Appointments: 319-350-9616
physical therapy and Myofascial release in Mills River, NC
Get started on healing and recovering!
FAQs
What should I wear for an appointment?
Loose fitting, comfortable clothes are fine.
Do you accept insurance?
I am in the process of becoming a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC provider.
How does John Barnes approach to myofascial release feel and what should I expect?
This technique is not like what I learned in physical therapy school, which was a very firm pressure applied to a trigger point, or a firm transverse pressure across a tendon. It is best to experience the touch from a skilled practitioner, as it is difficult to describe. The pressure is gentle initially, and then may become deeper as the body softens layer by layer. Sometimes the patient experiences a warmth where the therapists hands are, or a warmth in another location. This is a good sign and signifies that the tissue is releasing its tightness. Sometimes a gentle compression and/or stretch are combined with the technique to further elongate the tissue. Other techniques are used to decrease the "guarding patterns” that occur after injury. The main difference between this technique and others is that the pressure is never forced, thus the body does not view it as a threat and guards (tightens) against it. Instead, the body softens and relaxes.
In order to enhance the body’s ability to heal, I encourage my patients to relax, clear their minds of thoughts, and turn an inward focus to their body. Where does it feel tight or painful? Visualize sending increased blood flow to that area. This activates the deeper parts of the brain that are involved in the body’s ability to heal itself. Research has shown that the outer part of the brain (neocortex) which is involved in reasoning and asks “why” is not involved in the healing process.
Sometimes the body does need specific mobilization techniques, soft tissue mobilization, and isolated muscle contraction/relaxation. I utilize these techniques as well. Modalities such as ultrasound and electric stimulation and ASTYM (like Graston with plastic tools) may also enhance healing by improving circulation, and I use them with acute injuries or tendonitis. Craniosacral therapy techniques may also be utilized. These techniques address balancing the craniosacral rhythm which is a rhythmic flow of the cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the sacrum. The pressure is very gentle, and the technique is very relaxing. Barral visceral manipulation is very specific, yet gentle to correct abnormal lines of tension and adhesions around the organs and other areas.Our bodies do have self-correcting and self-healing capacities. They crave balance to function optimally. Tightness in the fascia creates imbalances and leads to injury and pain. All of these techniques help decrease the tightness of the fascia and restores balance and enhances healing.
All physical therapy patients are also instructed in a customized exercise program to address muscle imbalances, improve core strength, and extremity strength, and flexibility. It is very important to continue these exercises in order to obtain long-term improvement and prevent the tissues from re-tightening.
Do you offer a package price discount?
We offer a buy 3 one hour therapeutic bodywork sessions for $220. Package must be paid as one -time payment. You save $20. Package must be used within 2 months of booking.
Buy 3 ninety- minute sessions for $340. Package must be paid as one- time payment. You save $20. Package must be used within 2 months of booking.
testimonials
At Healing Physical Therapy and Wellness, we are grateful for our wonderful patients. Read some of our unsolicited testimonials!
Sue is a wonderful physical therapist. She has brought me more relief from my chronic back and neck pain than any other physical therapist I’ve worked with. She’s very knowledgeable, and has done some techniques that other therapists haven’t done before. I highly recommend her.
– Linda S.
Sue did a great job working with me after my shoulder surgery. She was gentle, but knew what she was doing. The shoulder massage and exercises helped me regain full range of motion and my strength is coming along well. I highly recommended her to my physician and friends.
– Craig S.
I don’t know how Sue did it, but my back pain was significantly better after one session. I had hurt my back at work, and Sue worked with me and showed me how to move properly so I wouldn’t re-injure it.
– Amanda H.
Thanks so much, Sue! I really enjoyed working with you after my total knee operation. Sue came out to my house when it was snowy and icy. I was very pleased with my progress, and Sue was very gentle. I was able to “graduate” from physical therapy in a short time with excellent motion in my knee.
– Helen C.
Thanks, Sue! You got me back out on the softball field sooner than I thought would be possible after my ankle injury. The Bosu was fun! I have much better balance now. My parents recommended you to other players.
– Casey M.
You are a miracle worker, Sue! Thanks so much! I’ve had hip pain off/on for two years. For the first time, I was able to sit in the car for several hours and get out and walk without pain! I was beginning to give up hope. Enjoy your plant!
– Trisha K.
You can be the next pleased patient!
Contact Us
The personalized care you deserve
Please contact us directly with any questions, comments, or scheduling inquiries you may have.
Text or call 319-350-9616
Hours
Tuesday ; 8am - 6pm
Saturday: Open 8 am -12pm by appointment ONLY
Monday: by appointment ONLY
