Methods

Rolfing®/Structural Integration

Structural Integration was founded by Dr. Ida P. Rolf. It is a form of bodywork that reorganises the connective tissue, the fascia that runs through the entire body.

More than 60 years ago, Dr. Rolf recognised that the body is by nature a system of seamless tissue networks rather than a collection of separate parts. These connective tissues surround, support and permeate all muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Structural Integration works on this web-like complex of connective tissue to relax, realign and rebalance the whole body, potentially resolving discomfort, reducing compensations and relieving pain. Structural Integration aims to restore mobility, revitalise your energy and help you feel more at ease in your body.

The body feels better and functions most effectively when its structure is in balance with gravity.

Structural Integration can dramatically change a person's posture and structure. It can resolve discomfort, release tension and relieve pain. The genius of the work lies in Dr. Rolf's insight that the body feels better and functions most effectively when its structure is in balance with gravity.

Athletes, dancers, children, business people and people from all walks of life have benefited from Structural Integration. Research has shown that Structural Integration leads to more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined movement patterns. Research and various studies show that chronic stress is reduced, that spinal curvatures with lordosis can be significantly reduced, and that neurological function improves.

A series of sessions

Structural Integration is a process of at least ten sessions, each building on the one before. Where needed, the series can be extended with additional sessions of visceral manipulation or movement education.

I am a Rolfing®/Structural Integration practitioner recognised by the EMR (Erfahrungsmedizinisches Register).

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy is a specialised form of manual therapy that uses digital pressure and friction to release areas of tension in a muscle. These areas of strain are called tender points or trigger points, and they are usually the cause of persistent muscle pain.

Trigger points are small areas of the muscle in which the tissue is contracted. The lack of blood and nutrients in that area prevents the muscle from relaxing. The area is hypersensitive and can cause pain, fatigue and weakness in the muscle. Trigger points can also lead to referred pain, a phenomenon in which areas far from the trigger point feel pain, tingling or numbness.

In neuromuscular therapy, concentrated pressure is applied to the trigger point in alternation, usually with the fingers, knuckles or elbow.

Visceral Manipulation

Jean-Pierre Barral's clinical work with the viscera led to the development of a form of manual therapy that focuses on the internal organs, their environment and their potential influence on many structural and physiological dysfunctions. The term he coined for this therapy is Visceral Manipulation.

The aim of Visceral Manipulation is to restore, harmonise and strengthen proprioceptive communication within the body, improving its internal mechanisms for better health. In this way it revitalises the person and relieves symptoms of pain, dysfunction and poor posture. Visceral Manipulation treats a person's functional and structural imbalances, with the aim of influencing musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunctions.

“Only the tissues know.” Jean-Pierre Barral

Barral's famous dictum expresses that the tissues of the body possess a deep, innate intelligence. Everything that has happened in our lives, injuries, illnesses, stress and more, is stored in our tissues. At the heart of Visceral Manipulation is “listening” to the tissue with our hands. Through manual listening techniques, the trained hands of an experienced therapist sense where the tissue is pulling: towards the areas where the body does not move, and the areas that, from the perspective of manual therapy, have the greatest influence on the person's wellbeing.

Movement Education

A combined approach drawing on several modalities: Gyrotonic®, Pilates, Gyrokinesis®, yoga, curative eurythmy, breathing and meditation. Each modality looks at movement from a different angle: spiralling, flowing motion; core stability and the alignment of the spine; breath, stillness and relaxation; and movement as an expression of the whole human being. I draw on all of them and choose the exercises to suit your body and your individual treatment plan, alongside the hands-on treatments.

Trained in music and dance myself, I have a particular affinity for musicians, dancers and everyone whose work is movement and sound.

Gyrotonic®

The Gyrotonic method was developed by Juliu Horvath. It is practised on specially designed equipment that guides the body through circular, spiralling and undulating movements, coordinated with the breath.

The movements articulate the spine in every direction and work the joints through their full range, building strength and flexibility at the same time.

Stott Pilates

Stott Pilates is a modern approach to the original exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates. Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, together with a team of physiotherapists, sports medicine specialists and fitness experts, spent more than two decades refining the Stott Pilates method and equipment. This brought in modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and most effective methods.

The exercises aim to restore the natural curves of the spine and to balance the muscles around the joints, with an emphasis on stabilising the shoulder blades. There are also more preparatory exercises and modifications, suited to many different body types and abilities, so that the exercises carry over into everyday life.

Some of the benefits of Stott Pilates are longer, leaner muscles, improved posture, a stronger core, and better functional fitness through a balance of strength and flexibility.

Gyrokinesis®

Gyrokinesis is the sister method of Gyrotonic, also developed by Juliu Horvath. It follows the same principles of circular, spiralling movement and breath, but is practised without equipment, seated on a stool and on a mat.

Rhythmic, flowing sequences mobilise the spine and the joints and can be continued at home.

Ghosh Yoga

Ghosh Yoga is a set of values and traditions handed down by Bishnu Charan Ghosh, the brother of Paramhansa Yogananda. It shares much of its history and values with other systems of yoga, since most yogas trace their roots back to early texts and philosophies.

In general, the aims of Ghosh Yoga begin with the health of the body and the stillness of the mind. It is characterised by stillness during and immediately after the postures. This system of tension and relaxation emphasises relaxation between the phases of effort.

The postures bring grace and control to the body, and stillness to the mind.

Ghosh Yoga uses simple therapeutic exercises to mobilise and strengthen every part of the body, from the eyes down to the toes, including the internal organs and systems. In this respect it resembles physiotherapy. The postures (asanas) bring grace and control to the body and stillness to the mind. With breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation, stress and anxiety are reduced and the path towards spirituality begins.

Curative eurythmy

Curative eurythmy is a movement therapy from anthroposophic medicine, developed in the early 1920s by Rudolf Steiner together with the physician Ita Wegman.

It works with specific movements of the arms, legs and whole body that relate to the sounds of speech. Practised regularly, these exercises are meant to support the body's own healing forces.

Breathing and meditation

Breathing exercises and meditation complete the method. They help to release stress, deepen awareness of the body and bring stillness to the mind.