My services sit at the intersection of CranioSacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, and movement. Once movement is restored in certain areas I incorporate movement to keep the body in a more balanced state. Not every session will incorporate hands on treatment if I feel the body is needing to reprogram more balanced movement patterns. With most patients I utilize a combination of techniques in order to address dysfunction in the body to the extent that it requires. Evaluation and treatments are 1 hour from start to finish including check in, treatment, and payment. With my wholistic and integrated approach, I have successfully treated the following symptoms of which patients reported a significant improvement: headaches, migraines, acute and chronic lower back pain, neck pain, whiplash, bulging disc pain, sciatica, rotator cuff pathologies, gait abnormalities/ deviations, scoliosis, bony misalignments, adhesions and decreased range of motion from scar tissue, and bowel and bladder problems. After receiving treatment, my patients tend to report a deep sense of relaxation, decreased anxiety, improved alignment, increased energy and clarity, and improved mood.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
During a CranioSacral Therapy (CST) session the client lays fully clothed on a massage table while light touch is used, typically at the area of concern in addition to other contributing restrictions which my patient may or may not be aware of. Patients usually experience a deep relaxation during and after the session, and they will often have improved sleep and energy levels after being treated.
CST works in bringing balance to the nervous system by addressing restrictions around the brain and spinal cord. CST does not include spinal adjustments, but rather allows alignment to be restored gently and more naturally through releasing soft tissue. By reducing restrictions and therefore strain on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) the entire body can experience positive effects. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a fluid that nourishes the brain and spinal cord. It also acts as a shock absorber for the brain. A balance in flow of CSF offers many benefits, both physically and mentally.
The treatment produces a range of results - decreased soft tissue tension, bony alignment improves, and many systems can self-reglulate: correcting both under-activation and over-stimulation in the nervous system. This may include and is not limited to the digestive system, endocrine system, and circulatory system. The limbic system (part of our nervous system that deals with emotions and memory) also can be brought back into balance.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial Release (MFR) is also a hands on technique that addresses restrictions specifically in the fascia or connective tissue and may not be as specific to the nervous system as CST. Fascia is 3D and surrounds and encompasses every structure in the body including muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, organs and essentially, every cell. A restriction in one area inadvertently affects other areas of the body which may or may not be the source of pain or dysfunction.
Both CST and MFR require constant pressure/long holds in one area for anywhere from 2 minutes to 35 minutes or more. The fascia loosens like taffy over a period of time and does not return to its unstretched state after a certain number of treatment(s) which is different for every individual.
Other modalities/techniques I may use are kinesiotaping to support over-stretched joints, reduce edema, or support corrected posture. Joint mobilizations, traction, and trigger point release which can be part of MFR are also used when needed.
I am grateful to my mentors as well as my patients for endless opportunities to learn and advance my skills.
Case studies, easy to understand explanations about these forms of therapy, products to use between sessions, and much more, can be found here.
My patients primarily consist of active people who are struggling with knee pain, back pain, migraines, or post-concussion symptoms. I can also treat people who have been in car accidents who sustain whiplash injuries. I do not need a referral as I do not take insurance, but I will require a note from a physician clearing a person for physical therapy in the case of car accidents or head trauma.
New office space in Brevard coming hopefully in December.
By appointment only. 828-606-2264 (If you leave a voicemail and don't hear from me within 2 business days, please text me as voicemails do not always go through here in the mountains. Sorry for any inconvenience).
TESTIMONIALS
"Erin is the rare therapist that combines the skills of the mind with the compassion of the heart. Her touch is informed, educated and finely tuned. Listening carefully to the messages of the body’s tissues, she treats accordingly with sensitivity and deep knowing. A highly skilled therapist, she continually seeks to hone her craft: the sign of an awesome practitioner."
C. R.
"I was referred to Erin after a car accident which had resulted in a bad concussion. I had headaches, dizziness, insomnia and depression as a result. I saw Erin for 8 sessions and the treatments were relaxing and wonderful and the results were amazing. I felt 100% restored as a result of my treatments. I had had persistent wrist pain for almost a year prior due to de quairvains tendinitis and as an added bonus that has completely resolved after some focused sessions as well. Erin is a talented therapist and I highly recommend her to anyone having pain, headaches, or sleep issues."
S. P.
"I came to Erin hoping to find relief for a neck injury I sustained from my exercise routine. An hour and a half session left me floating on clouds, but more importantly, the irritating neck pain I had been experiencing for the past month had melted away. Also, Erin has amazing hands! She's gentle, but also has this strength that makes you feel you're in good hands. I highly recommend her services. "
J. S.