Techniques

Techniques

Below, you'll find a brief explanation of some of the techniques offered at New Path PT. This is intended as a reference to tell you a bit about my training and expertise. Over decades of experience, I have found that these techniques are helpful to treat pain and nervous system dysfunction. They are also useful as wellness practices to help you avoid chronic problems. Most treatments include a combination of these techniques, plus other modalities such as education or exercise coaching. Not sure how these techniques might work for you? Use the free 15 minute phone consultation to chat about your specific goals. Give me a call at 520-254-8016 or send me a message through the contact page to get started.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists have advanced education (Masters or Doctoral degrees) in human anatomy, physiology, and evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies. PTs are licensed by their state and required to complete continuing education to maintain their license. Many PTs specialize in one area, including pediatrics, orthopedics, acute care, women's health and neuro. While all PTs have some manual therapy training, most clinics require PTs to see multiple patients per hour and share a patient's care with other professionals such as PT assistants, techs, or exercise specialists. This model works well for most patients, but New Path PT offers focused care with one patient per hour, emphasizing holistic, hands-on manual therapy for pain relief and simple exercises and stretches that you can do at home.

The Perrin Technique

I recently became one of the few therapists in the United States licensed in the Perrin Technique. This technique originated with Dr. Raymond Perrin of Manchester, UK and has a strong and growing evidence base for the treatment of chronic conditions such as ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID. Dr. Perrin is a leading expert on the association between the lymphatic system and the sympathetic nervous system. The Perrin Technique involves manual drainage of the neurolymphatic system to help your body remove toxins that are causing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to food, chemicals, sound, and lights.

Treatment by the therapist is combined with pacing and self-treatment at home. It is a big commitment, but this technique is helping patients around the world to improve their health and recover from chronic conditions.

Check out theperrintechnique.com for more information.

Myofascial Release

The John Barnes myofascial release approach is a gentle manual therapy technique designed to release restrictions in the fascial system. Our fascial system is a dynamic, fluid system that is EVERYWHERE in our body- in every cell, surrounding every nerve and muscle fiber, and supporting every organ. Restrictions in the fascia cause dysfunction and pain, and are often overlooked by Western medical tests and imaging. MFR treatment involves finding barriers within the fascial system and applying GENTLE pressure to these barriers until they release. The only tools necessary are the practitioner's hands, patience, and TIME.

No lotions or oils are used during MFR treatment. Treatment focuses on specific painful or dysfunctional areas, as determined by a comprehensive PT evaluation.

MFR treatment is effective for:

neck pain

back pain

joint pain

headaches

TMJ dysfunction

SI dysfunction

pelvic pain

incontinence

fibromyalgia

chronic fatigue

sports injuries

and MORE!!

I have completed the following MFR courses: MFR I, MFR II, Pediatric MFR, Fascial-Pelvis, Cervical-Thoracic, Rebounding, Myofascial Unwinding, Advanced Unwinding, Women's Health, and Skill Enhancement Seminar

For more information on the John Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach, please see myofascialrelease.com

Frequency Specific Microcurrent

FSM uses innovative technology to stimulate specific tissues in the body to speed healing. It's all about resonance! FSM uses microcurrent (1/1000 of a typical TENS current) to gently stimulate tissues and increase ATP production. This pain-free treatment is used to reduce pain, tissue hypermobility, scarring, and central nervous system dysfunction. The most common response is relaxation and increased mobility.

FSM is delivered using warm moist towels. The towels are positioned on your body according to the area that needs treatment. At New Path PT, two FSM machines are used simultaneously after you and Carrie determine the most appropriate protocols. FSM is used in conjunction with skilled manual therapy to provide multiple amazing techniques in a single session.

I have attended the following FSM classes: 5 day core, FSM Advanced, Fibromyalgia

For more information on FSM, visit frequencyspecific.com

Neural Manipulation

Neural Manipulation, taught by the Barral Institute, involves evaluation and treatment of precise areas of the nervous system. By listening to the body, the practitioner is able to determine specific areas of restriction around the brain, spinal cord, and nerves traveling down the arms and legs. Assessment includes motion testing of nerves and dural tissue. Treatment includes gentle pressure into restricted areas to allow the nerves to glide in the appropriate manner.

Many people with headaches, sciatica, carpal tunnel, and numbness and tingling in their arms and legs respond quickly to Neural Manipulation.

I have attended NM1, NM2, NM3, and NM4.

For more information on neural manipulation, check out barralinstitute.com

Visceral Manipulation

Visceral Manipulation, taught by the Barral Institute, involves evaluation and treatment of precise areas of the fascial support systems around the organs. This technique involves "listening" to the body to determine areas of restriction, and treatment by gentle hands-on techniques to establish normal movement and function of the organs.

80% of musculoskeletal issues have a visceral component. If structural work on your symptomatic area only gives you temporary relief, visceral work may find and relieve the root of the problem for lasting pain relief. Finding and relieving restrictions in the digestive tract or pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, ovaries or prostate) can alleviate many digestive issues and/or pelvic issues without medication.

Visceral manipulation is also an evidence-based treatment for diastasis recti, the opening of the abdominal musculature commonly following pregnancy. Approximately 30% of women find that their muscles do not "close" after pregnancy, resulting in a pregnant appearance and often associated with low back pain, incontinence, and other women's health issues. These symptoms are often related to restrictions in the connective tissues surrounding and protecting the abdominal organs, so relieving these restrictions is very effective for closing a diastasis.

I have attended VMI, VM2, VM3, and VM4.

For more information on visceral manipulation, check out barralinstitute.com

HeartMath

Heart Math is an innovative, evidence-based biofeedback program designed to help you learn how to control your autonomic nervous system's response to stress. After measuring your baseline Heart Rate Variability through a quick 1-minute measurement through a finger or ear sensor, you will be educated in breathing and emotional coherence techniques to help you regulate and improve your heart rate variability. Education includes handouts that you can access on your digital device or print at home. Heart Math has been found to be effective for improving focus, sleep, and calmness and decreasing pain, anxiety, fatigue, and depression.

Please see heartmath.com for more information and to view a free video, The HeartMath Experience.