Assessment refers to orthopedic clinical assessment, or the use of test to isolate a particular issue that you’re experiencing in your body. These tests may including movement, palpation, or both. They are designed to produce the symptom of complaint so that we may identify the structure(s) in the body that are causing it. Assessment is an important tool for identiying specific causes of pain or discomfort and effectively treating them.

Fascia is a thin sheet of collagen-based connective tissue. It envelopes and connects your bones, organs, and every muscle in your body (myofascia). Fascia is found in layers of the skin, between muscles, and connects muscle groups. It aids muscles that perform similar movements by helping them translate force and work together. Tight or unhealthy fascia restricts mobility, can cause pain, and hinders gains in athletic performance and strength.

Myofascial release is a massage technique that does not use lotion or oil and is generally focused on a specific part or portion of the body during one session. It is a highly effective way to gently address pain and increase range of motion.

Lymph is the fluid of the lymphatic system of the body. The lymphatic system is essentially a filtration system, comprised mostly of lymph nodes and vessels, and is an important part of the body’s immune response. An accumulation of lymph and cells related to the lymphatic system is a primary cause of swelling, puffiness, and enlarged lymph nodes. Serious swelling may be due to infection, injury, circulatory dysfunction, etcetera. Lymph also plays a role in pain and dysfunction of the muscles and joints. It is deeply related to fascia.

Lymphatic drainage is a light-touch bodywork modality, or method, that accesses the lymph to aid in its movement through the body. As a technique, it goes hand-in-hand with myofascial release. It is effective at reducing localized swelling, reducing the heal time of bruising, can have the effect of reducing pain and dizziness, and aid in increasing range of motion. Every session at The Whole Bodyworks employs this technique.

Every muscle is made up of many muscle fibers that contract and work together to shorten the muscle and move your body. The larger the muscle, the more fibers there are to contract, and the stronger the muscle is. A trigger point is a band of muscle fibers that have contracted within an otherwise relaxed muscle. The muscle is often tight, but the trigger point produces a band within the muscle that feels much tighter. Trigger points can cause pain or not, and are often called “knots.” Pressing on one of these knots may create a referred pain elsewhere. Many headaches can be attributed to trigger points in the muscles of the head, face, and shoulder area.