What are our Treatment Options?
At Healix Wellness we specialise in various treatment options of many kinds. From Dry Needling to Trigger Point Therapy, we will tailor each and every treatment based on your health needs to find the correct way of healing for you.
Frozen Shoulder & Niel-Asher Technique™
Frozen shoulder, also known as ‘adhesive capsulitis’ is described as “a soft tissue capsular lesion accompanied by painful and restricted active and passive motion at the glenohumeral joint” (Grubbs, 1993).
What does this mean? It means that the shoulder joint ligaments (capsule) become inflamed, and result in decreased movement (stiffness) at the shoulder. Frozen shoulder passes through three phases of freezing, frozen, and thawing (painful, stiff and resolving), with each phase lasting between three to twelve months.
Who gets it? Frozen shoulder affects 2-5% of the general population, and is much higher in diabetics (10-20%), suggesting an underlying metabolic influence. It affects women more than men (60:40), usually between 40-60 years of age, and more commonly affects the non-dominant arm. Other ‘risk factors’ are:
● Posture - round-shouldered or shoulder-intensive sports or occupation
● Diabetes - Types I and II ● Trauma - fracture of the collar bone or humerus (arm bone)
● Surgery - especially following shoulder surgery, or mastectomy etc.
Treatment using the Niel-Asher Technique™ The Niel-Asher Technique™ is a 'natural' method of treatment that utilizes the body's own healing mechanisms. No drugs, no surgery. The technique uses a specific and unique sequence of manipulations and pressure points to the shoulder joints and soft-tissues. In essence, these can be thought of as 'inputs' into the nervous system.
NAT works with the body, listening to the body's wisdom - not by forcing the arm into the restricted ranges but by applying gentle stimulation to muscles whilst they are resting.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is the insertion of a fine filament needle (Acupuncture needle) into hypertonic nodules within the muscle belly (trigger points) with the aim of restoring their proper functions. When correctly applied, the result is known as a local twitch response, in which the muscle contracts sharply leading to a decrease in tension within the entire muscle belly. This technique is very safe and I ensure there are no contraindications prior to utilizing this technique.
Dry needling is not for everybody or every condition, so please do not hesitate to let us know if you are unsure about this technique for you.
Remedial Massage
Our remedial massage treatment is designed for people wanting more specific results. Our habitual postures and repetitive movements inflict undue stress on the body, causing pain and limiting our range of motion. An assessment is carried out prior to the massage on the focus areas and your therapist will advise on a treatment plan. The aim of a remedial massage treatment is to reduce physical pain and discomfort,increase range of motion and prevent injury.
This massage is ideal for clients recovering from sports injuries, injury prevention, those suffering from deep-seated tension, and clients who are after specific results.
Trigger Point Therapy
A trigger point (TrP) can be defined as a hyperirritable point within a taut band of muscle, (a tender “knot” in the muscle tissue)
Treatment may consist of manual soft tissue therapies including direct digital pressure (held over the TrP for a period of time), dry needling, Myofascial stretching, friction massage or a combination. Please keep in mind if you are at all uncomfortable with any type of therapy, let me know before treatment commences and I will be happy to modify or omit any therapy you may be concerned about. Remember long term incorrect holding or movement patterns won’t go away overnight.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient form of treatment using suction to help stimulate blood circulation, activate the lymphatic system, decrease adhesions throughout the fascia and skin and is good for deep tissue repair. I use both an active form (gliding) and static form of cupping depending on the condition. The majority of the time, this technique will leave a bruising mark on the body which can take a number of days to decrease. This is common and something I aim for to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. I will always ensure you are comfortable with this before proceeding with this technique.
Sports Massage
A more focused style of massage that aims to help my clients to get back into doing what they love doing best.
Sports massage is a great addition to anyone’s health regime as it can help promote quicker recovery in between workout sessions and it is also essential to anyone who is training for an event or who is actively participating in any type of training.
Your session may also include suggested stretches, exercises and also assisted stretching to get the best out of your body.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release (MFR) therapy focuses on releasing muscular shortness and tightness.
There are a number of conditions and symptoms that myofascial release therapy addresses. Many patients seek myofascial treatment after losing flexibility or function following an injury or if experiencing ongoing back, shoulder, hip, or virtually pain in any area containing soft tissue.
Other conditions treated by myofascial release therapy include Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, or possibly fibromyalgia or migraine headaches. The goal of myofascial therapy is to stretch and loosen the fascia so that it and other contiguous structures can move more freely, and the patient's motion is restored.
