncture in relieving pain when applied slowly, with calming, but deep touch. When I started working as a Certified Rolfer I did not particularly consider working with anxiety, but I noticed that most of my chronic pain clients also struggled with anxiety and panic disorders, and that these symptoms would dissipate at the same time as the pain.”

Find out more:

www.rolf.org  has a lot more information about Rolfing in general.
Here is Lu explaining her approach in a series of short videos.
If you are in Central Florida, you can schedule Rolfing appointments with Emma at Lu’s clinic, Balance Orlando, via www.balanceorlandoschedule.info or by calling 407 704 8867 (staff answers seven days a week).

When Lu is not teaching at the Rolf Institute, you can also schedule with her–just ask staff when she is available. While Lu is out of town, or if you live elsewhere, you can also schedule a call with her. (Look for “20min phone call”).

The post Rolfing, Anxiety, and Chronic Pain: Treatments that often carry permanent results first appeared on Balance Orlando and is written by Sondra.