When you have had whiplash, concussion, trauma or head injury, the brain and nervous system may adapt in ways that make it hard to resume normal life. You may find problems with walking, thinking, speaking, memory and learning. You may have lost awareness of a part of your body. You may have exaggerated fear or anger reactions without the pre-injury emotional balance you and your family were accustomed to.… Read the rest
Rosi, the research geek, is a research oriented 
massage therapist. I combine Ortho-Bionomy®, mind-body integration, and Functional Neurology Massage.
I submitted case reports to the Massage Therapy Foundation 2013 and 2014 Practitioner Case Report Contests. Both times, I won Honorable Mention: Mind-Body and Body-Based Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease, and Contralateral Treatment for Disabling Shoulder Pain.… Read the rest
Parkinson’s Symptoms–Not Only A Movement DisorderParkinson’s is known for the shuffling gait, the masked face, the stooped posture, the soft, almost inaudible voice, the slowness of movement, the trembling and rigidity. These motor or movement symptoms are what most people seek treatment for, and they form the basis of the diagnosis.
Non-motor symptoms such as loss of the sense of smell, constipation, depression, anxiety, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, and sleep difficulties may appear 20 years or more ahead of the motor symptoms.… Read the rest
Anger is the most difficult emotion to master, for many people. Where does it come from? And why is it so hard?
When your parents are considering moving for additional care needs, you have many choices of licensed facilities1: Assisted Living, Residential Care, Adult Care Homes, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. (This post is a continuation of Caring for Aging Parents-Oregon Options) The information below is for the Portland, Oregon area. Licensing may be similar in Vancouver and SW Washington, through other agencies.… Read the rest
Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle approach to bodywork, a system of somatic education and a natural avenue for whole health.
Founded in the early 1970’s by British osteopath Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, Ortho-Bionomy® blends cornerstones from ancient as well as modern health care systems.
From Eastern thought, Dr.
… Read the rest
Sometimes I work on people who have amazing experiences of healing. I don’t put myself out as a “healer” because I would rather empower you. Then, what is happening with the amazing experiences, the unexpected woo? It’s not in me. The healing is in you.
I usually explain Ortho-Bionomy® in terms of its origins in Osteopathic Positional Release and the principles of Judo.… Read the rest
How the Body Releases Trauma
Last weekend, I had been reading Peter Levine’s In an Unspoken Voice1 about how the body releases trauma. I wasn’t planning an experiment to test it out. My plans changed.
I take my mother to a therapeutic swim midday Mondays, so I don’t visit her in the evening. Monday had become the late night at the office.… Read the rest
Functional neurology massage works to bring about better cooperation of the body, emotions and nervous system. It uses learning and feedback principles of neuroplasticity–how the brain can rewire itself–to improve functioning. The assessments (see Functional Neuro–A Different Approach to Massage) may give me information about how sensations are limited or distorted–numbness in one arm, or down one side of the face, or continued pain from an old injury.… Read the rest
Aline Newton, a Rolfer with many publications to her credit, has written the best post I’ve seen on the neuroscience of touch. Her main points, with my interpretation:
