This picture shows the "guns" of the arm, the Biceps muscle of the upper arm. This seems to be the muscle that most people fantasize over. What is also seen here are the nerves that send the information to the muscle to have it to do what it does. Not to worry I am not going into one of my dissertations on the neuro muscular systems!

What I wanted to discuss here are the important qualities of enhancing the electrical circuits to the mechanical circuits, as most of you know I revert to my Pipefitting days frequently. In my last couple of blogs I have been discussing the importance of monthly Massage work to keep the body in proper working order. I will continue that discussion but wanted to interject this information to help you understand better the mind body connection.

At our studio we offer Fundamental Movement Therapy(sm) classes using Pilates based exercise equipment. Jarvis Wrazen our Director of FMTh(sm) has recently started circuit classes to enhance the students' experience. 

What is Fundamental Movement Therapy(sm)? Why would it work well with the  CVWC Club Massage? 

The answers to these two questions are simple, full body Wellness! What Fundamental Movement Therapy(sm) provides the body is a direct re-connection from the brain to the tissue that is needed to move the skeleton in the most efficient and functional manner. What the regular Massage work provides is keeping the Fascia, Ligaments, Tendons, and Muscles supple, and ready to respond to the needs of the body in their movement patterns. Connecting the two protocols will be your insurance policy to aide in avoiding pain. As the tissue becomes more responsive and the activation of proper movement to the skeleton, many great qualities begin to happen and become more and more enhanced.

You make ask now, how does this help me avoid pain? When we strengthen our musculature in movement- we also strengthen the nerve responses to those muscles, so that in those moments of clumsiness our brain is able to respond to protect us. If those nerve responses are weak our fight or flight mechanism takes over and shuts a majority of the muscular skeletal system down. When this process takes place we are more susceptilbe to injury and eventual pain. 

I "stretch" and "exercise" daily, so I am strong enough? As we discussed in our "Stretching 101" course being hyper-mobile in our joints is actually more of a liability than an asset.

So why Fundamental Movement Therapy(sm) and especially this Circuit Class? Now that you have tried our CVWC Club Massage and have promoted healthy circulation to the body's tissue system you need now to strengthen the functions. Understand the Massage itself, when properly applied, is an exercise in to itself. The manipulation of the tissue actually increases the heart rate and the relaxation one experiences is the fact that fresh blood and oxygen is being processed. So consider your one hour CVWC Club Massage your exercise for the day.

Fundamental Movement Therapy(sm) strengthens the connection between the brain and the movement mechanics of the body. What the circuit class enhances is the body's ability to respond to consistent and different movements. Why is this important to me? Well in our day to day activities we multi task all of the time and encouraging and strengthening our nerve to muscle response once again will help us get through those times when we might traumatize ourselves.  How does this happen? Once someone becomes proficient in understanding the application of movement as it relates to the machines the body's efficiency is enhanced. As the body becomes stronger, not only muscularly but also neurologically and hormonally, challenging the mechanism will help develop the ability's to respond. What Jarvis has done is develop a pattern of movements that force the brain to respond while keeping the heart at a good pace and creating the proper hormone responses. My recommendation is if you want a good exercise day without injuring the tissue and changing the internal tensions, this is it.

Questions can be answered by a simple phone call to 216.364.0152 or an email to [email protected]. Chagrin Valley Wellness Center is a full service center that takes all of your Wellness needs to heart. Our goal is to give one HOPE that they will feel better. 

a Reason to HOPE! - THE ANSWER IS IN PROPER MOVEMENT

Dennis

Just some random thoughts on remodeling. Not your house or office but your muscular tension.

As many of you know I was fortunate enough to develop and grow Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® over the last 20+ years. During this development period I often felt like I was reaching a point where I believed I was almost there and all of a sudden something happens and I am Blessed to find something or some way new to better the structure.

For those who have studied with me know the premise of the work follows this pathway:
• function = movement
• structure determines movement
• movement reveals structure

Many also know that Buckminster Fuller's theory on Tensegrity is a major portion of the theory behind Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® and Fundamental Movement Therapy(SM).

What does this have to do with remodeling? I have incorporated this theory as a part of the therapy process now.

At conception our cellular DNA or paradigm is formed with a specific set of parameters. As we develop a specific hydrostatic pressure or tension is placed on the cells to help maintain those boundaries and form our shape, organs and gives our connective tissue a blueprint of growth to follow.

At birth we are forced out into gravity and it is at this time that our muscle fibers need to start to develop strength. It is the muscle fibers function to offer the proper contraction to now maintain this paradigm.

The muscle fibers receive the most direct blood flow of all the connective and soft tissues. The Fascia, Ligaments, and Tendons in this order are somewhat vascular but not to the same degree.

Because of this phenomena the muscle fibers are more like the clay that the potter works with. When trauma strikes and there is a shifting of the parameters the muscle fiber is the only structure the needs to change to hold dynamic tension. The other three fibers are part of the connective tissue matrix!

What I have been blessed to discover is how to coax these muscle fibers back to the original DNA paradigm so that a proper Tensegrity is reestablished and a more pain free lifestyle is attained. This is remodeling.

I will continue to expound on this theory as we progress in this blog. This is an exciting time in the continued growth.

If you would like to learn more about Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® go to our web site. We will be offering another course in the Fall of 2013. It is 9 weekends and a total of 96 clock hours of intense study and hands in work. Call Kathy @ 216.364.0156 or email her @ [email protected].

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A new Reason to HOPE!

Dennis

FEET. Those appendages at the end of our legs, meant to propel us through life. How we use and abuse them! Stuffing them into all sorts of restrictive footwear or, the other extreme, flip-flops, which we hang onto with our toes while the heel tries to find its base.

How do your feet feel by the end of the day?

The feet can determine much of what is happening in the rest of the body. Let's look at some of the dis-eases that occur in the foot.

There are fallen arches, high arches, ankles that are shifted in most cases toward the middle of the body, bunions, hammer toes, supination (walking on the outside of the foot) or pronation (walking on the inside of the foot), neuromas, broken bones, plantar fasciitis, strains, and strains.

All of these can and will affect how the foot hits the ground as you walk. Injuries to the foot can bring about compensations that will be felt higher up the line of the body. These can include rotation of the hips or the leg itself, what appears to be a shorten leg, rib shifts or rotations, shoulder rotations, jaw discomfort, or a tilted head, to name a few.

A goal of structural intergration is to give the body a sound base from which to move. As part of a session, the feet, along with the rest of the body, are viewed to find the rotations, shifts, or tilts, and how they can be affecting the rest of the body.

Does the big toe hit the ground? If not, it may mean the muscles on the outside of the lower leg are more contracted than the opposing muscles.

Does the lower leg sit on top of the ankle, as it is designed to do? If not, looking at the arches and the muscles that control the arches and addressing those that are contracted, long, or short may be the answer.

Plantar Fasciitis is a common problem, which may be resolved by addressing the muscles in the calf, as the fascial attachment continues on to join the plantar fascia of the foot.

Other issues may not be totally resolved; however, the goal is to bring the body into a more comfortable and balanced, unified whole.

This picture is what everyone envisions as a Massage and they are correct. As in any profession there are fundamental principles that all students learn and practice as they begin to hone their trade. It is no different in the Massage world as every student is taught the benefits and movements of Massage.

What differentiates one individual person from the next? Education is the primary differential between most Massage practitioners. In the State of Ohio there are over 11,000 Massage Therapists licensed by the Medical Board. We do hold the distinction as being the only state requiring a limited medical practitioners license to practice Massage Therapy. We were all students of state approved schools that issued a diploma stating that we completed all of the necessary requirements to sit for the exam. 

There are many non-licensed practitioners as well in this state who might have gone to a school and for one reason or another were not able to pass the exam. There are also practitioners who have gone to schools to receive a certificate to perform massage but because of legislation are not permitted to hold themselves out as therapists. A therapist is able to treat disorders to the human body, whereas the practitioner moves to relax the body.

In last weeks blog I recommended that everyone should receive a Massage every month. It helps to reduce stress to the body itself which helps promote wellness in the tissues and organs. But is every Massage equal? No, far from it! The individual receiving the Massage should have expectations of what, as any consumer should, they are to receive. As the practitioner moves through your bodily tissue they should be able to detect if there are underlying problems that exist and be able to advise you of them and what course of action is available for you to take. 

An example of this is, that tightness and restriction of movement in your neck and shoulders, what is the cause. The practitioner should be educated enough to inform you of not only the cause but some of the long term issues that can present themselves. Like your car, your body needs a tune-up and a bumper to bumper inspection. 

That is what the CVWC Club Massage is meant to do. Your therapist, all of the therapist here are licensed, will keep track of what they find and give you a report each and every time you come in. Although the session is not "Therapeutic" in nature, any time anyone places their hands on you therapy happens. You as the consumer have every right to expect that individual to be an expert in their profession. 

In many instances we have been able to prevent a painful situation from developing by advising individuals of these future issues that they may face. Also, by tending to these issues you can rest assured that all of those tissues I discussed previously are being placed in the healthiest position possible. 

If you have questions about the CVWC Club Massage  and its many benefits please give us a call. One of the therapists would gladly discuss with you just how it will help you in the long term. Remember the CVWC Club Massage is priced so that you will want to have that luxury once a month. Call 216.364.0152 or email us at [email protected]. 

remember HOPE for the best!


Dennis

Matrix - a substance containing something: a substance in which something is embedded or enclosed

The above is the definition of a matrix, the picture to the left shows a matrix, as you can see it is free flowing and always in motion. Why is this so important to relieving pain?

The human body is comprised of many different tissues or substances. There are organs, bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and a substance called Fascia. Fascia is truly the first substance that develops in the human body at the cellular level right after conception. As the cells start their development process the Fascia is what allows that movement to happen. As the embryo develops and the cells divide and the other tissues of the body develop the Fascia will become the envelope and hold everything in place. Since the body is in perpetual motion the tissue that covers everything must have that capability. Fascia is on the move 24/7 and is probably the strongest of all the materials in the body.

When there is any form of trauma to the body this covering system is what needs to change to adapt to the sudden changes that occur. Since it covers the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles it also holds these tissues in the proper position whether it is right or wrong.

The ligaments are an extension of the Fascia system and their job has a fourfold purpose, they position the bones that form a joint, they stabilize that joint, they prepare the joint to move and lastly, control the speed of movement. What this means is that when a conscious effort to move is made the ligaments, if healthy, will set everything up to move. In cases of abrupt or sudden change in posture, like a fall or auto accident, the ligaments don't always have the opportunity to respond correctly. The Fascia responds for it and holds it in place to minimize the damage.

When proper or natural movement takes place, it is the ligament that signals the tendon as to which bony structure needs to move to fulfill the movement. When that abrupt or sudden movement happens, though there are incorrect signals and compromises to the proper movement pattern.

The muscle tissue basic job is either to shorten or lengthen, that is it. What it does need to do though, is when in its movement pattern the muscle does not have the ability to only move part way through its cycle. In cases of abrupt or sudden movement the muscle will often not complete its mission and this action is what keeps the tension on the joint which eventually ends up with pain.

The problem lays in the fact that if you only try and change one of the tissues, especially the Fascia, it will return what the brain perceives it should be. People will often ask what they need to do after a Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® session, well the following is what I personally suggest. JOIN THE CLUB!

At Chagrin Valley Wellness Center we treat these tissues in different ways but the prime method is Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®. We also use Acupuncture, Structural Integration, Reiki, Massage and Fundamental Movement Therapy(SM). Over the next few weeks I will discuss the protocol for all and how they integrate one with the other.

One of the most underused methods is what I refer to as Basic Massage. This is the massage practice that most are accustomed to but truly do not understand completely. At the Wellness Center we have the CVWC Club Massage and I'll explain why this is a valuable tool for most individuals. We have sharply discounted the cost of this to encourage everyone to take advantage of the program. When massage is performed correctly, and there is a lot more than just rubbing the skin, it has the ability to keep the aforementioned tissues healthy, supple and functional.

Relaxation Massage, as it is commonly referred to as, should be treated with much more respect than it is. Mainstream America has taken it and tried to enhance it by giving it many different names and have added more add-ons to it than is necessary. Massage is a very educated touch that needs to be applied with precise techniques to fully incorporate all of the positive aspects that it brings. Individuals need to have the same respect for this form of Art as they do a Monet, because when properly applied to can create a thing of beauty, YOU!

Massage when applied correctly will open many of the closed pathways or restrictions in the Fascia during the effleurage portion. When Petrissage is applied, a technique that gently lifts the muscle, breaks down minor adhesions in the tissue, and promotes better circulation. The full body should be treated to truly capture the beauty of the art, which it is when properly done.

I invite all to look in to the CVWC Club Massage as an investment to your overall health and well-being. The monthly fee is $48.00 + $3.72 tax and that includes a one hour session. If you decide you want an additional massage during the month it is an additional $50.00 +$3.88 tax. Treat your body to health and as Mark Twain once said, "If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!"

Keep your matrix flowing freely, it not only promotes better movement but this is the same tissue that allows your internal organs to freely move and stay healthy. For further information or to join the Club, please call one of our Client Care Specialists for details @  (216)364-0152 or [email protected].

a Reason to HOPE!
by Helping Ourselves Pain Ends!
Dennis Gibbons LMT

The theme over the past few weeks has been about muscles and movement and we recently held a class on the myths of stretching. This blog will hopefully explain to you how all of this works and how with proper movement, either low or high intensity, you will be able to overcome many of the issues that we deal with on a day to day basis.

In the picture of the muscle you will see an item that is slightly offset from the muscle itself. Although in real life this growth is not like this, this is a great illustration to show you that in the nervous system we have this built in surge protector. As with your electronic equipment the need to protect from unexpected electrical surges in the power company lines, the body also needs protection to protect us from unexpected movements. 

What are some of these unexpected movements that I am referring to? Well with winter weather here I am quite confident you didn't practice walking on slippery surfaces. Or that cough you developed when the weather changed and those hard, consectutive sneezes from that cold you had, these are all unexpected movements. Other forms of movement that can often compromise individuals are repetitve use injuries. Muscle when held in a specific position for any prolonged period of time will fatigue and become dysfunctional.
 
Is it wrong to stretch then. I don't want to hurt myself? Once again there needs to be a purpose behind it, to stretch because we think we should normally is not a good reason. Knowing the parameters is also important. Once you have reached a point, in any form of movement, where the tissue is starting to burn you are approaching an end point and you should stop.

Is there a difference in the burn I experience when exercising? Yes there is, when under load or duress with weights or even in Pilates, you will experience a build up of lactic acid. This build up will cause the workout burn. When you feel a "burn" when performing isolated or combined stretching, this normally indicates a slight tear to the connective tissue. Be aware of these differences.

We will continue this journey next week, until then remember by Helping Ourselves Pain Ends.

One last note, Jarvis held his first circuit movement class and the participants were estatic, call to sign up for his next one, Tuesday afternoons from 4p - 5p,
216-364-0152 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            216-364-0152      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to make your appointment.

a Reason to HOPE!

Dennis

We recently held an informational class on "Stretching" and it was a huge success. Myself, Josh Trentine, and Al Coleman from Overload Fitness discussed the terminology of stretching and how it is used in today's world. The participants asked many stimulating questions, which added to the dynamics of the class. Informational classes of this nature should be for the participants and not the presenters, and that is what we had. Thanks to all that attended. The Wellness Center will be holding another session on February 12, 2013. Also, in the near future you will be able to go to our web site and watch some video of the class.

The topics that were discussed went from Fibromyalgia, Tennis Elbow, Breast Cancer surgery, dance, and other forms of exercise. We discussed the physiological changes to the connective tissue, muscle, and skeleton when individuals over "stretch".

Many will ask the question, "Am I hurting myself when I do Yoga?" . If done properly and in movement the answer is no. When I speak of movement I don't just mean walking, running, or some other form of cardio work. Any time movement is done correctly the brain should be able to adapt to it and will prevent unusual injury. There is a section in your brain where movement is rehearsed and planned out. Often times we see someone else perform a movement and attempt to mirror it but more often than not our body is not able to emmulate it. If you suffered previous trauma your body will not respond the same as someone elses. What the rehearsal part of the brain does is coordinates the movement for its body. You may not be able to bend as far or reach as high but if you let your brain figure it out for you, it will get you there.

It is important to remember that muscle has very limited movement qualities, it is there for the dynamics of movement and follows the commands of other tissue. 
Many say that when they feel the burn of the muscle tissue when stretching it brings relief to them. Two items here, first the burn hopefully isn't to the muscle tissue because that type of burn would normally indicate some form of tearing to the fiber. The second item is that in order to have a muscle move there needs to be a specific chain of command that the tissue follows. Once the brain determines that movement is going to take place it must first decipher that movement. That is where the rehearsal part of the brain takes over and actually choreographs the movement. Once this is set in motion there are many items that need to take place for the movement to actually happen. I do not want to go into great detail about the physiology here but understand many nerve connections are necessary for even the simplest movement.

The study of movement is a very complex process but what we have been able to do in both our therapies, and that includes our Fundamental Movement Therapy(SM) classes, is to take the inhibited movement in the body and remove the obstacles. If you have questions about your painful issues please do not hestitate to call the office to discuss them with one of our exerts. Remember we have Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®, Acupuncture, Structural Integration, Reiki, Reflexology, and Therapeutic Massage. Also, to help strengthen and encourage proper movement check out our studio that is equipped with Pilates equipment.

Over the next few weeks I will continue to write about the process of muscles in movement and how the body needs to function so that it remains efficient and hopefully your pain ends,

a Reason to HOPE!

Dennis

These two pictures of Kevin were taken during the recent certification classes we are presently holding. The top is the before picture and the bottom is the after picture. It is in these pictures that we were able to balance both his cranium (skull) and his upper neck. He played hockey and suffered multiple concussive blows. Although he didn't display many of the after effects, these traumas had affected his body's ability to function at a high level. By performing some release techniques that affected the matrix to reconform itself the structure, including the Trigeminal nerve was able to truly move within its own skin. We are taking reservations for the next class and because of the depth of the knowledge and the content we limit the class size. Call 216.364.0156 or email [email protected]. Questions or comments respond either to this blog or call me at 216.364.0159.

H -hold O-on P-pain E-ends

Well we have returned after a short maternity hiatus. Mom and baby are doing just fine and we thank all of you for your well wishes.

When we last convened in the blog I was talking about my transition from Pipefitter to Massage Therapist and how my  past has become my present. There will be references to the past to hopefully help explain the present.

Over the past few months I, along with Angel Velotta, have been educating 11 individuals about Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®. These individuals have now gone through 3 weekends of very intense study. As they have started incorporating the theory and releases they have noticed that their practices have begun to improve. What they have all learned is just how complex the human body can be in movement. Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® was developed to assess and treat the body to correct dysfunctional tissue that has become inhibited in movement.

What does this all mean to the average person? In our day to day lives we move in many different directions and sometimes we hold a movement postsure for prolong periods of time. On January 22nd we are holding a class about Stretching here at the Wellness Center and in this class we will talk about the many pros and cons of stretching. Beside myself, the other presentators are Josh Trentine, former PT who now owns Overload Fitness and will be presenting from an exercise physiologist viewpoint. We are also excited to introduce Dr. Tim Keyes, D.C. who uses the technique A.R.T. or Active Release Technique and will be presenting his viewpoint from that philosophy.

During a recent class I was demonstrating a release technique to the thumb joint and how that one joint affects the elbow, shoulder and vertebral column. How often in your day to day activities do you use your thumb? In reality probably not as much as you think. We all have a tendency to grasp with our fingers and our poor thumb is left out of the picture. What we need to do is grasp with it more often so that its strength continues to develop. It is part of the balancing package that our brain depends on. For the majority of us we use our thumb to hit the space bar on our computer, to text on our smart phone or hold our cup of coffee.

This is just one example of the how by using one part of the body we engage other parts, and when that is inefficient we open ourselves up for injury. By balancing the overall tension on the skeleton we prevent many of the everyday aches and pains that develop. Also, many of the bad habits that are formed in movement patterns do not develop and often those are the reason pain returns.

One last item for this weeks Blog, we have recently added Pat Gates, LMT to our staff. Many of you have heard of Rolfing, well Pat does a technique called Structural Intergation Therapy. This is very similar to Rolfing and in its own format balances the Fascia tension on the internal structure. Pat is also a student of Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® and uses many of the same philosophies that we use here at Chagrin Valley Wellness Center. If you are interested in learning more from Pat please call for a consultation, she will be at our office on Tuesday mornings from 9 AM to 1 PM. If you want to schedule an appointment just call either Briana or Rebecca our client care specialist and they would be happy to accommodate you.

Over the next few articles we will be addressing more of the areas of the body that we can consciously be aware of to help ourselves,

Until next week, remember there is always a reason to H.O.P.E.!

Dennis