Concussion Recovery and Bodywork

Once a person has experienced an unexpected impact, such as a car accident, fall or a hit, the body instinctively processes it as a trauma or danger and it goes into a protective guarding reflex to keep all the internal organs safe. The Dura (fascia) tissues contract through out the entire body, compressing all joints and sutures, impeding their natural movement and rhythm. As long as the body is still interpreting danger, it will not integrate into a natural state of relaxing; rather it will remain in a fight or flight loop. If this high state of aroused energy is prevented from being discharged out of the muscles/fascia, it remains trapped in a bio-neural-physical loop. Meaning, it still thinks it is in danger and it will remain guarded. The subconscious body does not know that the incident has passed and all is well. It only knows to protect and stay safe.

This “protection mechanism” also contributes to the structure (bone) remaining in an unbalanced position. Remember, bone follows muscles, and if the muscles are instinctively charged with “protection” mechanisms of contraction, repositioning remains difficult for the body to do on its own. This is why dizziness, headaches, light sensitivity, exhaustion, and other symptoms can remain long after the incident has occurred.

concussion recoveryAn easy example of this would be the Chinese Finger Torture Toy kids play with: Once your fingers enter both ends, the toy will tighten down and remain that way until you figure out the release! You try and move, wiggle, and pull, but it remains tight! Your body can’t figure it out, and now you need assistance from a friend to learn how to disengage the tightening mechanism!

This is the premise for receiving bodywork with reflex integration. I employ gentle techniques to transition the Guarding Reflex into a state of relaxation and safety, thereby interrupting its fight or flight loop. Following the successful reconditioning of the body’s natural guarding reflex, a comprehensive approach is applied. This includes myofascial unwinding, photomodulation using light therapy torches and pads, neuro-lymphatic drainage therapy, meridian massage, Photopuncture (using light torches on acupressure points) and various muscle bodywork techniques, such as cross fiber, neuromuscular therapy, structural integration, gua sha, swedish, glass cupping or silicone cupping. The goal is to facilitate the disengagement and relaxation of tendons/muscles, culminating in a systematic conclusion with craniosacral balancing. In instances where specific areas of the body require additional re-education or strengthening of movements, targeted primitive or postural reflex integration movements are implemented on the table or the vibrational platform. This form of bodywork is intended to enhance and complement other modalities of recovery, including Chiropractic, Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy, and others, collectively contributing to the comprehensive recovery and well-being of the client.

The number of sessions needed depends on the trauma and length of time since the impact. I never want to elicit a further fight or flight response in anyone. Gentle movement in an easy flow is priority. An assessment would be necessary to further evaluate a treatment plan.