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 June 21, 2005
Polar has been having a treatment called Myofascial Release
done for over a month now and I feel it is making a big difference with his
condition. He is more flexible and is able to move his legs more. I think it
is a very helpful tool, along with his Aqua Therapy that we do weekly. I
would highly recommend it for anyone. Currently, the technique is being
utilized with human, horse, and dog patients.
John F. Barnes, P.T. is the President and
Director of the Myofascial Release Treatment Centers and National Myofascial
Release Seminars located in Paoli, Pennsylvania, and Sedona, Arizona.
Through his forty years of experience and creative insight, he has developed
this innovative and effective whole-body approach for the evaluation and
treatment of pain and dysfunction. Patients are referred from all over the
world when traditional therapy, medication, or surgery have failed to
produce the desired results. At the
Myofascial Release Online site, this is a definition provided of the
process:
Myofascial Release
is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure
into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The
theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial
system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the
body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater.
Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every
muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal
organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most
interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system
of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from
head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that
each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the
fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.
Fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since
it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not
be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the
fascial system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent poles,
which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the
guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow
the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in
configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without
restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or
inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes
tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body.
Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture
over time and repetitive stress injuries has a cumulative effects. The
changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the
functioning of our body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure
producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and
stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand
stress and strain.
The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a
unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on
treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial
Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through
education in proper body mechanics and movement, through the enhancement
of strength, flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.
Polar is receiving this treatment from
Charles G. Cantrell, M.S., V.M.D., director and veterinarian of the
Spring Mill Veterinary Hospital,
located in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Dr. Cantrell has been studying Chinese
Medicine at the well-renowned Chi Institute, along with the healing art of
Myofascial Release, with John Barnes, the leader in the field. He has found
that applying his techniques of Myofascial Release (often referred to as
MFR) to the animal world can truly make a difference.
As a result of the treatment, Polar really
seems more comfortable and it is also helping with the swimming.
Take Me Back for More
May 2, 2005
Polar was asked to go to visit Mrs. Brown's class on
Friday, so of course we went. It had been a month since he was there last, and Mrs. Brown
was so impressed with how strong Polar is getting. He was able to run around the classroom
with each child, and was also able to stay up on his legs more, which I really never
noticed before. Mrs. Brown told me that we must be doing something different for him, as
he is so much stronger than before! Well let me see. He is going
swimming every week and he also started to get Prolo Therapy injections into his left
hock, which is giving him stability in his remaining leg. So, yes, we are doing somethings
that are different. Polar had a great time with the children, and they seemed to really
enjoy his visit. They were much more in tune with him this time. Hard to believe there is
only 22 days of school left for them! We hope to get in another visit before school ends.
Take Me Back for More
March 11,
2005
This week's Aqua therapy session went very, very
well! Polar really started to work on moving his fake leg back and forth. Chris was very
happy with how hard he worked and he walked for a total of 12 minutes, working 4 minutes
and then having a break for a massage, before beginning this sequence again. He really did
work hard almost the entire time. And, Chris worked on his posture as he walked, getting
him comfortable with bearing a little weight on the fake leg. I feel confident that this
is going to help him, and I am still doing all the massaging at home 3 to 4 times a day.
There are no more rub sores from his prosthetic which is good. Today we go to the Adult
Day care facility for a visit. They haven't seen Polar since he had his surgery, so it
should be lots of fun. Below are some photos from Polar's recent visit to Mrs. Brown's
class, as well as one of him being silly in the snow.
Polar with Mrs. Brown's class!
Polar showing off his new leg to Ben and Krissie
Polar sticking his tongue out!
Take Me Back for More |
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