About Diagnostic Therapy
Conducting a whole body assessment allows the uncovering of the restrictive fascial elements within the body which may be contributing to the pain and discomfort a client is experiencing. Fascia is a soft tissue element of connective tissue that runs through the entire body as a connective network, above and between the muscles. In short, we are connected from head to toe, and where we experience pain in the body, it is more often than not, a symptom rather than a cause. With diagnostic therapy, we aim to locate the cause and eradicate it.
Therapeutic Consultations
Only by assessing the body as a whole can you establish the causative nature of a restriction, and the subsequent symptom it creates elsewhere in the body.
​
Restrictions can develop when the body experiences a trauma. A trauma could be a car accident, over-use under fatigue, or even the most innocuous of incidents like stepping off a curb unsuspectingly. This can lead to fibrous tissue (scar tissue), thickening of interstitial fluid (between fascial layers) or trigger points, each with their own way of restricting the natural flow of the joints around them.
Tracking back to these incidents and achieving a diagnosis of the underlying issue can be established by assessing the abnormalities in the body’s soft tissue. Pain is just a symptom in most cases, so looking for and finding the problem is a huge part of Diagnostic Therapy.
Visceral Mobilisation & Soft Tissue Therapy
Visceral mobilisation is a hands-on manual treatment method used to release tension and restriction in the fascial connections and ligaments surrounding the internal organs, with the aim to restore mobility in the system as a whole.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a term used to cover a number of techniques. Sports massage primarily focuses on the rehabilitating of muscles, joints and other connective tissues.
It is particularly beneficial for athletes and those on an exercise program. It aims to enhance performance, tissue repair and endurance. It helps to reduce injury and to speed up recovery. Various massage techniques can be used as well as joint mobilisation and stretching.
Acupuncture
The Western form of acupuncture, also known as Dry Needling or Medical Acupuncture, is usually practised by established professionals such as physiotherapists, soft tissue therapists and osteopaths.
Medical acupuncture involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles using fine needles. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins.
​
This form of therapy is particularly effective for musculoskeletal conditions eg. tendinitis, inflammatory conditions, muscle pain, spasm and the release of trigger points. In many cases Dry Needling is used instead of steroid injections to help address focal lesions.
​
At Diagnostic Therapy, acupuncture is intertwined with other therapy modalities to assist in achieving balance in the tissue. However, it is also possible to have specific acupuncture sessions for relaxation and other health benefits.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage aims to help rehabilitate deep and superficial muscles as well as other associated connectives tissues like fascia, ligaments and tendons. It relieves muscle tension and helps to prevent spasms.
It is beneficial for those who experience stiffness, inflexibility and pain. It helps to improve tissue elasticity and blood perfusion, drainage and thus accelerate tissue repair. The style is adapted to individual needs.
​
Osteopathic Articulation
Articulation is the cornerstone of most manual therapies, including osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports therapy and massage therapy.
Articulation uses a low amplitude (short distance) and low to moderate velocity (speed) of movement within the patients pain free range of motion whilst in dysfunction. This aids the bodies natural lubricating system (synovial fluid) to embalm the joint creating increased range of motion, decreased pain or both.