The client can participate in normal life activities pain free!

The Intermediate Treatment Goals
To balance the core distortion pattern
To reduce pain
To release the strain pattern
To restore full range of motion
To regain strength
To regain coordination
To soften hardened tissues

The Specific Goals In This Protocol
To balance the pelvis
To release the scoliotic curvature
To release the anterior rotation of the anteriorly rotated illium
To release the posterior rotation of the posteriorly rotated illium
To release the distortion in the legs and feet
To release the compression on the sciatic nerve
To release the compression on nerves of the lumbar region
To release ischemia
To reduce swelling and inflammation
To deactivate trigger points
To release the myofascial holding pattern
To normalize scar tissue
To separate bunched groups of muscle fibers

- Don McCann, MA, LMT, LMHC – founder Structural Energetic Therapy, Inc.

LOW BACK PAIN

Low back pain, which can involve one or both legs, is one of the most common complaints.  Some of the contributing factors include:

·       postural distortions

·       job stress

·       improper lifting

·       accidents / falls / injuries

·       fatigue

·       emotional stress

·       effects of aging / sickness

·       unequal leg lengths

·       improper sitting positions

·       cranial compressions

·       herniated / bulging discs

·       auto accidents

All result in pain!

 

Most low back injuries involve soft tissue which can result in spasms, fibrous scar tissue, ischemia and build up of toxins in the tissues, pain in trigger point referral zones, and inflammation of tissues and nerves.  Spasmed muscles and tightened connective tissue, overstretched or overcontracted soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves), and splinting of soft tissue to immobilize injured areas will also cause structural distortions resulting in pain.

 

Often low back conditions will involve the sciatic nerve.  This nerve exits the spine in the low back region and branches out into the groin and the front and back of the leg extending down to the toes.  Postural distortions can cause a pinching of this nerve between the vertebrae, while spasmed muscles and contracted soft tissue along the nerve pathway can entrap this nerve, both resulting in pain. Sometimes this pain is excruciating and can be present in the leg, foot, groin, or at any specific point along the nerve pathway without involving the full length of the nerve.  The SET protocols are designed specifically to address and minimize the soft tissue restrictions to allow reduction of accumulated stress, a rebalancing of the structure, and the release of the spasmed musculature to reduce or alleviate the painful conditions.

 

Since the low back and hips provide the foundation for the rest of the body structure, clients may note secondary pain in the neck and mid back as a result of the body compensating for the structural distortion of the hips.  If the low back symptoms are acute, this secondary pain may not become apparent until the balancing of the hips has taken place and those symptoms subside. Thus, the SET protocols will address the primary area of pain first, and then concentrate on balancing the rest of the structure.

 

Description of the stages of

rehabilitation and therapies

The Structural Energetic Therapy® (SET) techniques developed by Don McCann effectively treat the symptoms of low back pain and sciatic pain.  When this is the primary area of pain, the initial treatments will focus on the conditions causing this pain.  The cranial restrictions are released with Cranial/Structural techniques, the swelling is reduced by flushing excess fluid and toxins from the tissues, the spasms and tightened fascia splinting the injured areas are softened and released, the trigger points are cleared, the scar tissue and fibrous adhesions are normalized, and the energy in the acupressure meridians is mobilized.  Often emotional energy associated with the injury or stress will also be released at this time allowing for greater release of the soft tissue.  This allows the hips and low back to become balanced, and relieves nerve entrapment causing pain.

 

When the structural distortion patterns of the hips and resulting symptoms have improved significantly, the focus of the treatment shifts to balancing the rest of the body structure to reduce any pain in the upper body, neck, and shoulders that has been caused by those areas compensating for the imbalance of the pelvis.  When this is accomplished, the whole structure supports balance and improved function.

 

In the process of bringing the low back (pelvis) into balance, other painful areas and chronic symptoms in the knees, legs and feet will also be addressed and often resolved.  Pain in the lower extremities is usually related to the imbalance in the hips which creates unequal pressure in the joints of the knees, ankles and feet.  If symptoms persist in these areas after the body is brought into balance, specific attention is given to the residual areas of pain and dysfunction.

 

A body structure that is in a balanced postural alignment is able to function more efficiently with minimal or no pain, and will be better able to withstand the stresses and traumas of life experiences.  All treatment in this office is rendered with this goal in mind.