What is Therapeutic Bodywork?
There are many forms of therapeutic bodywork. Some might call it bodywork therapy, many seek out specialized forms such as myofascial release or reach for terms like medical massage, orthopedic massage or therapeutic massage. Whatever we would call massage therapy or a deep tissue massage often differs in procedure than its more advanced massage cousin: bodywork.
This approach is informed by advanced anatomical study by some of the most acclaimed in manual therapy and biomechanics education, and is favored over deep tissue massage for its ability to truly “see” where muscle imbalances create strain.
A Therapeutic Bodywork (Myofascial Release) session at Derswerk is similar to Structural Integration, but with some key differences. Structural Integration is a full series, whereas therapeutic bodywork allows more freedom in a treatment plan or maintenance routine. Similarly, during our appointment we’ll still assess posture, mobility or gait.
Who can Benefit from Therapeutic Bodywork?
Treating chronic pain and improving function is the foundation for this practice. The chronic pain puzzle is made up of countless muscle imbalances in our bodies. Therefore, in these sessions, the general rule of thumb is that we have a “focus spot” in the time available.
Therapeutic bodywork evokes resilience, and new curiosity for our felt sense. Moreover, a therapeutic bodywork session can give you a better picture for the root causes of your pain, if you’re looking for a step above therapeutic massage, a follow-up or just a sample of what we can achieve together.
Over the years, clients have found success treating, managing, and resolving countless conditions, including but not limited to:
- Sacroiliac, Lumbar, Thoracic, or Cervical Spine Pain Disorders: SI Joint Dysfunction, Facet Joint Radiculopathy
- Pelvic pain and Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Shoulder pain: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
- Tendonitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Hypermobility Disorders & EDS
- Bulging or Herniated Discs
- Nerve Impingement disorders and Radiculopathies
- Neuropathy
- Scar Tissue & Post-Surgical Adhesions
- Balance & Proprioception issues
- IT Band Syndrome
- Asymmetrical Gait
- Misdiagnosed Chronic Pain
- Headaches & Migraines
- TMJ Disorder & Jaw Clicking
- Runner’s Knee & Shin Splints
- Golfer’s Elbow/Tennis Elbow
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis Management
- Functional Scoliosis
- Torticolis
- Soft tissue Tear Rehabilitation
- Regional Compartment Syndrome
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
- Shortness of Breath
- Forward Head Posture
- Hyperkyphosis
- Hyperlordosis
- Rotator Cuff Issues and Rehab
- Vagus or Phrenic Nerve Issues
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Functional Leg-Length Discrepancies
How Should I begin?
These appointments are offered at 60, 75, and 90 minute options. Sudden-onset pain like muscle cramps or a kink in the neck can melt easy in 60 minutes. On the other hand, longer appointments are recommended for more involved or advanced issues.
This also applies to those with more than one area of concern, where more of the posture is involved. In these cases, The 3-Series or The 5-Series could be more appropriate.
Results can be felt immediately, if not within days to weeks. Everybody’s different!
How Should I Continue?
It all depends! Generally speaking, we can get the most accomplished when following up between 1 to 3 weeks, but 4-6 weeks is also common. Eventually, we can agree on a more structured treatment plan or maintenance routine moving forward.
Structural Integration is a sequence of myofascial release sessions and movement education, designed to evoke easy alignment in gravity. Each session addresses a different muscular track in an intelligent, systematic and uniquely-customized manner.
The 5-Series is an abbreviated Therapeutic Bodywork plan informed by the Structural Integration 12-Series. This option is ideal for the competitive athlete without or without an off-season.
A Therapeutic Bodywork appointment is great as an introduction to this style, for routine maintenance or for that pestering crick in your neck. In these “spot work” sessions, we choose a few areas of focus and address them as our time allows.
For those seeking a sample of what sequenced bodywork can do or just as an echoed followup to a full series, the 3-Series colors in one region per session: The Lower Body in Session 1, The Upper Body in Session 2 and The Spine in Session 3.
