MICHAEL PELLEGRINO
Integrative Therapies
Therapies
Rolfing®, Structural Integration Principles of Intervention - Rolfing training begins with the Ten Series developed by Dr. Rolf. Over the years, the faculty at the Rolf Institute has articulated the core principles on which the original series was based, including variations of Dr. Rolf's original protocol. By understanding these principles Rolfers can work effectively inside or outside of the Ten Series and incorporate intervention strategies that reflect the unique needs of each client.
Gentle Techniques - As Rolfers work with the deep myofascial structures, some people may experience the work as uncomfortable; however, Rolfers have continued to develop a broad range of techniques that produce profound results with less discomfort.
Joint Mobilization Techniques - There are a wide range of soft tissue techniques tthat can be applied that release the motion restrictions which impede whole body organization. These techniques increase Rolfers’ effectiveness in working with many common structural problems
CranioSacral Therapy
The CranioSacral System plays a vital role of maintaining the environment in which the central nervous
system functions. It consists of the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord as well as the attached bones – including the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, and the tailbone area, or sacrum. Since the brain and spinal cord are contained within the central nervous system, it is easy to see that the craniosacral system has powerful influence over a wide variety of bodily functions.
By working with the CranioSacral System the therapist essentially helps the body release restrictions, which it has been unable to overcome on its own, which inhibit the body’s normal, self-correcting tendencies. Rather than deciding how these changes should be made, the therapist follows cues from the body on how to proceed. When the therapist follows this gentle approach, the method is extremely safe and effective. The few contraindications to CST are aneurysm, intracranial hemorrhage, and other conditions where altering intracranial fluid is not recommended.
The CranioSacral System plays a vital role of maintaining the environment in which the central nervous
system functions. It consists of the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord as well as the attached bones – including the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, and the tailbone area, or sacrum. Since the brain and spinal cord are contained within the central nervous system, it is easy to see that the craniosacral system has powerful influence over a wide variety of bodily functions. By working with the CranioSacral System the therapist essentially helps the body release restrictions, which it has been unable to overcome on its own, which inhibit the body’s normal, self-correcting tendencies. Rather than deciding how these changes should be made, the therapist follows cues from the body on how to proceed. When the therapist follows this gentle approach, the method is extremely safe and effective. The few contraindications to CST are aneurysm, intracranial hemorrhage, and other conditions where altering intracranial fluid is not recommended.
Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (SASTM)
SASTM offers another level of body work, that when done in conjunction with Rolfing treatments, facilitates a deeper level of healing. Special instruments are used to effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions through sound waves like a stethoscope and allows the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure, due to square surface concept.
The introduction of controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Microtrauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.
SASTM offers another level of body work, that when done in conjunction with Rolfing treatments, facilitates a deeper level of healing. Special instruments are used to effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions through sound waves like a stethoscope and allows the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure, due to square surface concept. The introduction of controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Microtrauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.