CranioSacral and Integrative Manual Therapy with Steve
Specializing in the Manual Therapies of CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Neural Manipulation
808-937-1899
Specializing in the Manual Therapies of CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Neural Manipulation
808-937-1899
445 W Foothill Blvd.
Suite 109
In the "Old School House"
Claremont CA 91711
808-937-1899 (texting preferred as I am often in session)
Jo, age 72 ~ Claremont, CA
In alternative medicine, a Manual Therapy (aka Holistic Bodywork) is any therapeutic or personal development technique that involves working with the human body. Manual Therapy can be performed without touch, as in Yoga, Sound Healing, Breath Work, and Chi Kung. Manual Therapy is also performed in the hands on Therapies of The Gyrotonic Method, Onsen Manual Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Neural Manipulation, and Cranial Sacral Therapy. We say "Integrative" as all of these techniques are integrated into a session as needed. Just as a carpenter cannot built a home with only a hammer, the carpenter needs a wide array of tools specific for each task.
Manual Therapy techniques are also incorporated into Somatic-based Movement to assess or improve posture, promote awareness of the "body-mind connection", pain relief, reduce pain/limitation, and to re-educate faulty movement patterns.
We offer a wide range of modalities that are all part of the "Manual Therapy" family.
Manual Therapy is the application of passive slow mobilization in a controlled process of articular (joint) and soft-tissue (myofascial) stretching intended to improve bio-mechanical elasticity, enhance neuro-fascial health, improve posture, pain relief and reinforce proper movement patterns in the body.
Manual Therapy is part of advanced coursework within The GYROTONIC® Method of movement and exercise.
Is Manual Therapy like Massage?
No. The only thing that Manual Therapy and Massage have in common is that both involved the skilled application of touch. Manual Therapy is performed with clients fully dressed (generally in exercise wear), uses no oils or creams, and does not include Massage techniques (the repetitive rubbing, stroking or kneading of myofascial tissues to principally improve blood flow).
Is Manual Therapy like Chiropractic?
No. While the end goals in some cases may appear to be the same as Chiropractic care, Onsen Structural Manual Therapy does not involve any popping of joints or thrusting movements. Onsen Therapy uses specific breathing patterns, gentle touch, and subtle muscle action from the client to bring about change.
*** Do you have chronic pain or an old injury that just won't get better?
*** Have you done "all the right things" (physical therapy, chiropractor, massage, medication) and you still aren't able to be pain-free?
Then you owe it to yourself to receive an Integrative Manual Therapy Session with Steve.
How long is a session? What is involved?
Sessions are generally 60 minutes depending on the needs and goals of the client. Sessions include hands-on Integrative Manual Therapy techniques and may finish with movement exercises designed to reinforce the changes that have occurred in the body.
How often should I schedule a session?
This depends on which "issues in your tissues" you are working on. Sometimes a single session is all that is needed. If more persistent issues have been occurring, booking a session once a week or every other week is recommended.
Please be aware of our 48 hour cancellation policy for cancelling and/or rescheduling any Manual Therapy appointments.
Tips are always appreciated, and not necessary
Please be aware of our 48 hour cancellation policy for cancelling and/or rescheduling any Manual Therapy appointments.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.
The Therapeutic Value of CranioSacral Therapy
By facilitating the body's natural and innate healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for helping people with a wide range of healthcare challenges associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
Migraine Headaches Chronic Neck and Back Pain Motor-Coordination Impairments Colic Autism Central Nervous System Disorders Orthopedic Problems Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Spinal Cord Injuries Scoliosis Infantile Disorders Learning Disabilities Chronic Fatigue Emotional Difficulties Stress and Tension-Related Problems Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) Neurovascular or Immune Disorders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Visceral Manipulation assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia and ligaments. Visceral Manipulation increases proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.
An example of how Visceral Manipulation can help you: Imagine an adhesion around the lungs. It would create a modified axis that demands abnormal accommodations from nearby body structures. For example, the adhesion could alter rib motion, which could then create imbalanced forces on the vertebral column and, with time, possibly develop a dysfunctional relationship with other structures. This scenario highlights just one of hundreds of possible ramifications of a small dysfunction - magnified by thousands of repetitions each day.
The Therapeutic Value of Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by world-renowned French Osteopath and Physical Therapist Jean-Pierre Barral. Comparative studies found Visceral Manipulation beneficial for various disorders. Acute Disorders Whiplash Seatbelt Injuries Chest or Abdominal Sports Injuries Concussion Traumatic Brain Injuries Digestive Disorders Bloating and Constipation Nausea and Acid Reflux GERD Swallowing Dysfunctions Women's and Men's Health Issues Chronic Pelvic Pain Endometriosis Fibroids and Cysts Dysmenorrhea Bladder Incontinence Prostate Dysfunction Referred Testicular Pain Effects of Menopause Musculoskeletal Disorders Somatic-Visceral Interactions Chronic Spinal Dysfunction Headaches and Migraines Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Peripheral Joint Pain Sciatica Neck Pain Pain Related to Post-operative Scar Tissue Post-infection Scar Tissue Autonomic Mechanisms Pediatric Issues Constipation and Gastritis Persistent Vomiting Vesicoureteral Reflux Infant Colic Emotional Issues Anxiety and Depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Neural Manipulation (NM) is a precise manual therapy developed through the clinical work of world-renowned French Osteopath and Physical Therapist Jean-Pierre Barral. French Osteopath Alain Croibier collaborated with Jean-Pierre Barral to develop NM.
Neural Manipulation facilitates free movement of the nerves in their surroundings; that is, in relation to adjacent muscles, fascia, narrow passages in the aponeurosis, organs and bones. A nerve only functions optimally when it is able to move freely in its surrounding tissues. The key in NM is to find the most significant area of reduced mobility. According to Barral, mobilizing a nerve focuses on facilitating neural glide both in terms of its surrounding extra neural tissue and intra neural connective tissue layers. This distinguishes Barral’s work from other neural stretching. We must consider the fascial rings and tunnels in which nerves exist and restore the slide of the nerves within these structures to enhance their function. Performing a mobilization on the nerve fixation will free the nerve and will help restore the proper signaling to the compromised structures it innervates and therefore improve the function of those structures, such as muscle, organ, or fascia.
Comparative studies found Neural Manipulation beneficial for people with various conditions such as:
Lower Back Pain & Sciatica, Headaches and Migraines, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Joint Pain, Digestive Disorders, Post-Surgical Dysfunction, Swallowing Dysfunctions, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Neck Pain and Whiplash, Birth Injuries, Neuralgia & Neuritis, Tendinitis, Sprains & Traumatic Lesions, Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injuries, And More
"Onsen Technique® Therapy is a form of Structural Manual Therapy (made for massage therapists by a massage therapist). These sessions includes unique key components: assessment, muscle energy technique, post-isometric relaxation, fascia release, and exercise for stability." Assessment is how Steve will find where your body's structure is limited/stuck and where it may be hypermobile. This will provide the roadmap to bring you back to balance. Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a means of manually assessing imbalances and distortions in the skeletal system and correcting them, via the soft tissue, using a tiny amount of the patient's own energy (force) applied in a specific direction. Extremely gentle, MET provides dramatic and lasting improvements in flexibility, muscle tension and comfort. Post-Isometric Relaxation works with the natural laws of the body. When a muscle has been actively contracted, the nervous system responds with an appropriate level of relaxation when the muscle relaxes. Fascia Release works to release held patterns and adhesions in the fascia (a connective tissue in the body that gives us our shape). Fascia is the highest innervated tissue in the body, and responds well to this specific technique. Traditional massage techniques don't address Fascia. Gyrotonic Exercise may be given to reinforce proper movement quality and to retrain "confused" muscles and ways of moving. Steve may also recommend therapeutic exercise, Pilates, Yoga, Chi Kung, Meditation, or breathwork exercises as homework to enhance the results from your session. Private Therapeutic-focused Gyrotonic or Pilates sessions are also available separately.
What research is showing... * Dozens of randomized controlled trials (RCT) demonstrate that Manual Therapy is more effective than exercise, especially in the early stages of the rehabilitation process. * Dozens more studies demonstrate the combination of mindful exercise [specifically Gyrotonic and Pilates] and Manual Therapy is more effective than either exercise or Manual Therapy alone. * Long-term outcomes are better when Manual Therapy and Mindful Exercise are combined. Steve Von Hargett is our Certified Onsen Technique ® Therapist, as well as a Structural Manual Therapist, STOTT Pilates Instructor (with specialized training in Pilates for Rehabilitation) and GYROTONIC® method Trainer. Steve is the only manual therapist who combines Gyrotonic into his sessions in the entire area.
Amy S ~ Claremont, CA
Ready to book your session with Steve? Great! We offer convenient 24/7 booking through our MindBody online scheduling service and our sister studio Blossoming Lotus Gyrotonic & Pilates.
445 W Foothill Blvd, suite 109 Claremont, California 91711, United States
Steve grew up in South Bay and North San Diego County. He participated and competed in most X Games sports (skateboarding, surfing, BMX, Motocross) and trained in Martial Arts. He was also the "prodigy" of every art school he attended.
Steve received a full undergraduate scholarship in the fine arts for both his watercolor portraiture and his sculpture. Steve views movement (and particularly Gyrotonic) as art in motion and organic engineering for the body. Persuaded by his wife Laura to leave his job as an architectural sheet metal and waterproofing designer and join her in a career in the movement and massage arts, was one of the smartest choices he's ever made (the first being marrying his wife Laura). Steve's unique ability as an artist to see how the body is interconnected has given him (and his clients) a unique advantage.
Professional training:
Steve Von Hargett has over 25 years experience teaching movement and 7,000+ hours of training in therapeutic exercise, Medical Massage Therapy, and Manual Therapy. He is Hawaii state licensed and board certified as an Integrative Medical and Manual Massage Therapist. Steve is a certified STOTT Pilates instructor in Matwork and Reformer and is comprehensively trained on all apparatus including STOTT's prestigious specialized rehab program only available to licensed medical professionals. Steve is certified in The GYROTONIC® Method, including the specialized equipment and advanced Manual Therapy techniques. He is also a certified third degree Black Belt Martial Arts instructor.
Steve has been teaching movement for over twenty-five years. As a full undergraduate scholarship recipient in the fine arts, Steve brings a unique approach with an "eye" for proper alignment in both movement as well as various therapies. His specialty is working with those with injuries ranging from minor sprains/strains, neck injuries/whiplash, shoulder injuries, sciatica, low back pain, knee & ankle/foot injuries, and working with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patients.
Steve has advanced training and specializes in the Manual Therapies of CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Neural Manipulation, and Onsen Structural Manual Therapy - for Pain Relief Results that Last! Steve is co-founder of Blossoming Lotus Gyrotonic and Pilates with his wife Laura.
Steve lives in the Foothill area with his wife Laura and their Boston Terrier Teddy.
CranioSacral and Manual Therapy with STEVE
Located within Blossoming Lotus Gyrotonic & Pilates 445 W Foothill Blvd, Suite 109, Claremont, California 91711, United States
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