Open Mind to Craniosacral Therapy

by SharonHartnett | Dec 18, 2013 | Craniosacral Therapy

Let Craniosacral Therapy help you in your Healing Process

An Article on how CST helped Dr. Wayne Dyer

Dr. Wayne Dyer

I enjoyed this article because it talks about the responsibility of self-healing. While is up to each of to take good care of ourselves, it is also in the hands of others that we can go that extra step in remembering the way. The skill of a Certified Craniosacral Therapist/s will help you to discover deeper inner peace, as well as giving your body new information to release painful patterns. The touch is so gentle and the effects are profound.

Read this article to find out more:

https://www.healyourlife.com/author-kate-mackinnon/2013/12/wisdom/personal-growth/healing-with-craniosacral-therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is not a one time fix it job. The gift of this work is an ongoing releasing of tension and dysfunction. Proactive work will keep you moving with better health and stamina. Give yourself the gift of Healing!

Call Sharon Hartnett LMT in Columbus, Oho for more information

(614) 372-6598

www.massageincolumbusohio.com

Positional Release for Neck Pain After Surgery: What Helped Me Heal

by SharonHartnett | Dec 11, 2013 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, Structural Integration

It’s been almost a year now since my neck surgery. I had a bone spur pressing into my spine and was in excruciating pain. There were not many options, so I made the best decision I could and went in for my first surgery ever to replace my disc.

After the first week or two, I felt very weak in the neck, but the pain was minimal. I said goodbye to my pain medications and hoped to feel back to normal quickly. Well, that did not happen. The doctors say it may be 6 months or so, but it can take longer. And I am here to tell you that if you want to feel better, it is up to you to take responsibility for your own self care. Once the surgery is done, only you can find the best healing plan for you.

Recovering after Spine Surgery

Positional release is a gentle technique where you rest your body in a comfortable position so tight muscles and joints can let go. After my neck surgery, stretching and exercise were too much for me. Positional release was the gentle practice that finally gave me back my freedom of movement.

I’m Sharon Hartnett, a craniosacral therapist in Columbus, Ohio. Here is what worked for me, and how you can try this at home.

Why I needed a long-term plan

My body had gone out of alignment from a combination of factors. I was a little overweight, I didn’t always pay attention to my posture while working on the table with clients, and my body type wasn’t naturally balanced. Even after my [cervical/neck] surgery, I needed a plan to feel better for the long haul.

I’ve focused a little on each approach below, but I choose where to spend most of my energy, which gives me a more holistic sense of health and wellbeing.

What helped my recovery

Positional release: gentle, daily, and the biggest game-changer for my neck (more below)
Physical therapy: guided strengthening and movement
Healthier diet: supporting my body’s healing from the inside
Exercise: added gradually, once my body was ready
Basic stretching: gentle and consistent
Massage, craniosacral therapy, and structural integration: hands-on bodywork to release tension
Yamuna Balls and rolling: self-massage for tight spots
A gentle home traction machine: for easing the neck at home
A chiropractor with a good reputation: reputation matters, so ask around

You may already know how to follow most of these. Positional release is the one I want to explain, because you rarely hear about it and it can be remarkably effective.

What is positional release?

Positional release (also called strain-counterstrain) is a soft tissue technique in which the body is placed in a comfortable position that eases pain and dysfunction. A massage therapist listens to your body to find the position that triggers nerve reflexes to relax the muscle. As the muscles and joints calm down, range of motion and ease of movement often improve quickly.

It’s very helpful to start with a massage therapist who can hold the positions and teach you the technique. Once you get a feel for how it works, it becomes a daily practice, like a mini yoga routine without the work.

How to do positional release at home

This is how I practice every morning to support my neck and body. I spend about 30 minutes in bed.

Set up in bed. Lie on your back or belly and prop yourself with pillows. I often lie on my belly with a pillow propped under me and turn my head to different angles.
Move slowly and mindfully. Ease into a position until you feel mild discomfort and a little resistance. On a scale of 1 to 10, aim for about a 2 or 3.
Rest for about a minute. Notice whether the discomfort fades or builds.
Back off if it’s too much. Never rest in anything more painful than a 2 or 3. If it’s too intense, move away until you’re comfortable.
Try new angles. Repeat with different head and neck positions, resting each time until you find more ease.

Why it worked for me after surgery

In the beginning after my surgery, I tried stretching and exercises, but it was too much for my body. Daily positional release was gentle enough, and it has finally started giving me the freedom of movement I want again. It also helps me trust my body’s own healing mechanisms and work within a range of comfort.

Who can benefit from positional release?

Positional release is often combined with other soft tissue therapies. It’s commonly used for:

Post-surgical aftercare
Headaches
Postural issues
Fibromyalgia
General flexibility

It’s easy, and it’s empowering because you can do it at home without special equipment.

One year later

This January marks my first full year after surgery. My neck feels much better, and my muscles are more balanced and looser. I stay in tune by constantly listening to my body. Self-care is an ongoing process, and it’s easy to get off course when life is busy. But health begins with us, and it really is important to start from within.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I hold each position?
About a minute, or until you notice the discomfort easing. Move slowly in and out of each position.

Does positional release hurt?
It shouldn’t. You’re aiming for mild discomfort, about a 2 or 3 out of 10. If it’s more than that, back off.

Can I do positional release without a therapist?
Yes, many people practice it at home. Working with a massage therapist first can help you learn the positions and feel what’s right for your body.

Is positional release safe after surgery?
It’s a gentle technique often used in aftercare, but everyone’s recovery is different. Check with your surgeon before starting any new self-care routine.

How often should I practice?
I do it daily, about 30 minutes each morning. Start with whatever feels comfortable for you.

This post shares my personal experience and is not medical advice. Please check with your surgeon or healthcare provider before beginning any new self-care after surgery.

Anyone who has undergone surgery, my heart is with you. Listen to your own inner wisdom, because the freedom rests there.

Want help learning positional release in person? I offer craniosacral therapy in Columbus, Ohio and would be glad to guide you.

Warmly,
Sharon Hartnett
Craniosacral Therapist, Columbus, Ohio
614-653-8111
Serving the Columbus, Ohio area

Before you publish:

Fill in the surgery type in the bracketed spot. Specifics build trust with readers, Google, and AI tools.
Where you can, link items in the “what helped” list to pages on your site.
Add a photo of a pillow-propped position with alt text like “lying on stomach with pillow support for positional release.”
If your site supports it, add FAQ schema markup to the FAQ section.

Rolfing and Structural Integration in Columbus Ohio

by SharonHartnett | Nov 4, 2013 | better posture, Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, Structural Integration

Lately I have been getting calls asking if Structural Integration (SI) work is the same thing as Rolfing®.

So in order to clarify this, I have decided to write a short post on the subject. I hope this helps.

The Rolf Institute for Structural Integration

The Rolf Institute® blossomed as Dr. Rolf’s students began to branch out her work into the community and eventually throughout world. The original pioneers of this work called themselves, “Rolfers®”. The school and all its teachers did a great thing in expanding her education and healing work outward.

As with most types of bodywork however, the work began to evolve and different practitioners created their own new approaches to her foundational template. The next generation of Structural Integration Therapist. Thus, the spread of this craft based on fascial work sprouted new wings and took off in different directions.

Currently, there are many schools, some who keep with the original 10 series as Dr. Ida Rolf taught, and others with different formulas. These new practitioners call themselves “Structural Integration” Therapists because they attended the newer schools Also, the “Rolf®” name belongs to the Institute. But- what is similar is that all Structural Integration is originated from the original 10 series. The goal is to create better structural alignment and functioning and ease of movement for the clients.

Ida Rolf’s teaching

She found much success in this Structural Integration work because of the its wonderful ability to re-organize the connective tissues in the body which envelopes and contains all the working muscles, organs and just about everything within. Dr. Rolf established her 10 series “recipe” to be the foundation of this work to address the body from a superficial level to down deep in the core of the body. By focusing on a certain area of the body each session, the body learned how to let go of certain dysfunctional patterns from one week to the other, until they whole body began to relate to itself in a very new way without the habitual stresses from before. This is the whole of integration.

At Lighten Up Therapies in Columbus Ohio and Johnstown, Sharon Hartnett practices Structural Alignment with the basic 10 series as originally taught by Dr. Ida Rolf. She works with the same idea of moving from superficial to deeper, but now with a lighter touch. Communication is key with an ongoing dialogue to make sure the client is comfortable and able to move through the changes well. Connective Tissue massage (fascial work) is beneficial too and may be requested also in hourly sessions. It’s also helpful for people who want to continue their manual therapy on a regular basis.

There are different schools out there and “fascial” work seems to have taken root and is now being taught in regular massage schools. If you are interested though in the “original” series, make sure you ask to see if the work is the same. There are many Structural Integration Practitioners such as Sharon who have not veered off the original intent and have helped clients discover positive change. Dr. Ida Rolf created her work a certain way based on years of experience with great results. The recipe works!

Wishing you the best of finding the best Structural Integration Therapist for you in your area

* This is based on my opinion after conversations with other Structural Integrations who have studied at a variety of schools. If there are other opinions, please add to my blog.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

Worthington, Ohio|Serving the Columbus Area

614 653-8111

To find out more about Structural Integration or Craniosacral Therapy, check out my main page.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

Worthington, Ohio|Serving the Columbus Area

614 653-8111

To find out more about Craniosacral Therapy, check out my main page.

Equine Therapy

by SharonHartnett | Oct 30, 2013 | animal therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K

Getting Ready for my Fourth Training in Coaching with Equine Therapy

It’s been an exciting journey learning how to work as a Coach for people interested in learning leadership skills by sharing space with horses. At the Spirit of Leadership https://www.spirit-of-leadership.com program, I have had the opportunity to find new ways to help shape my program that will be starting in Columbus Ohio in the summer of 2014 to support people wanting to move in the direction of self-discovery, deepening into healthier relationships, walking a spiritual path and wanting to integrate all of this into their daily lives. By experiencing and observing the “way of the horse”, we can be taught so much on how to embody our strengths and live by our values in a meaningful way.

In our last module we set up an obstacle course with the intention of finding a way to move through our own personal and group blocks in order to release whatever stood in our way. Each group set up their unique configuration and we all worked together to find a way to creatively use all of our qualities and efforts to transverse what was set in front of us. It was fun, spontaneous, and effortless when we dropped our judgments and learned to move together as a cohesive unit. Not only did we grow in our human relationships, but the wisdom of the horses mirrored back to us where we needed to go to make our objectives become real. We were able to gain insight in our minds, as well as with a full body inter-related sense of the movement.

As a licensed Massage Therapist, a dedicated healer facilitator and educator, and a Hakomi Practitioner, it has been wonderful to bring the aspect of Nature and Horses into the Healership. I have found that by working with either one horse or many, that a certain magic takes place in how healing information is brought into our full bodied consciousness. Nothing brings me more pleasure than to be in service to the evolution of each person, sentient being and every aspect of Nature. It is with the Sacred movement between earth and spirit that we find truth and meaning in our lives.

I am looking forward to the next summer to coach with some of the Tellington Touch work I have learned, and in helping individuals, and groups to trust and grow from the deeper intelligence of life through contact with the horses and their herd.

Wisdom of the Horse

Warmly,

Sharon Hartnett LMT

Johnstown and Worthington, Ohio

Craniosacral Therapy Dolphin Assisted Retreat

by SharonHartnett | May 11, 2013 | Craniosacral Therapy

I cut and pasted this Craniosacral Dolphin Therapy information off of the Upledger site. I have participated in the Beginner and Advanced Training with the Dolphins and can say that they are exceptional programs. Something to be put on the life bucket list for sure! I am new to the Columbus area, and would be thrilled to work with clients who are interested in Craniosacral Therapy, and support their transition to the program in the Bahamas. Maybe even jump on a plane to go assist!

Interspecies Learning

DATIP July 25-28, 2013 Freeport, Bahamas (New Dates for 2016 now available)

This four-day Comprehensive Therapy Program includes dolphins and their incredible ability to assist healing. We consistently find the dolphins to be active participants in the therapeutic process. This is combined with traditional CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in the beautiful and supportive environment of the Bahamas.

In the Integrative Intentions Dolphin Assisted Therapy program, we trust and facilitate the inclusion of our natural environment in the healing process. CST therapy is our primary modality and relies upon the innate healing capacities of our own nature. Dolphins offer their assistance in the healing process. We intend to facilitate, with their assistance, to bring holistic dimensions into your therapy. Dolphins frequently offer us their unique ability to facilitate healing. We will be respectfully asking them to participate and assist in your healing process. This brings some unique holistic dimensions into this work.

We have found that the uniqueness of each individual exchange with dolphins brings a very individualized, specific and universal dynamic to the process. Regardless of what you have read or been told by others and the images you might have, we invite you to come and experience for yourself.

Advance Preparation: Recommended Reading: Dolphins and Their Power to Heal. We also have some valuable information for you regarding your BioAquatic Exploration experience, available at https://www.upledger.com/seminar_info/Terms/BADAinfo.doc

Supplies: What to Bring:

Essential items:
– Swimsuit appropriate for Therapy
– Lip protection with sunblock
– Hat
– Windbreaker
– Light sweater or fleece top
– Clothing for layering, including a long-sleeve shirt that you don’t mind getting wet
– Waterproof bag for items that must remain dry
– Ear plugs – (if you choose to wear ear plugs while in the water)
– Sunscreen (Anything that says “faces” on it will not burn your eyes in the salt water)
– Water shoes
Shoes are worn in the ocean to protect feet from sharp rocks and shells; they need to have solid soles and sides. These would be necessary for work in the water in the afternoon, but are not necessary for the dolphin therapy.

Optional items:
– Snacks
– Cameras (Underwater photography is not allowed at the Dolphin Experience)
– Zinc Oxide
– Wetsuit (advised for those who may be concerned about their body temperature, infants and small children. The water temperature will probably be in the high 70’s to 80’s.) The shop at UNEXSO sells suits of various sizes and thicknesses to fit most people, however, there is less available for little ones.)

Attire: Please wear a bathing suit appropriate for therapy, under your clothes, bring a towel and clothes to change into later.

Times: The patients and therapists will meet each morning at 9:00 a.m. At that time each patient discusses his or her treatment experiences, any noticeable changes, asks questions and expresses themselves. Staff members will answer any questions or concerns participants may have and review a brief outline of the day’s schedule. We usually have a short time for table work after which the group will then walk a short distance to UNEXSO where we need to sign in and await the boat or bus which we will board and ride to the Dolphin Experience. Once we arrive at Sanctuary Bay, the location of the DAT portion of the CTP, we disembark and walk on a boardwalk which takes us up a ramp to the waiting area, then down a steep ramp to the dolphin area. We are at this location for approximately one hour.

After the Dolphin Experience, you will take a break for lunch. You may either return to your hotel, or explore The Lucayan Marketplace for lunch or shopping (across the street from The Radisson Hotel and the Reef Hotels and next to Pelican Bay). The remainder of the day will be spent in multi-therapist sessions in the conference therapy room on tables or in the water, as is appropriate for each client.

Program Location:
The non-water portion of the program will be held at
Pelican Bay at Lucaya
Sea Horse Road at Port Lucaya
Grand Bahama
Phone:242-373-9550
www.pelicanbayhotels.com
GROUP RATE, discount code 130619INTE, (2013 rates): $139.00 for single occupancy (with tax etc = $164.02/night)
$154.00 for double occupancy (with tax etc = $181.72/night)
Room rate includes breakfast each morning.

Meeting in the Coral Room in the Canal House of the Pelican Bay.

Directions to Program Location:
Upon your arrival in the Bahamas, taxi service is available and recommended from the airport to your hotel in Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama. When you are assigned a taxi, it is advisable to establish the fare before you embark. Small bills will be required for most trips. A taxi is available from the airport to your hotel. The rate is approximately $20.00 each way for the first 2 passengers and $8.00 for each additional passenger. Transportation prices are subject to change. It is best to confirm rates with the driver before departing the airport.

Car Rental:
Car rentals are available near the airport. We have listed a few with their
daily fees, they may have weekly fees available (rates subject to change):
Bahama Buggies – 242-352-8750/$65 per day
Gator’s Car Rental – 242-351-2639/$55 per day
KSR Rental Cars – 242-351-5737/$50 per day
M&K Car Rental – 242-351-3830/$50-$70 per day
Zulu’s Rentals – 242-351-5230/$50 per day

Cancellation/Refund Policy:
Tuition is fully transferable and refundable up until 90 days prior to the start date. Due to the unique expenses involved, a $600 fee is necessary for transfers or cancellations within 90 days of the course. Transfers or cancellations within 60 days of the start date are subject to a fee of 50% of the tuition. Refund requests must be made in writing within 12 months of registration and at least 90 days in advance of the course start date.

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Sharon Hartnett CST

haron Hartnett Craniosacral Therapist Columbus

614 653-8111

Serving the Columbus, Ohio Area

For information, go to my main page.

www.upledger.com

$4,700.00

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