Myofascial Release (MFR)
The fascia (or connective tissue) is a 3-dimensional, web-like, collagenous tissue system which covers and interpenetrates all of our organs, muscles, bones, blood vessels, brain, spinal cord and nerves; it is ONE structure that exists from head to toe, without interruption, similar to yarn in a sweater. As such, the fascia provides structural stability/support for our bodies. In a healthy system, the fascia is relaxed and free to move without restriction. This pliability is compromised when we experience trauma, e.g. a fall, whiplash, scarring, surgery, inflammation, or through poor postural/movement or repetitive stress tendencies. Myofascial Release is an effective, hands-on technique utilizing sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions or trigger points to help decrease pain and improve mobility. It is used at OTM in combination with other manual therapies, as well as education with regard to functional mobility and strength and movement/postural efficiency and awareness.

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CranioSacral Therapy (CS)
The CranioSacral system was originally identified by osteopathic physician William Sutherland around 1900. This system is comprised of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the brain and spinal cord in a protective membrane called the dura mater, along with the bones of the skull and pelvis. Rhythmic changes in pressure of the CSF are transmitted to the skull and pelvis, and on to the body’s connective tissues. Assessing the rhythm with regard to symmetry, quality, amplitude and rate, the therapist can perceive restrictions or imbalances. Releasing or balancing techniques are applied using very minimal pressure to the head, pelvis or other areas of the body. This approach is used at OTM as an adjunct to treating a variety of conditions including pain and mechanical dysfunction.

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Lymphedema Care
The lymphatic system (our immune system) is made up of lymph fluid, lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Through this intricate system, proteins, fats, waste products, cells, foreign organisms (e.g. viruses and bacteria),etc. are filtered/destroyed, and excess fluid in the system is transported and returned to the circulatory system. Lymphedema (an excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues) occurs when the lymphatic system’s ability to transport lymph fluid has been compromised. This may occur for a variety of reasons, including trauma, surgery (especially if lymph nodes are removed), chemo/radiation therapy, infections or chronic venous insufficiency. Physical Therapy treatment, focused on facilitating the movement of lymph fluid, can include assisting the client in learning compression/bandaging/kinesiotaping techniques, as well as specific manual lymph drainage/massage activities and positional/movement exercise instruction.

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Visceral Manipulation (VM)
This approach of working through the body’s visceral system was developed by French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral. When healthy, the relationship between the organs (viscera) and the structures of the body (skeleton, muscles, membranes, fascia, etc.) is stable, in spite of the endless varieties of motion occurring in the system. An organ may be limited by abnormal tone, displacement or adhesions, due to trauma, e.g. whiplash, or emotional stress; as a result, fixed points of tension may develop, and the body is forced to move around them. This in turn may create chronic irritation, and often leads to disease or dysfunction. Visceral Manipulation is a gentle hands-on therapy which works to locate and alleviate these points of tension by facilitating normal tone and mobility of the viscera and their connective tissues. This approach is used at OTM as one of a variety of techniques potentially incorporated into a treatment session.