Fred Samorodin,RPT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ_RvGB3TFU

by barralinstitute.com

• Did you know that the attachments of the sigmoid colon and the caecum on the anterior sacroiliac joint could be the cause of your client’s sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
• Did you know that the ligaments that attach from the superior border of the lungs to the cervical spine and the first rib can tighten due to scar tissue from a lung infection, and this can cause brachial plexus issues?
• Did you know that Jean-Pierre Barral, DO, the developer of Visceral Manipulation, has found that 90% of all musculoskeletal disorders have a visceral component?

Visceral Manipulation blends into all types of manual therapy practices…The fisceral system relies on the interconnected synchronicity between the motions of all the organs and stgructures of the body,.  At optimal health, this harmoniuous relationship remains stable despite the body’s endless varieties of motion.  But when an organ cannot move in harmony with its surroundings due to abnormal tone, adhesions or displacement, it works against the body’s other organs, as well as muscular, membranous, fascial and osseous structures.  This disharmony creates fixed, abnormal points of tension that the body is forced to move around.  These fixed points create viscero-somatic interactions, which present as musculoskeletal or neuromuscular symptomology.

Clinical Study on the Effrects of VM for Low Back Spinal Dysfunction

Gail Wetzler, Registered Physical Therapist studied the effects of visceral manipulation on low back pain in 30 patients.  Some patients has previous manual therapy treatment, but did not include visceral manipulation.  Wetzler treated patients with VM (visceral manipulation) an average of 6-7 times.  Resutls were measured via a pain scale the patient completed, neurological testing, and standard movement and strength tests of the low back.  The results showed marked improvement in all but 2 of the cases across all tests.  The conclusion was “low back spinal dyusfunction may be more effectively and efficiently resolved with the addition of Visceral Manipulation into the treatment program.” Complete study can be found at www.barralinstitute.com

“Are you envious of your friends and co-workers who never seem to get sick?  The ones glowing with good health while everyone around them is sneezing, snifflying and coughing.  Studies show that people who resist infections do so because they take steops to boost (or modulate) their immune system.

The human body is continuously using oxygen to stay alive.  This oxygen use produces free radicals, which are damaging compounds that impair immune function and increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.  Your body naturally combats free radicals with help from antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.

The problem arises when free radicals outnumber antioxidants.  A variety of factors promote free radical formation.  Cigarette smoke, alcohol, pesticides, pollutants, preservatives, stgress and an unhealthy diet have increased the number of Canadians with high levels of free radicals. This leads to an increase in colds, flus, and chronic diseases.

Antioxidant supplements boost your immune function and protect your body from harmful free radicals.  Look for supplements sthat contain standardized ingredients.l  This is ijportant because antioxidants can be destroyed when fruit or tea leaves are processed.  If the ingredients are not standardized you may not be getting enough active antioxidants.  Key antioxidants that can strengthen and support your immune system include green tea, acai berry, selenium and grape seed extract. ”

Fred Samorodin

Remember supplements don’t make up for an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise, but are an additional step to keep you and your family healthy.

Note: [Fred Samorodin has had the opportunity to briefly study with Dr. Jacob Lieberman, D.O. and uses the insights gathered from Dr. Lieberman's work to work directly with freeing the larynx (voice box) with hands-on techniques that may help individuals find their "voice" physically and/or emotionally.  Such work may take time and can be helped by coordinating  a counsellor's or psychologist's work with Fred Samorodin's whole body treatments.]

Jacob Lieberman’s holistic larynx treatment has made him indispensable to the stars. Actor Michael Simkins reports
• Michael Simkins
• The Guardian, Thursday 13 June 2002 13.27 BST

“Until I encountered Jacob Lieberman I thought there was only one area of my body to which I was uneasy about allowing strangers access. In fact there are two.

Lieberman is a registered osteopath and psychotherapist with an interest in psychosomatic disorders. What makes him unusual is that he has made the manipulation of the larynx his field of study. In the world of acting and singing he is well known as a man with a very particular skill, treating a part of the throat which few hands, if any, ever touch.

Lieberman became fascinated by osteopathy while working as a management executive in his home country of Israel. Having developed a serious neck problem when painting his house, he was “clicked” back into place by a chiropractor.

“That click changed my life, literally and metaphorically,” he says. “I threw up everything, my job, my home, my car, and came to Britain to study osteopathy.” But the limitations of dealing purely with the physical body without reference to the psychosomatic aspects of the complaint soon became clear, and he enrolled on a course of psychotherapy at the Tavistock clinic in London.

Most people arriving for a meeting with Lieberman are taken aback, as I was, by the fact that much of his initial consultation consists of inquiry into the person’s lifestyle and history. It is more akin to a psychotherapy session than a manipulation; throughout his questioning his manner is considered, his tone studious, almost academic. “The larynx is inextricably linked to the psychological state of the person,” he says. “We all use phrases such as ‘a stiff upper lip’ or ‘a lump in the throat’ to describe physical manifestations of emotional states – thus, by dealing merely with the symptoms of voice loss without investigating its emotional cause is less likely to prove beneficial in the long run.”

In fact, Lieberman will not even attempt physical manipulation unless he has gained an understanding of the person’s emotional state beforehand. “Often the vocal folds themselves may give no physical indication of strain or overuse. Only by working with the body, but also studying the mind, is it possible to unlock the fundamental underlying problem.”

Lieberman admits that this is an area where there has been little or no application of physical therapy before. The larynx is a largely ignored, almost forgotten part of the body. It is a complex mechanism made of collections of cartilage (muscles, ligaments and joints) suspended in the throat; in young people it is springy and flexible, with age the texture becomes harder and more unyielding. In all cases it is a delicate area to manipulate.

“Its original function was as a shield to provide protection for the airways,” he explains. “Virtually any animal of prey which attacks another will go for the throat.” He points out that the use of vocal folds for highly organised speech came at a much later stage of evolution.

The moment Lieberman first places his hands on the voice box is a curious sensation and he is careful to alert patients to possible reaction. In my case, I was convulsed with a bout of unstoppable adolescent giggling, but I was aware, even while laughing, that it is no mere tickling sensation; I also experienced an intense physiological relief.

Lieberman remains unfazed by such responses: “One’s personal reaction is very informative. Some people laugh, many cry profusely, while others feel overwhelmingly tired and deflated. Some can’t even bear the sensation of a scarf around their throat.” After a few moments he asks me to swallow. What he refers to as “the quality of the swallowing” is, he believes, itself, determined by psychological states. “The action causes you to tighten muscles which creates a combined movement; the larynx moves slightly backwards and then upwards and forwards from its resting place, after which it relaxes again. At this point it is possible to push it sideways and move your fingers gently behind it.” It sounds worse than it feels, the pressure of his fingers is not uncomfortable.

Many of his clients work in the performing arts and their voices have broken down, often for no immediately identifiable reason. “I had a cold four months ago and now this,” they lament. For businessmen, actors and even professional singers, the voice has been artificially maintained on constant adrenaline, often for weeks on end. Often problems only occur when they have a break or a holiday and the excessive adrenaline is no longer required. Worse still, the fact of losing the voice provokes further stress, and Lieberman believes that at this point people quickly develop what he calls “survival techniques” which only compound the problems. “Deprived of confidence in the ability of your voice to manage, you fail to support it, or even to breathe properly. It becomes a vicious spiral.”
Lieberman also believes that the performers’ lifestyle is a strain: “Performing each evening and eating late at night leads to poor digestion and disrupted sleep patterns. When one is young, the rate of recovery is faster than the damage process, but as one gets older the situation is reversed.”
The pressure experienced by workers in call centres, dealing with complaints and anxieties by phone day after day, is another area in which he believes there is a strong connection between vocal and physical illness.

At the end of the manipulation I am advised to rise from the chair slowly. As I do so, the full effect of Lieberman’s expertise becomes apparent. I feel what seems like a pint of warm oil gliding down my throat. Something has been released, both physically and emotionally, which has been trapped there a very long time.”

jacob-lieberman.co.uk

Though Brahms and Beethoven aren’t what Richard Simmons had in mind with Sweatin’ to the Oldies, new research suggests the composers’ choral work might be just what your body wants.

According to Victoria Meredith, a University of Western Ontario professor who used the school’s adult choirs as a “live research lab,” participation in choral music leads to increased respiratory function, improved overall health, a heightened immune system and improved brain function.

Meredith also concludes that performing in a choir “can keep you younger and healthier for longer,” pointing to similar studies that found people who sing on a regular basis require fewer doctors’ visits, are less prone to falls, don’t need as much medication, and are less likely to be depressed.

Put simply, group singalongs may offer the benefits of exercise without the humiliation of Spandex.

“Just as in general physical exercise, optimal results are seen when a singer exercises their vocal muscles at least three times a week for at least 20 minutes at time,” says Meredith, who has worked with the Canadian Centre for Aging and Activity.”

“A heavy workout one day is usually best followed by either a light workout or vocal rest the following day.”

Meredith’s research with four choirs, whose members varied in age from 18 to 84, spanned the last two years. Her investigation looked at everything from breath control and vocal range to anecdotal information such as whether or not the choristers felt happier or more aware of their bodies when they performed.

“Individual participant responses included such comments as : “Singing keeps my mind more agile,” “Singing increases the amount of joy in my life” [and] “My breathing is better—even after lung surgery,” says Meredith, noting that the observations align closely with those of George Washington University’s three-year study on the impact of professionally conducted cultural programs on older adults.

Though Meredith remarks that many of the documented benefits of singing are “of a psychological nature, related to being part of a group with shared goals,” researchers have also discovered compelling evidence for physical advantages. The disease-fighting protein (sIg A), for example, was found to increase by 150 per cent during choir rehearsals and 240 per cent during performances.

John McMillan, an Edmonton musician and choir director, may be living proof of the power of song. Since he began performing choral music 13 years ago, McMillan says he gets sick less often, has more energy, and feels generally happier.

“When [a show] goes well and you feel like you’ve positively affected other people, it affects you, too,” Says McMillan, 28. “I feel rejuvenated after a performance—kind of like my soul has been revitalized.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: tinglis@interchange.ubc.ca .

The human startle response produces muscle contractions throughout the body but the most brisk and synchronized contractions appear in the neck muscles. This response, which is greatest with the first exposure to a startling stimulus, could produce excessive and inappropriately directed muscle contractions that could explain the higher incidence of whiplash injuries in people who are unprepared for the collision. This study seeks neurophysiological evidence of startle responses in the neck muscles of 120 healthy subjects exposed to between 1 and 16 rear-end impacts or forward perturbations of different speeds. Startle responses were quantified by the synchronous electromyographic (EMG) activity between 10 and 20 Hz in bilaterally-homologous sternocleidomastoid, scalene and cervical paraspinal neck muscles. Coherence analyses of EMG from the left and right muscles were used to estimate synchrony for: i) the first unexpected trial, ii) subsequent habituated trials and iii) the superposition of habituated trials and a loud acoustic stimulus (40 ms, 124dB sound). The peak in coherent EMG activity between contralateral muscle pairs in the 10 to 20 Hz bandwidth was related to startle. Synchrony in this bandwidth was observed between the left and right muscles during the first impact or whiplash-like perturbation. This synchrony decreased significantly in the habituated trials, but reappeared when the loud acoustic stimulus was introduced. Its presence in the first trial indicates that startle is part of the neuromuscular response to an unexpected rear-end impact. This startle component of the neuromuscular response could play a role in the aetiology of whiplash injuries.

Key words: Neck • posture • Reflex

The Connection

Physical Therapists trained and experienced in the use of osteopathic manual therapy understand the importance of orthodontic dentistry as a means of improving jaw and tooth alignment and as an important factor in people’s health. Many dentists recognize the importance of craniosacral or craniomandibular osteopathic treatment as an integral part of assisting the body in making an orthodontic correction and in maintaining good health throughout the process. Understanding these mutual benefits requires an understanding of the connection between osteopathic treatments and orthodontia.

The proper alignment of teeth is dependent on a correct anatomical relationship of the upper jaw (maxilla) with the lower jaw (mandible). Changing tooth alignment requires changing not only the relationship of the maxilla to the mandible but also in complex relationships of these bones to several other bones of the face and skull. Osteopathic research demonstrates that all places where skull bones meet have significant capabilities of motion in infancy and childhood, and usually maintain motion throughout life. Although very little motion is permitted at any one of these joints, that motion is essential to allowing a successful orthodontic correction. Craniosacral osteopathic treatment assists orthodontic correction by helping all the bones of the skull to adjust to the orthodontic changes created.

In Canada, where physical therapists trained in osteopathic methods are relatively rare, there is a large potential for greater cooperation between physical therapists, orthodontists and dentists who recognize the importance of normal cranial mobility as a factor in the success of orthodontic correction. Through osteopathic manual therapy, the therapist can help the individual to better tolerate the orthodontic changes and can alert the dentist to the possible need to adjust the orthodontic plan. It is not uncommon to find that when osteopathic treatment accompanies orthodontia, the desired results are obtained in half to two-thirds the time estimated by the dentists, and the correction is more likely to hold well over time!

Orthodontic considerations

It is typical for the normal mobility of the cranium to be compromised somewhat during orthodontic correction. The degree to which this happens depends on the types of appliances used and on the ability of the patient to tolerate the changes brought about by the appliance. Most orthodontic corrective appliances fall into one to two categories—fixed or functional. Fixed appliances, such as braces or head-gear, hold firm the relationship of some teeth to other teeth. Because teeth are imbedded in bone, this rigid relationship of teeth to each other results in rigidity in the motion of the maxilla and mandible and, through them, limits the normal motion of other bones of the skull. Functional appliances, such as adjustable plate expanders, permit the cranial bones to retain more of their motion pattern during orthodontic procedures. They are, therefore preferable whenever they are capable of making the needed correction.

The topic of tooth extractions is a controversial one! While there are times when avoiding extractions makes the orthodontic treatment plan unreasonably lengthy and complex, it is best to keep all the teeth whenever possible. Removing the canine teeth, which serve as stabilizers of the jaw, can have profound negative consequences to the cranial mechanism and to the general health of the individual!

Tongue muscle action is a powerful force in shaping the developing oral cavity. When the tongue is not functioning properly within the mouth, speech, and breathing are also affected. Conditions such as respiratory allergies or asthma, which prompt mouth breathing, foster the development of an oral cavity that is more likely to need orthodontic correction. Children who continue to such their thumbs or to use a pacifier after the age of about 30 months are more likely to have orthodontic problems requiring attention. Sometimes the dentist may recommend myofunctional physical therapy in order to help correct the position and action of the tongue, before attempting orthodontia.

Health Challenges during Orthodontia

A person’s posture and overall health can suffer both when jaw alignment is poor and when jaw and teeth are undergoing orthodontic correction. It is ideal when the only complication of correction is the experience of pain in the teeth for one or two days aftr obtaining or adjusting an appliance. Unfortunately, some people suffer persistent headaches as a direct result of the compromise in bone and membrane mobility of the cranium.

With many years of daily practice in osteopathically-based craniosacral therapy, Fred Samorodin, Registered Physical Therapist is able to assess and treat body conditions that can help optimize the benefits of orthodontic dentistry.

You have the option of purchasing a specially-designed device called the “CV-4 Still-Point Inducer” (See physical therapist for details) or obtaining two equally-sized sponge rubber balls to create a CV-4 Self-help Device for home use. You may wish to use two racquet balls or two sponge rubber balls such as the red, white & blue rubber balls children play with.

Place the two balls in the toe of a sock and then tightly tie the other end of the sock to keep the two balls in firmly contact with each other. In order to assure that the balls stay in contact with each other, place the first sock inside another sock, which is also tightly tied together.

INSTRUCTIONS

Lie down on your back either on the floor or on a bed. Put the CV-4 device under your head so that the entire weight of your head rests on the two balls. They should be under your skull in a symmetrical position from the midline of your head.

There is a slight horizontal depression in the skull just above the attachment of the main neck muscles. This level is slightly above that of the ear openings and is directly behind your eyeballs. Technically, this is near the top of the occipital bone below the lambdoidal suture. This is where you should be resting your head on the balls.

Allow the weight of your head to rest comfortably upon the device for five (5) to fifteen (15) minutes. You may shift your position slightly in order to maintain symmetry and comfort, but do so gently and gradually!

Repeat daily.

INDICATIONS

This is a good “shotgun” technique for helping tissue and fluid motion in and around the head, especially relaxing connective tissues throughout the body, and restoring flexibility of the autonomic nervous system response. It is beneficial for acute and chronic musculoskeletal lesions, including degenerative arthritis (wear & tear). It can lower fever as much as by four degrees (4) Fahrenheit. It can reduce brain or lung congestion, and dependent edema. It has been used to improve auto-immune disease, autistic behaviour of children, and anxiety.

This technique can benefit most individuals to some degree and is rarely harmful, if used with care.

THEORY

The Craniosacral Rhythmical Impulse (“C.R.I.”) is the rhythmical mobile activity of the Craniosacral physiological system. The structures of the Craniosacral system are organized around the meningeal membranes around the central nervous system. The Craniosacral system is intimately related to the function of the nervous system (most directly to the skull, spine and pelvis), related fascia, and other systems. Induction of momentary “still points” in the CRI is an effective technique for mobilizing the Craniosacral system’s inherent self-correcting abilities, which in turn can have profound beneficial effects throughout the body.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The only contraindications are in situations in which even slight and transient increases in intracranial pressure are to be avoided such as where there is a risk of provoking a stroke or an aneurysm is present. Do not use this technique during the acute stages of a stroke or head injury!

ALTERNATIVES

If you are not achieving the desired or expected results from using a Still-Point Inducer device, consult with your therapist for alternative recommendations. You may need to initially benefit from hands-on therapy or become familiar with other approaches to help relax the body from the base of the skull.

Based on information provided by the Upledger Institute, FL

Fredric T. Samorodin

Physiotherapist Corporation www.integratedphysio.com

604-732-6323

TRAVEL TIPS

• Try traveling with a simple, rubber door-stop. It can stop intruders in their tracks. It’s inexpensive, light to pack and gives you the peace of mind to sleep well. The main door to your room usually has a good lock and peephole; some also supply a bar chain. But, if there is an adjoining room, that door usually has a fairly flimsy lock. The doorstop is especially useful in those situations.
• Try taping a foot-long piece of duct tape around a pencil to stick in your bag. It can fix so many things. If a strap on a sandal snaps or a purse handle breaks, it is duct tape to the rescue!
• Store all liquid products like shampoo, hairspray, etc. in zip lock baggies when packing. Many of these items can explode easily (some may explode from the high altitudes of flying) and the baggies will protect your other items.
• Foot problems are a painful part of the frequent-flyer lifestyle. Long hours of walking in airports, through convention halls or on uneven surfaces can lead to blisters. Band-aids often slip off toes and heels, so try packing thin moleskin instead. Buy the soft self-adhesive sheets at a grocery or drugstore, cut them into small squares and keep them in your purse or briefcase. If your shoe starts to rub, cover the area right away before it turns into a nasty blister.
• Make at least 2 photocopies of each and every travel document that you have: Driver’s License; itinerary, passport, etc. Give one set to a family member at home and keep one set in your purse or bag (separate from the originals). This is in case your originals are lost or stolen.
• If you are visiting a theme park/amusement park and you plan on riding the water attractions, pack extra dry socks for the family in a large zip lock bag. You can switch out the wet socks for the dry ones after riding.
• Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed. A headlamp flashlight frees the hands for other actions as well.
• Do not flash your passport in public. Discreetly show important documents to officials only.
• Always bring a pair of flip flops (or thongs), or surf slippers. You never know when you may need some temporary “shower shoes.”
•  
• Take an inflatable travel pillow: when in flight, place the pillow under your chin to support your head if you nod asleep.  At your destination, place the pillow inside the pillow slip with “Mickey Mouse’s ears” pointing to the top of your head—you have just created a temporary contour pillow!