To learn about our techniques, click on the links below to move quickly down the page:

Applied Kinesiology

Cox Flexion Distraction

SacroOccipital Technique

Chiropractic

Polarity Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy - Upledger Approach

Craniosacral Therapy - Biodynamic Approach

Somatic Experiencing

Trauma Healing

Reiki Therapy

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Activator

BioSet™

Neuromuscular Therapy

Myofascial Release

Swedish Massage

Trager® Approach

Additional Services

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system which evaluates our structural, chemical and mental aspects. AK is one type of technique that chiropractors use to assess and treat the imbalances of the body. Your AK doctor will use manual muscle strength testing to determine muscle imbalances, structural misalignments, postural imbalances, possible organ system involvement, acupuncture meridian imbalance among other dysfunctions. AK then employs nutrition, manipulation, diet, acupressure, exercise and education. The International College of Applied Kinesiology is comprised of chiropractors, medical doctors, osteopaths and dentists trained in muscle assessment and balancing, acupuncture meridians, trigger points, gait and posture analysis, and mind body techniques.

AK was started in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan by George Goodheart, DC and is now practiced around the world. To find out more on AK you can go to their website at www.icakusa.com or read Dr. Goodhearts book "You'll Be Better Soon."

Cox Flexion Distraction is a marriage of chiropractic principles with osteopathy. In the 1970's, Dr. James Cox developed a type of manipulation table that allows traction with gentle non-force hands-on control by the physician. This technique can be used to treat the entire spine. It is helpful in the treatment of disc herniation, spinal arthritic conditions, scoliosis and many other conditions. It has the ability to place spinal joints into normal, painless movements so as to restore normal spinal motion. To find out more about Cox Flexion Distraction you can go to the website at www.coxtechnic.com.

SacroOccipital Technique (SOT) - was begun by Major B. DeJamette, DC and blended both chiropractic and osteopathy. This technique includes a unique method of diagnosis, pelvic blocking and reflex techniques. The underlying principles of SOT state that the sacrum has a sagital plane respiratory movement mechanism and is associated via the dura with the cranium.

Based on this theory, manual methods of synchronizing cranial motion were developed to influence circulation of cerebrospinal fluid that is thought to depend on normal inspiration and expiration and movement of the sacrum and cranial sutures. For more information go to www.soto-USA.org

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health needs a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine and the nerves extending from the spine.) Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It addresses these diseases not by the use of drugs, chemicals or surgery, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body, which is functioning improperly.

Chiropractors assess the person if warranted, through history, physical examination, and medical imaging, to determine the causes of pain, dysfunction or disease.

A chiropractor may use a specific "technique" such as Applied Kinesiology or Activator Methods to assist in the assessment of imbalance. He or she will then correct the imbalance through the use of "hands on" (manual) adjustment or device assistance (Activator, Cox Flexion Distraction).

To find out more about chiropractic you can go online at www.chiroweb.com or read the book, "The Chiropractic Profession" by David Chapman-Smith.

Polarity therapy is based on universal principles of energy - attraction, repulsion, and neutrality. The interrelation of these principles forms the basis for every aspect of life, including our experience of health, wellness, and disease. With this understanding, polarity therapy addresses the interdependence of body, mind, and spirit, the importance of relationships, and the value of creating a way of life in harmony with nature. Founded by Austrian-born naturopath Dr. Randolph Stone in the mid-1920s, polarity therapy is a clothes-on, noninvasive system complementing existing systems with an integrated, holistic model. Polarity is based on the belief that positive and negative poles exist in every cell. The body is gently manipulated to balance the positive and negative energies. In addition to physical manipulation, blockages and toxins are eliminated through a cleansing diet and simple exercises. To learn more, visit www.polaritytherapy.org.

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system.

Developed by John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., this manual therapy enhances the body's natural healing processes and has proven effective in treating a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth - which make up the cranium - down to the sacrum or tailbone. Since this system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system could cause sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities. These problems may include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system.

Craniosacral therapy encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease.

The craniosacral therapy practitioner uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system. Therapists generally use only 5 grams of pressure, roughly the weight of a nickel, to test for restrictions in various parts of the craniosacral system. It's often possible for the evaluation alone to remove the restriction and allow the system to correct itself. To learn more, visit www.craniosacraltherapy.org.

Almost 100 years ago, William Sutherland, D.O. discovered subtle rhythms in the body that he called the Breath of Life. In the biodynamic approach of craniosacral work the subtle rhythms produced by the Breath of Life are regarded as expressions of health that carry an essential ordering principle for both body and mind. Dr Sutherland realized the important role played by the fluids in the body (particularly cerebrospinal fluid) in helping to disseminate these ordering forces throughout the body.

The essential ordering principle carried in the rhythms of the Breath of Life acts as a blueprint for health which is present from the time of our early embryological development and is the fundamental factor that maintains balance in our form and function. Thus, the ability of cells and tissues to express their primary respiratory motion is a critical factor in determining our state of health - when these rhythms are expressed in fullness and balance, health and well-being naturally follow.

A naturalistic approach to the healing of trauma, based on the understanding that animals in the wild, though constantly threatened by predators, are rarely traumatized. This approach uses education about and awareness of body sensation as a primary tool. Appropriate, gentle manipulation of the muscles, joints, and viscera is employed. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, somatic experiencing offers a safe, gradual way to help trauma survivors develop their own natural ability to eliminate the excess energy caused by overwhelming events. To learn more, visit www.traumahealing.com

Trauma Healing is a non-cathartic approach to trauma rehabilition and recovery. It is based on the work of Peter Levine. See Somatic Experiencing above.

Reiki therapy is an ancient, hands-on energy-balancing technique that was rediscovered in Japan in 1921. Buddhist in nature, Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") combines universal energy (chi) with individual energy to open pathways of healing for one's body, mind and spirit. It teaches that distress is not separate from the body; it is the body out of balance. The practitioner, through training and attunement, accesses and serves as a channel for life energy by using passive touch. Benefits include stress reduction, spiritual clarity and relief of emotional, mental and physical distress.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is a gentle method of palpating the lymphatic flow and activating the circulation of lymph. This aids in the removal of toxins and wastes, promoting tissue regeneration. It also stimulates the immune system and parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in relief of chronic pain, inflammation, edema, and aids in deep relaxation.

The Activator is a hand-held adjusting instrument that delivers safe, specific correction to joints that are "subluxated,"--misaligned or lacking in optimal function.  The Activator takes advantage of physics to deliver a low-force high-speed correction--the opposite of manual adjusting.  The result is a high-speed yet gentle adjustment against which the muscles do not have time to react.  Research shows that Activator adjustments are as effective as manual adjustments.  Activator use is suitable for anyone, from newborn infants to geriatric patients.  In addition to its common use on the spine, it is effective in treating extremities and the jaw, including TMJ.

The Activator was developed in the 1960s by W.C. Lee, DC, and A.S. Fuhr, DC, who co-founded what is known today as Activator Methods International, Ltd.  This arm of chiropractic care offers a specific protocol to evaluate the need for joint correction, and then uses the instrument to perform the correction. For more information on Activator Methods, visit activator.com.  Affiliated doctors are trained with the goal of exclusively using this approach; non-affiliated chiropractors often combine the method or the instrument with other chiropractic techniques.

(Bioenergetic Sensitivity and Enzyme Therapy) is a natural holistic health care system that is based on energetic medicine and meridian therapy to prevent and resolve chronic health conditions.  Dr. Berry has trained in and uses BioSET desensitization.  This is an acupressure technique, which utilizes allergen frequencies and energetics to fully clear or reprogram the individual via the nervous and meridian system to any allergen or sensitivity.

Neuromuscular Therapy is a hands-on technique that uses deep pressure to release areas of pain.  When a muscle remains contracted over a period of time, the muscle develops areas of ischemia.  These are areas of high or low sensation, with decreased circulation.  Clients often describe them as "a knot" of soreness or pain.  Practitioners apply pressure to these areas for 30 seconds up to a minute, then flush the area, to return waste products into the bloodstream.  Pressure applied is dependent upon the client's comfort level.  A practitioner may return to an area multiple times during a session, until the client experiences decreased or increased sensitivity and the area is more integrated with the tissue around it. Neuromuscular is often used in specific areas for specific muscles, rather than as a full body technique.

Myofascial Release is a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the muscle and connective tissue in order to eliminate restrictions and pain and restore range of motion. This approach uses gentle pressure and is applied slowly and utilizes the body's piezoelectic phenomenon to elogate the fascia that surrounds muscles and bones.

The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. This form of massage was created at the turn of the century by Henry Peter Ling in Sweden. It involves the use of kneading, stroking, friction, tapping, and vibration and may provide relief from stiffness, numbness, pain, constipation, and other health problems. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Other possible benefits include stimulation of circulation, an increase in muscle tone, and a balance of the musculo-skeletal systems.

Trager® Approach is a movement focused form of bodywork.  The goal of the work is to create more ease, fluidity, integration and awareness within the body while moving. The movements may be big or small, whole body or individual joints, as the therapist gives the client a different quality of sensation.  During a session, the therapist will pause, to give the client's nervous system time to integrate what has just been experienced. 

A session is composed of two parts: tablework and self care.  In tablework, the client lies comfortably on the table, clothed or partially unclothed, while the therapist rocks and moves different areas of the body.  In self care, the client learns how to recreate the same ease themselves, so that they can continue to expand the feeling in their daily lives.

Trager® is appropriate for all age and fitness levels.  Many clients experience a deep sense of relaxation and calm after a session, and find themselves moving slower and with greater internal awareness.

A lending library of books, tapes and videos on such topics as diet, exercise, trauma, emotional healing, meditation, nutrition, herbs, and all forms of bodywork techniques.

Nutritional supplements are offered from top quality manufacturers Standard Process, Metagenics, Thorne, Biotics, Pure Encapsulation and Allergy Research. Supplementation may be part of your care or may be purchased based on your own needs and research.

Body supports, pillows, and self treatment items including orthopedic pillows, lumbar support cushions and braces, cervical traction units, theracane trigger point tools, ice packs, massage devices (by Thumper or Jeanie Rub).