What to expect from a Deep Relief Treatment…

Evaluation

An evaluation is routinely thought of as an initial assessment of an injury at the onset of treatment. However, constant evaluation throughout the treatment process produces the quickest resolution of the injury and resulting compensation patterns by providing the therapist with real time feedback on the effectiveness of specific treatments. Several factors are taken into consideration when determining the nature and extent of your injury.

History – A thorough review of all past injuries may indicate how and why your injury occurred in the first place. The therapist will also ask you questions about the onset of symptoms or mechanism of injury.

Inspection and Palpation – The texture and tension of your soft tissue is most often the best indicator of an injury’s exact location. The therapist will constantly evaluate your tissue texture during treatment.

Range of Motion, Ligamentous, Neurological, and Special Testing – Increased range of motion in a joint is often the best evidence of progress. Pertinent testing will also be utilized to rule out bone, nerve, or ligament damage.

The therapist will refer you to other medical practitioners for conditions beyond her scope of practice.

Bodywork

A Deep Relief Treatment is a combination of relevant techniques designed to find and release adhesions that contribute to chronic injuries and tension, including:

Active Release Techniques (ART)
“ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.” ART is a very effective technique for relieving painful adhesions and restoring flexibility and range of motion.

ART Long Tract Nerve Entrapment
This technique follows specific protocols to release nerves at impingement points along the entire length of the nerve. ART’s approach is different from typical nerve flossing in that it combines manual tension at the site to separate the nerve from the surrounding tissues while the patient moves the nerve through its entire range of motion. Relief is felt almost immediately in many patients.
Visit ART’s patient info page for more information.

Myofascial Release (MFR)
Myofascial Release is a slow, passive technique where the therapist applies sustained pressure to engage and release fascial restrictions. It can feel like skin stretching, but in actuality, MFR releases layers of fascia that surround and support muscles and organs. Myofascial Release is an effective technique for reversing postural imbalances and releasing trauma embedded in the body’s soft tissues.
To learn more about fascia, download Samantha’s Senior Honors Thesis or visit: MFR’s info page.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
NMT, also known as “trigger point therapy” uses gliding massage strokes, palpation and compression of trigger points to relieve adhesions and referred pain patterns. NMT is sometimes the most satisfying part of the treatment—it’s a wonderful feeling when the therapist finds and relieves “the spot.” Be sure to let your therapist know whenever you feel a referral pattern or your pain is recreated, as that can indicate a trigger point.

Mana Lomi Massage
Mana Lomi is a new addition to the Deep Relief arsenal of techniques—lomilomi enthusiasts will recognize the use of forearms and long gliding strokes. Mana Lomi is unique in that it is based on Hawaiian concepts of working with the “mana,” or life-force of the client. In lomi’ili’ili (Hawaiian Hot Stone Therapy), stones gathered from a sacred spot along the North Shore of Maui are used as an extension of the hands to introduce heat and healing into the body. Be sure to notify us and book a 90-minute session if you would like the addition of lomi’ili to your session. Samantha is studying Mana Lomi under Kumu Maka’ala Yates, Jeana Naluai, and Jackie Kapua Tyler.
Visit Maka’ala’s Mana Lomi page for more information.

Healing Touch
Healing Touch is a relaxing energy therapy used to clear, energize, and balance the energy field. It effects physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health and can be used with clients who are very sensitive to pressure or to decrease pain after an acute injury. More information about Healing Touch can be found at www.healingtouchinternational.org/

The Kinesiotaping Method:
Kinesiotape (or “Magic Blue Tape” as it is known in Haiku) was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in Japan in 1979. Kinesiotaping is used to support injured muscles and joints and regulate lymphatic flow. You may recognize it from the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Kinesiotaping can be used to:

1. Prevent over-contraction of spasmed muscles
2. Assist weak or inhibited muscles
3. Create lymphatic channels, decreasing inflammation and preventing bruising
4. Support injured joints without impeding movement

For more information visit The KinesioTaping Method’s official website.

Follow-up Self Care

Rehabilitation Exercises:
Re-education of affected tissue is vital to recovery. You will be given exercises on the foam roller, stability ball, or floor to maintain improvements made during treatment. Equipment is available for purchase at the gym or our A-Store on the website. Full gym or home routines are recommended. For more details check out our Personal Training page.

Postural Cues and Supports:
Many problems are exacerbated by our sitting, driving, and sleeping positions. Your therapist may help define a better position to hold your body. We also offer postural supports for sale on our A-Store and at the gym.

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