Techniques & Modalities

Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Massage & Shiatsu in Santa Barbara

Below are brief descriptions of techniques and modalities used most often at Train Rugged. Depending on your goals and needs, any and all combinations of modalities might be used during a session.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

The term “myofascia” refers to the connective tissue that supports the musculoskeletal system. It gives your muscles their shape, surrounding them 3-dimensionally, diving into them and connecting them to one another. Just like when you pull on the bottom of your sweater and you can see it affect the fabric at the top of the sweater, a pull on the myofascia of your foot can affect the tissue up into your leg, your hip, your torso, and neck. The myofascial network provides connection, communication and force transmission throughout the body. Myofascial release engages and effects the myofascia with slow, engaged, hands on work, and differs from other types of bodywork in that it works on the spaces in between muscles, tendons and ligaments as well as on them directly. Learn more by reading this page.

MUSCULAR THERAPY

Muscular Therapy is a form of bodywork that combines different types of massage while using different speeds, rhythms, and depths of work. It is useful for relaxation and overall health as well as specific, deep work focusing on individual muscles, tendons and ligaments.

NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY

The term “neuromuscular” refers to the interaction between the nervous system and the muscles. It describes what the nervous system is telling the muscles to do, and what the muscles are doing in response to that stimulus. There may be hyperactivity (or hypoactivity) in muscle tissue that is causing dysfunction and discomfort. Neuromuscular therapy employs non-invasive techniques to encourage the tissue to normalize (to excite under-active muscle tissue, and relax over-active muscle tissue). It is particularly effective with working with trigger points (those knots and contractures that refer pain to surrounding areas of the body).

FRICTION THERAPY

Scar tissue forms in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. It is a normal process for the body to produce scar tissue when soft tissues are injured, and in the right spots it can be a good thing. But when there is poor healing and/or repeated tearing of scar tissue it can restrict movement and be the underlying cause of chronic pain and dysfunction. Deep frictioning or transverse friction massage works by breaking down scar tissue that prevents proper healing within muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It allows normal healing to occur and increases circulation to areas that normally have very little blood supply.

PASSIVE ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Passive Engagement techniques are similar to Active Engagement Techniques with the difference that it integrates passive client movement instead of active. The practitioner moves a joint through it’s range of motion while simultaneously using static compression,lengthening or broadening techniques on the soft tissue around it, depending on what the desired effect is. “Pin and stretch” techniques where a muscle is shortened passively followed by being lengthened passively while a lengthening technique is applied is a classic example.

ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Active Engagement techniques refer to techniques that integrate active client movement. Working on a muscle while it is actively shortened (concentric movement) or actively lengthened (eccentric movement), has several benefits. Most notably, active engagement techniques engage more muscle fibers, resulting in the work penetrating deeper without using more force. So, it is easier for both the client and therapist. Additionally, it’s an effective way to differentiate muscle fibers and muscle groups, freeing them up to encourage more ease of movement and range of motion. Excellent for chronic, long standing tension and “waking up” the system.

SHIATSU & CUPPING

With the spine as the central channel of focus, Shiatsu is pressure point work designed to help address physiological imbalances as well as unnecessary tensions. Based off of accupuncture’s meridian points, Shiatsu can bring homeostasis to the neurological and organ systems all through precise hands on techniques.Cupping therapy is offered to improve blood circulation as well as reduce inflammatory states of muscular imbalances.

LYMPHATIC MASSAGE

Lymphatic massage is a soothing and relaxing massage using gentle but effective brushing motions to reduce swelling in the various tissues around the joints. The lymphatic system consists of a large network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes throughout the body. Intrinsically linked to your immune system, the lymphatic network aids in the removal of waste products from body tissue. The lymphatic system functions via and is dependent on the pressure of the blood system. Because of this, the efficacy of your lymph nodes in eliminating toxins is dependent on the efficacy of your circulatory system, which can mean a slower-than-desirable detoxification process. This is where physical manipulation of the lymph nodes comes in to help speed up the process. As a beneficial side effect, your immune system is also boosted. Before treatment, some patients may experience impaired lymph drainage, where, for example, flow is obstructed or simply insufficient. When flow is obstructed or too slow, lymphatic fluid (lymph) accumulates in the tissue resulting in swelling in the affected area, and this can irritate the skin. When fluid builds up like this it can cause discomfort, puffiness and a dull complexion.

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