Chronic Pain & Illness
Resources
CranioSacral Therapy
Myofascial Release
Acupuncture Cupping
Living in chronic pain or with a chronic illness isn’t easy. It takes a toll on every aspect of your life. There are two techniques that have been successful in helping individuals when other traditional methods haven’t helped enough. Traditional physical therapy is important and this isn’t meant to replace it but if you live in severe pain these techniques help solve the problem instead of treating the symptom. Myofascial Release & CranioSacral Therapy focus on evaluating the whole body and not just the area that has been injured or is causing pain. Both can be beneficial in reducing pain, fatigue, and increasing range of motion. Although these therapy methods are not considered traditional don’t ‘ve heard they’ve succeeded in helping provide relief when other therapeutic approaches have not helped. Do further research to see if one of these methods might be a good fit. Never start a new therapy without first seeking medical advice from a physician. Only you can decide if any of these therapies is right for you.
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was founded by Dr. John Upledger. “Cranio” refers to your head and “Sacral” to your tailbone. The CranioSacral system includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid. A trained CranioSacral Therapist will evaluate a person’s CranioSacral rhythm which can be felt by human touch. If restrictions are found in the CranioSacral rhythm the therapist can gently help to release the restriction allowing the body’s own self-healing mechanism to kick in. Small changes in the rhythm have a powerful effect on many systems in our body including the central nervous system, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, and more. It’s helpful in treating TMJ, Concussions, Headaches, Autism, Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Injuries, and more. For a comprehensive list of the conditions CST has shown to help, please visit the Upledger Institute website.
The video explains in more detail along with a visual presentation about what CranioSacral Therapy is. For more videos and information about CST, please click on the link below the video to the Cary Center for CranioSacral Therapy.
Copyright by Tan Wanveer. Used by Permission.
Myofascial Release
What does the word, "Myofascial" Mean?
In Greek, “Myo” means muscle and “Fascial” means tissue. There are 3 layers of fascia in our bodies with the outer layer being our skin, and the deepest level cellular. A myofascial restriction in your body will cause pain and restrict motion. There are 3 layers of fascia in our bodies including our outer skin, it divides and surrounds all organs and muscles, and the deepest layer is cellular. It has a huge impact on our body but is often overlooked. Even though the fascia system is complex it can easily be released by using a technique called Myofascial Release developed by John F. Barnes, PT.
What is Myofascial Release?
Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater.
Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.
Fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the fascial system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent poles, which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time and repetitive stress injuries has a cumulative effect. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the functioning of our body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.
Copyrighted by John F. Barnes. Used by Permission.
Myofascial Release Treatment Centers
What Conditions Can Myofascial Release Help With?
Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Injuries, TMJ, Spasms, Neurological problems, and many women only issues. A full list of conditions that Myofascial Release may help with can be found by visiting the Myofascial Release Centers website.
Acupuncture Cupping
Acupuncture Cupping is a tradition Chinese technique used to reduce pain, increase blood flow, and help with some respiratory issues. Acupuncture cupping can be performed with glass, plastic, or silicon cups. The glass cups are used for the “wet” or flame method and the plastic cups for the “dry” method. Both the wet and dry method create a suction so the skin where the cup is placed is pulled up inside the cup. This helps break up restrictions much like a deep massage. The wet method creates a better suction than the dry.
The flame method starts with slightly dipping a cotton ball wit 99% Isopropyl Alcohol then using a lighter to start a flame on the cotton ball. The cup is placed over the flame then put directly on the skin. The dry method uses a pump gun and a rubber tube. One end of the tube attaches to the plastic cup and the other on the pump gun. The gun is pumped until the desired suction is reached.
Cupping helps the muscle and connective tissue receive blood flow, better circulation, and faster healing. Many professional athletics use Cupping for performance recovery. Cupping reaches deeper levels that the human hand cannot. Many Acupuncture clinics offer Cupping as a separate treatment but it is something you can learn to do on yourself. The flame method takes some practice but not the dry method. You can use one or two cups at a time or fill your entire back with the acupuncture cups.
Cupping can leave a bruise like circle on your body which will dissipate in a few days. It’s recommended leaving the cups on for 3 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes. You many leave the cups stationary on the body the whole time or you can “drag” the cups back and forth over your skin which breaks up the restrictions better. Please note, the dragging of the cups can be painful but once it’s over the area will feel better.
Acupuncture Cupping is safe but like everything else certain conditions are not recommended. Do not use cupping if you are running a fever, have an open wound, take blood thinners, or have frail skin. Be sure to check with your doctor for advice before cupping. Photos coming soon!
Jesus came to HEAL the sick, lame, and the blind. He NEVER changes so this means He still heals people today. Are you out of medical options? Feel hopeless? Why not give God a try? Did you know that the most power thing we can do is to speak God’s Word back to Him? Check out some of the Bible verses below to use in your prayers.
God often uses pain and suffering as a way to refine us and to draw us closer to Him. We so easily pop a pill in our mouth that is prescribed by a doctor but why do we not consider taking the medicine prescribed by our Creator? Speaking God’s Words and believing in the healing can fill you with hope, healing, and is medicine for your body.
Jesus has many names throughout the Bible. Two of them are Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Who Heals) and the Miracle Worker. Seek Jehovah Rapha and the Miracle Worker and pray to Him daily. Follow these 4 steps with a humble and grateful attitude.
1. Give God PRAISE for who He is and tell Him how kind, loving, merciful, wise, and good He is.
2. REPENT of your sins.
3. Give THANKS & GRATITUDE
4. ASK for what you need and want.
After taking these steps your job is to trust God and believe He will provide what you asked for and then wait for it. Repeat these steps every day until something happens.