Do you like to FEEL the bodywork??

For those who like the heavy pressure of a deep tissue bodywork, Complete Health Fitness also offers Deep Tissue Bowen Therapy. 

Benefits of this technique include improved balance, posture, and range of motion; increased energy; stress reduction; and alleviation of pain and discomfort.

Deep-tissue Bowen utilizes slow movements, direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep-tissue Bowen works deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains; its purpose is to reach the fascia beneath the surface muscles.

Practitioners must have a thorough understanding of the human body and have been trained to administer deep-tissue Bowen, as injury can occur if the technique is not performed properly. This technique is useful in treating chronic pain, inflammation and injury.

Deep Tissue Bowen is a fully hands on and integrative bodywork which deliberately manipulates the muscle tissue, to energize and improve blood flow, thus oxygenating the tissue. Whereas general Bowen Therapy uses a cross fiber friction type move, Deep Tissue Bowen (or Myotherapy as it is often known) defuses the "trigger points," by the application of pressure to the muscle for several seconds by means of fingers, knuckles and elbows, and by firm deep movements into the muscle tissue.

What is Myotherapy?

Myotherapy is a non-invasive therapeutic technique used to relieve muscular pain.  It works by eliminating trigger points.  Myotherapy is a 'trigger point' therapy. It involves pressing on small, constricted, sore points that trigger pain in areas away from the points. For example, a tense, painful knot of muscles in the neck might cause pain in the head. In this case, myotherapy would involve pressing on the knotted neck muscles to decrease pain in the head.

Myotherapy was developed by prominent physical therapist Bonnie Prudden in 1976. It is very similar to acupressure. The main difference between acupressure and myotherapy is that myotherapy is based upon manipulation of muscle and acupressure is based upon nerves and energy meridians.

What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is an irritable spot in the muscle.  They get into a  muscle when the muscle is injured, or "insulted".  Injury from accidents will put down trigger points.  Repetitive motion such as from sports and occupations can "insult" the muscle and also put in trigger points.  Disease processes and even birth can put in trigger points.  And, once they are in the muscle they are likely to stay there.

How are Trigger Points Defused?

To defuse "trigger points," pressure is applied to the muscle for several seconds by means of fingers, knuckles and elbows. The success of this method depends on the use of specific corrective exercise for the freed muscles.

How are Trigger Points created?

It is believed that Trigger Points are created by injuries, muscle strain and emotional stress. Sometimes trigger points can lie dormant and don't cause pain until they are activated by physical or emotional stress.

Will the Trigger Points go away?

Yes. Through many sessions of myotherapy, trigger points can be eliminated. It is important to take preventative measures like muscle stretching and decreasing stress to keep trigger points from returning.

What happens to muscles affected by trigger points?

Trigger points in a muscle can create all kinds of problems.  They can be quiet for long periods of time looking for an excuse to go into spasm.  That excuse, is physical and/or emotional stress, and is often accompanied by a precipitating factor (such as a sneeze, or hiccup).
  
There are a variety of ways to relieve the pain of muscle spasm.  Whether it be massage, or pain-killers (which hides the pain), the muscle eventually lets go and the person thinks the problem is gone.  The trigger points are still there however, and they wait for another excuse to go into spasm again.
   
Long term results of trigger point involvement are shortened knotted muscles, which in time pull on neighboring muscles and cause large areas of involvement.  Shortened knotted muscles can reek havoc with the body, not only in the form of pain, but also, fatigue, limited range of motion, pinched nerves, decreased circulation, just to name a few.

How does Myotherapy help?

Myotherapy works by eliminating trigger points.  Trigger points are located by applying gentle pressure to the muscle and finding spots of extreme tenderness.  Pressure is then held on the muscle for 5-7 seconds. The amount of pressure used is determined by the person on the table.  Applying pressure to the trigger points can be exquisite!  Every person is different, every area on the person can feel different, and every trigger point can have varying levels of severity.  Therefore, the amount of pressure used will vary from person to person, area to area and often trigger point by trigger point. 

What do I wear?

Loose comfortable clothing. In order to be effective in the technique, therapists must be able to feel the muscles and be able to work through the clothing. Therefore heavy thick clothing such as jeans, khakis, etc. is not advised, nor are nylons. Appropriate clothing such as gym shorts, t-shirts, leggings, etc. are preferable.

Call for an appointment (916) 704-7873

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Neither the content on this web site nor transmissions between you and Complete Health Fitness are intended to provide and/or substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment.