2010 March | Leaders Only

Mobility Chairs Provide You With Freedom To Live Your Life

Mobility chair have had a profound effect on the lives of individuals who are confronted with physical challenges that affect their mobility. These chairs provide a user with the potential to take full advantage of the outdoors and mobility within their homes and work places. Mobility chairs offer more freedom to users than a standard wheel chair ever could.

Up until recent time individuals with mobility limitations could never imagine going shopping on their own or think about spending an afternoon in the mall. Thanks to these chairs this is now a reality. Mobility chairs provide the user with an increased amount of power and turn-ability.

If you have ever attempted simple maneuvers with standard wheel chairs then you realize the impossibility of going in any direction in a standard wheelchair besides frontwards and possibly backwards. These chairs do not even handle going in reverse very well. However these chairs are designed in such a way that even the tightest maneuvers are possible.

Standard wheel chairs can only handle flat surfaces such as tile floors with any sense of maneuverability. A standard wheel chair is not conducive to going through a room with plush carpeting and parking lots and gravel driveways are out of the question. Mobility chairs have tires that are able to handle difficult terrain and can move over plush carpeting with no problem.

Mobility chairs provide increased capability to individuals with mobility limitations in almost ball circumstances. Not only do they make it easier to get around but they also provide the ability to do tasks inside the home such as the laundry and cleaning the house. Standard wheel chairs are almost impossible to use in the average home but mobility chairs can be used in most homes without a problem and make it possible for you to do household chores that you would never imagine you could do if you are mobility challenged.

While mobility chairs can handle difficult surfaces better than standard wheel chairs they still have a problem going through thick grass or over brick walkways. However it is possible to have tires placed on a mobility chair that handles even these situations with ease. The standard tires on mobility chairs are 6 inch tires; if you intend to use the chair in the yard to access your garden then it will be a good idea to purchase a chair with 12 inch tires.

Of course never of want to admit that we are having trouble getting around and we certainly do not want to ask for help. But there are situations that are inevitable and if you find that you are starting to suffer from decreased mobility then you should consider looking further into the increased independence that comes with mobility chairs.

Mobilityplus.co.nz is a leader in the area of Mobility Scooter Sales in New Zealand. All Wheelchairs sold by MobilityPlus come with a 12 month warranty, plus a 3 year warranty. Contact us for a Free Trial.

Are You Obese and Chair Bound Learn How to Bring Movement Back Into Your Life

Obesity brings with it a plethora of excuses of why you do not have to get up and force yourself to exercise. Everyone buys into it, your friends, your family, even you. If you are chair bound today, hope is not gone. Bodies have amazing recuperative powers. If you start a nutritionally sound diet and a short exercise routine, you will be amazed at how fast you, yes, I said you, can reclaim your life.

Nothing happens overnight, you have to build your muscles, your stamina, and your determination for success. If you are chair bound, do as my client who I like to call Miracle Jan did. She had just purchased a wheel chair and was ready to give up her mobility for good when we met. She hadn’t walked beyond the circular path from her living room to her kitchen and through the dining room back to her chair in years. So, that is how she started. One trip around her downstairs with the use of a cane and back to her chair to recover. She did this 10 times a day. It was exhausting. The next week she was doing two laps, and within the first month had built to half an hour a day of walking. Five short months later she walked a 10K with her granddaughter.

Was it as easy as all that? No of course not, she had to push herself each and every day. I remember her first attempt at going back up the stairs in her house. One step at a time, holding onto the banister and stopping every step to catch her breath. It had been a long time since she had seen the inside of her own bedroom. But she forced herself up those stairs, and eventually set the rule that she would only use the upstairs bathroom. The hospital bed in her living room was put away, and she returned to, as she liked to say, “her wedding bed.”

When I first started my weight loss journey, I could only do a ten minute walk around my property. I did that six times a day. Before the first month was over, the walking bug had hit me and I tried my first full hour. 6 laps all together. By the end of my second month I was hiking up a mountain and riding a bicycle up and down my street while still over 200 pounds (I’m only 5’1″).

So many obese men and women tell me that they cannot exercise, that it is beyond their physical capabilities, but I know it is not. If you can walk from your chair to the bathroom, then you can start a routine to get back on your feet for good. Okay, yes, you will have to lose weight to enjoy the full benefits, but you must know that you can no longer use your obesity as an excuse not to exercise.

There are plenty of chair exercise DVDs on the market, get some and start stretching those muscles, then get yourself up off the chair and walk. Walking is the number one, most important thing you can do to regain your health. Sure it may tire you out, sure your ankles may hurt a little, but the benefits are well worth it.

For those of you aren’t completely chair bound, but seem to spend most of your time in one, I bet you can find every excuse out there not to start a walking routine. I say, think again. If your knees or your hips hurt then take short walks, adding an extra minute each day or week. Once your body gets used to it, you will be shocked how fast it will start to crave the daily exercise. You may not want to take the walk, but your body will insist.

Movement is key to life. Like a stagnant pond in the desert, our bodies fill with toxins if we don’t move. Refuse to let that happen regardless of how lost a cause you believe you are. Right now, get up from your chair and take a walk. Set a timer when you get back and do it again in half an hour. Challenge yourself each day to go one step, one lamp post further, and see how fast your body responds.

Don’t just say you hate being obese and that you want to change. Get up off that chair and do it. Now!

Carlene Jones is an Obesity Weight Loss Coach offering fast weight loss solutions and life-time solutions for obesity since 2005. She is author of Fat Brain Lies, a workbook to help the obese in accepting what they must do to find permanent health and well-being. In 2005 she founded Raw Food Boot Camp where her clients in 2008 lost over 2,000 lbs.

Understanding Your American Idol Audition

You only get one chance, one song to sing so I am going to go over some things to remember when choosing a song. And first it is to know your self as an artist and learn how to step back and understand your vocal strengths and weaknesses. This is what the judges will be doing. Now which do you have more of: range, or power? Which comes more easily to you? Which is stronger: the upper or lower end of your range?

Plus it is good to know what your voice does when you’re nervous. Do you tend to sing sharp, or do you have trouble with low notes when you are nervous? Nerves can highlight your trouble areas, so try to choose the range and key of your song with that in mind.

Get to know the judges a lot better, by doing some research on them and reading their bios and lists of credits to better understand what kind of music they are into. But try to avoid songs the judges have performed or worked on, as well as songs by artists the judges worked with. You want to create memories of your own performance of the song, not make someone else remember their own experience with the song.

But you still must remember that unless they’re professional musicians, your friends and family, are not the best judges of what songs are good for you. While they always have a favorite song they like to hear, its rarely ever right for the singer. Let your vocal coach or another outside person help you in choosing a song preferably by someone connected to the music industry, since that is whom you’re trying to impress at the audition.

Then you must consider a song that fits your image, because the judges will see you before they hear you. As we’ve seen many times on American Idol, a guy in a clown suit singing rock and roll doesn’t work to well in an audition.

Another thing to consider is to avoid looking or acting like your favorite artist or artists you sound like. Just because you sound like Gwen Steffani doesn’t mean you should sing a Gwen Steffani song cause we already have a Gwen Steffani in the music industry.

But if you have a favorite artist whose songs fit your style (but your voice is not an imitation of that artist), it’s often better to choose a really good album song instead of choosing a hit single. There will be fewer memories attached to the song in the judges minds.

Songs to Avoid in singing

Singing a Celine Dion song is the kiss of death in a singing competition, Unless the singer is ten times better than Celine Dion is nearly impossible, since Celine’s notes are so technically perfect, the judges will constantly be thinking how much better Celine hits each note.

THE EARLY BIRD:

Preparation usually involves several steps. Here are just a few; Ask questions, get information, listen carefully. Familiarize yourself with the location. Then plan your trip to the location where the audition is taking place. Have your outfit picked out. Make sure you have gas in the car. Then get it in your mind about what is exactly going to happen. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

This is very important, as this is a must in our industry. Everybody hates late. As you may have already heard that time is money.

The second thing that happens when you arrive early is you have time to do the next part of a successful audition, which is to relax.

Being relaxed is important to your results. If you are stressed, rushed or still coming down from the trip to the audition, it will cost you big time. Almost all performers, especially new ones needs some time to get ready. Only you can know how much time you will need, but whatever it is, you cant lose with being there early. The bottom line is the relaxed singer is the more successful singer. Because if you are relaxed, you also help the judges to relax which will help them to decide in your favor. Oh, yes, its tough on them too. So, believe me, they are stressed. So try to relax and the whole world relaxes with you.

A lot of singers forget that the judges are looking for a performer, which means it is important to perform. This is another reason to relax. Its easier to remember the song when you are at ease.
The most difficult thing to deal with in the entertainment industry is rejection. You must understand that this is going to be the case much more often than not. Rejection is not an easy thing to deal with, but if you want to be a successful singer you must learn to deal with it. As it is a very important part of your professional singing career.

If you accomplish the goals on this list, you will impress the judges. You will be considered a pro. Professionalism is the word you want attached to your efforts. This will happen if you are on time, prepared, entertaining, relaxed and able to deal with the inevitable rejection. Thats your goal in every audition to impress them with your professional attitude.

When things do not go your way try to be gracious, as gracious people have the edge. We like them, we trust them, and we want to work with them. You will always leave a good impression if you are gracious to other people in the business.

ATTITUDE:

This is the most important section cause a good attitude is hard to turn down and the first step in creating a good attitude is be humble and the definition of humble: is to have a modest and simple attitude, plus feeling or showing respect for others. Im basically saying that you shouldnt be all extra cocky by saying that you are the best singer in the competition and so fourth. So you must remember that you will come in contact with a lot of people before you audition like the shows producers and camera crews and they all will pick up your vibes as being down to earth which is a good start.

One of the few things we have complete control over is our attitude. When faced with adversity, we can choose to focus on the negative in the situation or the positive. A positive attitude, is beyond comprehension, and according to many achievers, it is the number one reason for their success.

A positive attitude is seeing the benefits, opportunities, and good in situations rather than the setbacks, problems, and bad. More important, it is focusing on this positive and using it to your advantage. It is the driving force behind persistence and perseverance.

There is a belief that nothing in this world is good or bad, but rather everything is balanced and it is only our perception that makes good and bad.

Shortly after adopting a positive mental attitude you will find more opportunities, successes, and good luck in your life than ever before.

Developing a positive attitude, like everything else, takes practice to master. So be patient.
With a positive mental attitude on your side you will find yourself a magnet to success as theses positive attitude will improve your quality of life and the lives of those around you, and it will especially help your idol audition.

Keishon Martin is the founder of KeyWorldWide Inc. which owns and operates www.ShonnyBoy.com visit their websites

Join A Power Chair Club…and Have Fun

Are you the proud new owner of a power chair? If you are, you may be wondering “now what?” Power chairs are not just a way to get around, they are an entire lifestyle.

New power chair owners will be surprised to find that there are power chair and wheelchair clubs all over the place! Some get together to play basketball or do some other recreation, others get together to lobby the government for increased accessibility. Ask your power chair dealer if they know of any clubs in the area. If they do, that’s great. If they don’t know of any, you should consider starting one. You can be sure that if you want to meet other power chair users, there is someone out there feeling the same way.

You may be surprised to also learn that there are accessible vacations and wheelchair vacations that allow people in power chairs and wheel chairs to enjoy a fully accessible vacation experience! If it’s been a while since you’ve been on vacation, check it out online and see what you find. On top of the social aspect of power chair ownership, there is also the practical aspect. Part of the “now what?” includes building a ramp into your home. If you have a minivan, you might want to get a ramp or even a lift to life the wheelchair into the van. There are also external lifts that attach to your car’s trailer hitch so you can drive your power chair onto the ramp and lock it in place.

One consideration of your new power chair is the tires. Do you have tires that are the most suitable for your lifestyle? Ask at the store to find out if you do. Tell them how you spend most of your time and where you live and they’ll be able to help you out. There’s one kind of tire that is good for mainly indoor use and there’s another kind of tire that’s good for mainly outdoor use and there’s a third kind of tire for a mixture of both. You will also want to find out what the drive time is on your batteries. By learning this in advance, you will be able to plan your outings accordingly so that you’ll never be caught away from home with a dead battery and no way to return.

The longer you keep your power chair, the more you’ll find that you want to enjoy accessories for it… there are so many to choose from, including cup holders, extra baskets, and desk trays. Your power chair is a machine, which means it has mechanical parts. Keep your power chair tuned up so it lasts a long time. Just like your car, keep it clean and bring it in for regular servicing.

Power chairs are fantastic devices to help you get around and lead a life that allows you to do whatever you want. Not only that, but they let you do it in style!

Articles about having fun with your power chair

What to Look for in an Electric Chair Lift

Deciding whether you need an electric chair lift is easy. Choosing the right one for your unique needs is, however, another thing. You might already have some idea what a chair lift is for. It is quite likely though that you may not exactly know which features to look for. Before you buy your own chair, consider which features are best for you.

Functions of Your Chair Lift

An electric chair designed to lift its occupants can contribute to the ease of movement of the elderly or those with medical conditions that impede movement. Patients and caregivers simply need to use a chair lift to facilitate getting up from a comfortable sitting position.

Of course, the first thing that you should look for in a lift is its ability to function well. This means your electric chair should be able to help you get up safely with no risk of injury. Your chair should also be sturdy enough to withstand everyday use. Look for construction features such as the kind of wood used and how it is attached to the chair structure. Consider too how many springs are used and what kind of material is used for the exterior. Functionality and durability are your top considerations.

Other Features

There are also other features of an electric chair lift that you need to consider. Chairs aren’t built for all sizes. You therefore need one that will fit both your height and weight. You might also be more comfortable being able to operate your chair from a specific side. Some chairs come with extra features like a massage function.

Another consideration would be the number of positions of your electric chair. This feature also determines how many motors your chair will have. A 2 position chair usually has one motor. Aside from lifting, it can also recline to a certain angle short of a full reclining position. In most cases, the footrest comes up when you make it recline.

An average electric chair would have 3 positions. This usually makes a full reclining position possible. It also has one motor and a footrest that works together with the recliner. Both 2 and 3 position recliners can be set at any angle that falls within the scope of its full angle reclining position.

If you want greater flexibility, you can also choose a two motor chair. This chair can be reclined fully or at any angle. Its reclining control and foot rest control can also be operated separately.

Guarantees

When it comes to electric wheel chairs, there are many brands to choose from. Before you pick your chair, do some comparison shopping online. Compare sites, brand prices, product features and extra client benefits so you get only the best deal possible.

Select brands that are already known and established. Aside from getting a very sturdy chair, you are also assured of having real warranties and prompt customer support.

Electric wheelchairs and electric chair lifts can be life-changing. It is important though that you only get the best there is. Be a wise and careful electric chair shopper.

Check out more tips on how to select the best electric chair lift. Find chair lift rental online.

Lift Chairs Moving on Up

Lift chairs are used for a variety of uses, generally to make moving from one location to another easier. They are also used to help someone be able to get in and out of a chair with ease. Many elderly and those who suffer from arthritis or limited mobility find lift chairs to be the answer to being able to get around easier.

Power lift chairs have a built in motor that changes the position of a seat from sitting down to a complete upright position. These electric lift chairs are specially designed to prevent them from folding down on the individual or tipping over. Most lift chairs have two positions, upright and sitting down. Electric lift chairs can generally hold weight up to 375 pounds. Special chair lifts can be made for heavier individuals.

A newer design on the market is the three position lift chair. They are deeper and wider than the two position lift chairs. The additional position is called the napping position, which is a fully reclined position. The weight limit is the same as that of the two position lift chair.

Many lift chairs are designed to look just like regular chairs and recliners. They blend in well with other furniture and come in a wide array of colors. They are made of many types of fabrics as well including vinyl and leather. Some chairs offer heat and massaging options as well. Prices of lift chairs vary based on the brand, the size, the fabric, options, and how many positions they have. They start as low as $400 and are as much as several thousand dollars.

Lift chairs are also designed to help individuals go up stairs. These are very common in older buildings. However, newer buildings are starting to include them in the event of an emergency when the elevators can’t be used. Two of the most common types of lift chairs are wheel chair lifts and stair chair lifts.

Wheelchair lifts are made of an enclosed area with a wide opening. The individual guides their wheelchair into it while still seated. There are operating buttons inside similar to an elevator. The entry side closes and the lift moves up or down to the desired location. Once it stops, the other side opens and the individual is able to wheel out with ease. These are very popular for employers who require a wheelchair. They are easy to use and the individual does not have to ask anyone for assistance. Wheelchair lifts must meet all ADA requirements.

It is not uncommon for disabled individuals to have a wheelchair lift on one side of their van. This makes getting in and out very easy. These generally work with the use of hydraulics. Most vans can be modified to add a wheelchair lift without too much difficulty.

Lift chairs are commonly used in businesses for individuals who do not have to use a wheelchair, but have difficulty walking up stairs or inclines. These generally have a chair at the base that the individual sits in. They then use the controls to move up or down the lift. The chair moves slowly, but it a great alternative for those who find the stairs to be very difficult to conquer.

Lift chairs are inexpensive, and can easily be added to your home along a stairway if you need to use one on a regular basis. For many people, this option has allowed them to be able to remain in their home rather than move to a one level or assisted living environment.

Lift chairs are a great tool for individuals with disabilities, limited mobility, arthritis, and the elderly. They are used at home, in vehicles, in businesses, and in community buildings. They offer individuals the opportunity to be more self sufficient. Some lift chairs help people get from a sitting to standing position with easy. Others allow them to be able to get into their vehicle. Others allow them to avoid stairs, giving them greater access to most buildings.

If you are interested in a lift chair, it is important to conduct your research. Find out what is available, the best type of lift chair for your needs, and research the company you are working with. You will also want to make sure the lift chair you purchase is ADA compliant and comes with a warranty. Lift chairs come in many sizes, colors, and range in price. Taking the time to fully research the information will result in you being very satisfied with your selection.

Eric Comforth is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics. There is plenty more stair and chair lift information at Stair Lifts and Chair Lifts.

The Importance of Comfortable Conference Chairs

There is more to choosing conference chairs than which colour and whether they are aesthetically pleasing or not. Firstly, you need to set a sensible budget which will allow you to choose from a good range of chairs.

Your conference room is likely to be the place where not only presentations are held, but where potential or existing clients come to discuss business, staff or partner meetings take place and of course conferences are hosted. Therefore, careful thought should go into choosing just the right chair for the job. The ambiance of your conference room is very important, so do think about colour and style as well. This is particularly important if you are hosting potential clients as first impressions do count.

Correct posture and comfort should be high on your list of essentials. Chairs which give support to the spine are particularly important if you intend to have people sitting in them all day. Chairs that are adjustable in height are a good idea if your staff or guests need to use the table for writing or for using a laptop computer. Arm rests are a useful addition which can also promote good posture.

Other considerations include whether the chairs have wheels, can swivel and how much adjustability there will be to the back and the seat. The size of your table or tables and the available floor space also needs some careful thought as you don’t want people feeling cramped or that they are too high or low at the table.

The type of flooring you have will also play a part in your choice as carpets are wheel friendly, whereas surfaces such as wood or concrete are perhaps more suited to non wheeled chairs.

People who are sitting comfortably are more likely to be alert, interested and paying attention to what is being said, than if they are in a chair which is uncomfortable. So it is worth spending a bit of time researching and testing as many models as you can. When you go to test the chairs, take along a several members of staff who vary in size and shape as this will give you a better chance of choosing something that will suit most people. You may even wish to purchase a range of say four styles in the same colour which will give a better choice for those having to sit in them. After all, wouldn’t it be better to allow more people to sit in comfort rather than having some who are in discomfort and can’t wait for the meeting or conference to end. Those people are more likely to try and hurry things forward or even disrupt proceedings.

Finally, be aware that you cannot please all of the people all of the time, so go for something that will please most of the people most of the time.

Burgess Furniture supply high quality durable conference furniture concentrating on just that for over half a century. They offer a full range of stacking tables and chairs for any event and have distributors across Europe. Please see stacking tables and chairs and the German site on http://www.hs-bankett.de/willkommen.html

Power Chairs The Cadillac of Mobility Devices

Do you want to get out of the house? Do you want to enjoy your freedom again? Do you crave the open air? Do you want to be able to live on your own terms? Power chairs give you the mobility and independence you’ve been looking for.

If you are looking to regain your independence, then a power chair is the right option for you! A power chair is an electric wheelchair, but it is designed to be distinctly different than simply a wheelchair with a battery and motor. A power chair has a base with a plastic housing and the chair is more like a captain’s chair than the typical chair you see on a wheel chair. While electric wheelchairs look like traditional wheelchairs with a battery attached, a power chair is designed to be sleeker looking. It is slightly taller but like a traditional wheelchair, it is steered by a joystick in the armrest.

Power chairs come in either front wheel drive (which is the most common) and rear wheel drive. Almost all wheelchairs come with 6 wheels but power chairs have a slight difference in the configuration. Traditional wheelchairs have smaller wheels in front, larger wheels in the back (that you can move with your arms) and a pair of very small wheels at the rear to help avoid mishaps where the user accidentally tips backward.

This configuration is not necessary on a power chair since the design reduces the risk of back tipping. Power chairs still have 6 wheels, but the larger set are up front and there is another sent at the very front of the device so that you can get over a curb.

Here’s how it works: When you approach a curb, slow down as you get nearer. When the very front wheels (the “curb ascenders”) touch the curb, accelerate your power chair and the curb ascenders will lift the chair up the curb so that the large front wheels can grip the top of the curb. Then accelerate again, slowing down to let the back wheels climb at a slower pace (to avoid an uncomfortable bump).

In the early days of your power chair ownership, you’ll quickly discover that although the power chair can climb some curbs and steps, it can also get stuck because the clearance on the chair is fairly low. In those early days, you may want to bring a cane with you so you can push yourself off of the curb if you do get stuck on it.

Power chairs are the next generation wheelchair in that they combine the mobility and turning radius of a wheelchair, but they do it with style and power and improved design and comfort, too. If you want your independence and mobility back, a power chair is the way to go. Try out different kinds and find the one you like best!

Owner of www.AssistiveLivingMobility.com, Assistive Living Mobility with articles about assistive living.

Issues Raised by Spinal Cord Injury

You may come across with the task to write Health thesis and you have completely no ideas about its arrangement, do not be frightened and read our guiding principles where you can discover a lot of appealing information. First of all, you ought to be sure in the name of your Health thesis. It must be obvious, diminutive and striking for the person who reads. Health thesis presupposes the existence of a great number of scientific terms. Here are some useful tips on how to write outstanding nursing theses:

The topic you are going to choose should be related to the field you are planning to work at.

Your Health thesis, MD thesis write, Nursing thesis or MD thesis writing can be a topic from one of the listed below sections: Home or Hospice Care; Relationship between the nurse and the patient; or Adjustment of responsibilities between the nurse and the doctor; Comparison of nursing for private and public hospitals; or even the History of nursery development.

Health thesis, MD thesis write or MD thesis writing’ style is rather specific: you should use simple, clear words, and appropriate terms if necessary.

Health thesis, MD thesis write, Nursing thesis or MD thesis writing should not be too broad, since you will not be able to cover the issue.

Health thesis, MD thesis write or MD thesis writing should not be theoretical only, as its issue anticipates certain practical application.

Consultations with your examiner and, if possible, hospital supervisor will deepen your knowledge of the issue and advance your research of the Health thesis, MD thesis write or MD thesis writing

Advantages of writing an outstanding Health thesis, MD thesis write or MD thesis writing should not be neglected:

Health thesis, MD thesis write or MD thesis writing will be a great start of your career;

Innovational information in your Health thesis, MD thesis write or MD thesis writing may advance the development of the science;

Some interesting Health thesis, MD thesis write or MD thesis writing findings may be published in the recognized nursing journals.

This article has been represented by Alex Peterson. If you want more information about MD Thesis Writing or need Health Thesis help and Nursing Thesis help so you can easily contact us from our website: thesisquest.com

Craniosacral Therapy Manipulating Your Brain and Spinal Cord

Sometimes a light touch is all you need. At least, that’s what proponents of craniosacral therapy believe. This relatively new type of massage, which has only been widely used in the alternative mainstream for about 30 years, works to alleviate problems associated primarily with pain and loss of function. It does this by applying very light pressure to evaluate and correct the body’s craniosacral system: connected to the brain and spinal cord.

While the people who seek out cranisosacral therapy are sometimes disabled individuals or parents of babies who have undergone some type of birth trauma, it is also recommended for people who suffer from migraines, tension, anxiety and other relatively minor disorders. People who have it often report a variety of benefits, including improved sleep, better mobility and increased energy.

Unlike many other alternative treatments, there is lots of anecdotal evidence that craniosacral therapy can work – at least in very disabled patients. However, there is very little scientific evidence to back that up. And whether it will help you to sleep better, or make your baby’s colic go away or feel better, is also still up for discussion.

How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?

Also known as CST or cranial osteopathy, this therapy centers around a very light massage on the craniosacral area, working the spine and the head together to realign bones, allow the spinal fluid to flow unrestricted, and reduce pain. Like many alternative therapies it claims to help the body heal itself, and says that by doing so it can bolster our ability to fight disease and help treat a variety of problems associated with either dysfunction or pain.

While having someone play around with your brain and spinal cord may sound a bit dicey, the massage is actually completely non-invasive and quite relaxing, involving a cranial osteopath gently manipulating your skull as you lie on a massage table and try not to think of Frankenstein.

It all started thanks to one Dr William G. Sutherland, who believed that the bones in the skull were pliable, and that by gently moving them and touching the membranes, muscles and tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, other bodily functions could be fixed, enhanced and improved.

According to one massage website, “when blockages occur in spinal fluid, an inharmonious balance in the body can occur, resulting in muscle and joint strain, emotional disturbances, and the improper operation of the body’s organs and central nervous system”.

Sutherland died in 1954, but he began teaching his ideas in the 1930s, and established the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation a year before his death. His work was carried further by John Upledger DO, who has even founded his own institute called the Upledger Institute.

Since then his methods have been expanded on, and while several big academic treatises have been published expanding the technique’s merits, others have claimed that there is little scientific evidence to back them up.

One reason that may be the case is because of the wide spectrum of ailments craniosacral therapy claims to be able to treat. They include everything from chronic fatigue to colic to scoliosis, and also include autism, learning difficulties and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Benefit to Babies

Craniosacral therapy has long been seen as a way to relieve minor problems in newborns and infants. It is thought that during delivery the head and muscles near the head may be traumatised, especially if there has been an aided birth using forceps or ventouse suction.

While there is no evidence that CST can help, no adverse effects have been reported and the vast majority of babies – and their parents – find the whole affair a calming, relaxing experience.

Reasons parents take their babies to a craniosacral therapist include:
Reflux/colic
Sleeping problems
Feeding problems
Inability to breastfeed properly
Excess crying
Asymmetrical head shape

Please note that if you decide to take your baby to a craniosacral therapist yo may be able to get help from your insurance company to pay for it, so get a referral before you go.

Helping Disabled People

CST can also be of benefit to people who have experienced severe medical problems, such as spinal cord injuries due to accident, cerebral palsy and other conditions. While proponents of it as a healing tool do not claim that it can cure problems, they hope that its less-invasive techniques can help patients develop their own muscle and nervous systems to protect themselves against further worsening of the condition, or other disease in general.

According to a craniosacral therapist who has worked with adults who have cerebral palsy for the last five years: “Many of these look forward to their CST sessions to relieve tight and twisted fascia that impedes the cerebral spinal fluid from circulating easily. Many report fewer headaches and backaches, less stress and more mobility. This often makes a significant difference in the quality of life for someone with disabilities.”

While insurance will probably not cover CST to treat CP, if the condition was a result of an accident at birth, your pay-out may be able to cover it.

Scientific or Silly?

CST is known as a gentle yet powerful treatment that has positive effects for many people. While it may not work for everyone – and while it doesn’t claim to be able to cure everything – the fact that it is non-invasive with no adverse effects means many people are willing to give it a go.

Before you break into your bank balance, however, keep in mind that this therapy – like most alternative and/or complementary treatments – has its critics. “I do not believe that craniosacral therapy has any therapeutic value. Its underlying theory is false because the bones of the skull fuse by the end of adolescence and no research has ever demonstrated that manual manipulation can move the individual cranial bones,” writes Dr Stephen Barrett MD in his Quackwatch website.

“Nor do I believe that ‘the rhythms of the craniosacral system can be felt as clearly as the rhythms of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems,’ as is claimed by another Upledger Institute brochure. The brain does pulsate, but this is exclusively related to the cardiovascular system, and no relationship between brain pulsation and general health has been demonstrated.”

As always, you be the judge…

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care an appropriate health care provider.

Sarah Matthews is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a therapist or more personal care articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Craniosacral Therapy: Manipulating Your Brain and Spinal Cord

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