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Structural Bodywork

What does a Structural Bodyworker do?
SB's work closely with performers, athletes or just everyday people to not only treat injuries but to also prevent them from occurring by correcting and optimizing the functioning of the body, and reducing the risk of the development of overuse and repetitive strain injuries.

As this is a relatively new profession there can be some confusion as to what type of therapist an Structural Bodyworker is. They are not physical therapists, nor are they massage therapists. We are primary health care practitioners, with advanced training in Health Sciences. A Structural Bodyworker possess a high level of skill and knowledge in the treatment of dysfunction and disorders of a musculoskeletal nature and have an extensive range of treatment options to effectively treat and prevent injuries (PREHAB). 

Structural Bodyworkers are experts in movement, function and posture, as such relief from pain; or recovery from an injury are often the most thought of and sought after benefits of Structural Bodywork. However, SB's can also provide a number of other health benefits. These can include improvements in posture, strengthening of core musculature, increased range of movement and flexibility and improved overall well-being. Furthermore SB’s are skilled in providing advice regarding injury prevention, managing the natural process of aging, and even rehabilitation following surgery. 

Massage is very beneficial at releasing tight muscles that lead to compensation patterns but you can’t fully address every issue without incorporating myofascial release, exercise and stretching into your session. Additionally your body cant fully heal until you address other areas hindering your performance including nutrition and emotional health. A Structural Bodyworker takes a holistic approach assessing your mental and physical health, then chooses the appropriate techniques for proper body balancing to target specific issues or just maintain general fitness and relaxation. 



Common conditions we treat : 

• Achilles Tendonitis

• Plantar fasciitis

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Joint pain

• Lateral Epicondylitis

• Migraines

• Disc herniation

• Sciatica

• Carpel tunnel

• Pelvic tilt

• Chronic back pain

• Knee problems

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Pregnancy

• Poor posture

• Shoulder pain

• Hip pain

• Nerve impingements

• Muscle imbalances

• Arthritis

• Sports & Occupational RSI



If you have not had success with other forms of treatment, or you are looking to supplement your treatment, I am able to offer you an alternative, hands on, long session.

Muscular dysfunction can be caused by trauma, overload or misuse of muscles arising from occupational, sporting or recreational activities.

Consultation will typically commence with a thorough history taking followed by various muscle, joint and neurological testing.  Combined with manual palpation of muscles and joints, my aim is to identify the cause of one's pain to ensure quick, effective and long lasting results.

Structural Bodyworkers posses a wide array of techniques which they may use to treat your condition. These techniques can include:

·  Soft tissue therapy – therapeutic massage of the tissues of the body to relax the muscles, decrease tension, break down scar tissue and adhesions and for relief from pain.

·  Stretching – used to lengthen muscles or soft tissues and/or increase joint range of motion 

·  Heat – this can be used to facilitate muscle and soft tissue relaxation and relief from pain 

·  Cold – this is used for the treatment of acute injuries, to decrease swelling and inflammation and also for relief from pain 

·  Joint Mobilization – this is a technique designed to increase the range of motion and mobility of joints and the surrounding soft tissues. This is distinctly different from the high velocity manipulations that are used by other therapists such as chiropractors.

·  Myofascial release – fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, groups of muscles, bones and organs. Fascia can shorten and cause restrictions in movement and impair posture, a number of techniques may be used to release these restrictions. 

·  Cupping Therapy – this is a technique that originates in Ancient Chinese medicine where a cup is used to create a vacuum on the skin, Western medicine has now advanced the technique and it is now used to treat a range of different conditions in a number of ways 

·  Trigger Point Therapy – this technique uses finger pressure to deactivate trigger points within the soft tissues of the body. It can be used for a wide range of conditions to reduce muscle tightness, bring pain relief and promote healing of the area. This technique is distinctly different from acupuncture which is a Chinese medicine technique designed to affect the energy channels (meridians) of the body, dry needling uses points that are defined by western based anatomy and physiology. 

·  Manual lymphatic drainage – this technique uses a slow and repetitive stroke to encourage the flow and movement of lymphatic fluid. It is commonly used to help reduce inflammation and swelling following an acute injury, or following surgery and may also be used for people with disorders causing fluid retention. 

·  Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) – this technique uses static muscle contractions against resistance to improve the motion of a joint, it may also be used to help with neurological retraining

·  Positional Release Technique (PRT) – this is a technique used to help reduce pain and muscle spasm by placing the body in a position of ease and allowing the surrounding tissues to relax


 

Why seek Structural Bodywork?

 • For natural drug free pain management solutions

 • Sports recovery and injury rehabilitation

 • To increase range of motion and reduce joint and muscle stiffness

 • Restore postural alignment and muscle balance

 • Reduce recovery time from exercise and sports activities

 • We have successfully treated many debilitating muscle conditions and injuries

 • We have helped many of our clients prevent recommended surgery and recover fully

 • Many of our clients are elite athletes who trust us in helping them perform at their best

 • We have a reputation for getting lasting results and pride ourselves on self-care education


  My Goal is to bring you the highest quality therapy, designed to safely and effectively relieve aches and pains. Therefore, I custom blend all of my Structural Bodywork sessions to best fit your needs. I am trained in a variety of techniques, but the most therapeutic sessions are usually a combination of techniques depending on the needs of each individual. Although, if you prefer regular relaxation, deep tissue or have a particular type of therapy that you are familiar with, I will most certainly accommodate your request.