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Therapeutic bodywork is any system of soft tissue therapy that changes the bodily
structures to a more harmonious relationship, leading to optimal function. Bodywork
is different from massage, in that it changes the structure of the body by working
at specific points of imbalance, as opposed to working in a nonspecific way that
is generally relaxing, but leaves the underlying imbalance unchanged. A bodywork
session is similar to having a fine tailor adjust clothing to fit the individual’s
body perfectly. The bodyworker adjusts the soft tissues to fit the skeletal system
and frees the nervous system from any soft tissue entrapment in that process.
Most people have some level of imbalance. These imbalances can come from: injury,
birth trauma, repetitive work or sports movements, poor postural habits, improper
ergonomics at work, being sedentary and many other stressors.
Even healthy athletic people often have imbalances that restrict their full potential
because many of their activities, like running and cycling, are repetitive or one-sided
movements. So, most people can use bodywork.
SomaBodywork is a hybrid system of therapy created by James Burkhardt. It is great
for people that are looking to increase their physical potential, like actors, dancers,
athletes and yogis. Neuromuscular Therapy is used more for chronic or acute injuries.
SomaBodywork and Neuromuscular Therapy release strains in the soft tissues that
can cause compression in the skeletal joints and nervous system. This compression
is a major source of the pain and restricted movement many people experience. Many
of the symptoms elderly people experience are caused by soft tissue restriction
that leads to compression. By decompressing the joints and freeing restricted nerves,
all the systems begin to function properly. This leads to pain free full movement
through life.
Organizing the soft tissues can also relieve mental and emotional stress, since
the physical, mental and emotional aspects are all connected. If one is in physical
pain, the mind and emotions will be negatively affected also. When that pain is
released, all systems will be affected positively. Positive input to any one aspect,
affects the other aspects positively. So when strain is taken out of the physical
body, the mind and emotions will benefit as well. The physical body is often the
easiest to work with since the body (physiology) has intelligence, but no ego or
resistance. The body is very receptive to positive input and responds quickly. It
is also much easier to make mental and emotional changes when body is pain free
and in balance.
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