Manual Therapies
body-based therapies to address pain, injury, surgical rehabilitation, trauma recovery, mind-body integration, health & vitality
Integrative Manual Therapies
Integrative manual therapy is an extensive blend of hands-on therapeutic techniques designed to restore function, ease pain, and remove barriers to motion and healing. Through careful assessment, contributing structures are evaluated and addressed within the larger context of the whole system.
Many times the source of dysfunction is not where symptoms appear, so areas that seem unrelated may be key to resolving acute and chronic issues.
By improving the integrity and mobility of structures such as ligaments, discs, and nerves, as well as improving fluid flow, this work supports fuller recovery and overall health. This individualized care, honors each person’s unique needs while avoiding painful or overly aggressive methods.
*The osteopathic-based methods listed here, as learned by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still and other manual osteopaths and bodyworkers who followed him, are rooted in traditional Shawnee Tribe medicine.
Cranial Sacral Therapies
Further developed by Dr. William Sutherland and Dr. John Upledger, craniosacral therapy gently works with the central nervous system and its surrounding membranes, fluid, and bony structures. This subtle yet effective treatment helps release restrictions in the head, neck, and spine while also supporting regulation of the nervous system. By improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid—which protects, nourishes, and clears waste from the brain and spinal cord—craniosacral therapy can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.
It is often helpful not only for easing physical discomfort but also for supporting recovery from trauma and, when appropriate, facilitating somatoemotional release.
For those seeking somatoemotional release, craniosacral therapy can provide a way to access and process emotions held in the body, creating a safe space to acknowledge and let go of unresolved experiences. This approach integrates physical and emotional healing, offering a pathway toward greater resilience and well-being.
Visceral Manual Therapies
Visceral therapy is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy that works with the body's internal organs—including the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems—to release tension, improve mobility, and restore natural function.
Developed by French osteopath Jean-Pierre Barral, based on osteopathic and Shawnee Tribe tradition, this approach recognizes that the organs, fascia, and surrounding structures can become restricted due to stress, surgery, illness, or injury, leading to pain and dysfunction throughout the body.
During a session, subtle precise movements encourage organs to move freely and efficiently within the body's cavities. By addressing deep restrictions, visceral therapy can support a wide range of concerns, from chronic pain and digestive issues to postural imbalances and emotional holding patterns.
Visceral therapies honor the deep connection between your body's structure, function, and health.
Scar Tissue Therapies
Scar tissue therapy is the gentle treatment of the naturally occurring adhesions and fibrous tissues that arise during wound healing. Scars, new and old, play a significant role in pain patterns and restrictions, however they can be effectively treated. Just as a snag in fabric distorts a garment, scar tissue can disrupt fascial integrity. Given the critical role of fascia in supporting, binding, and connecting tissues and organs throughout the body, freeing scar tissue benefits structures both near and far to the injury site, ultimately leading to pain resolution and improved mobility.
Positional Release Therapies
Positional release therapies are gentle, hands-on methods that help reduce pain and restore function by easing tension in muscles, joints, and connective tissue. These approaches include techniques such as:
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Strain counter-strain – positioning the body in a way that reduces discomfort and allows the nervous system to help muscles relax.
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Muscle energy technique (MET) – using gentle, controlled muscle contractions to improve mobility and relieve pain.
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Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) – a type of guided stretching that combines movement and gentle resistance to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
Together, these methods can help release postural strain, ease chronic pain, and support recovery from repetitive-stress injuries.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapies
The lymphatic system is a critical component of the body’s immune and waste removal processes. Unlike the cardiovascular system, which uses the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system relies on muscle movement and external factors to circulate lymph—a fluid essential for transporting toxins and cellular waste out of the body.
When lymphatic flow becomes compromised due to injury, surgery, or chronic postural patterns, it can result in fluid buildup, inflammation, and impaired healing. Lymphatic drainage therapy uses precise, gentle techniques to stimulate lymph flow, reduce swelling, and enhance the body’s natural detoxification and immune response. This therapy is an effective support for post-surgical recovery, chronic conditions, and overall health optimization.