(614) 653-8111 Sharhartnett@aol.com

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

by | Jun 10, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit, Structural Integration, thought for the day

Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Columbus: A Holistic Approach

When clients come to me in Columbus looking for carpal tunnel treatment, most have already been told the same thing: the problem is a pinched nerve in the wrist that causes pain, tingling and numbness. That is true on one level. The median nerve runs through a narrow passage in the wrist, and when it is compressed, the hand lets you know. But in my years of hands-on work, I have found that the wrist is rarely the whole story. Shoulder and neck posture, tight fascia along the arm, and a ribcage that has lost its ease are often the main contributors. A holistic approach is usually needed if the problem does not go away on its own.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Pain in the wrist, palm or fingers, sometimes traveling up the arm
  • Tingling or “pins and needles,” especially in the thumb, index and middle fingers
  • Numbness that wakes you at night or shows up when you drive or hold a phone
  • Weakness or dropping things
  • Stiffness and swelling in the hand or wrist

Why the Wrist Is Only Part of the Story

The median nerve does not begin at the wrist. It starts in the neck, passes under the collarbone, through the shoulder, and down the arm before it ever reaches the carpal tunnel. Anywhere along that path, tight muscles or restricted fascia can irritate it. Hours at a keyboard, a rounded shoulder posture, an old injury, or simply holding tension in the neck can all add up. Repetitive movements are a big contributor, but so is the way the whole upper body is organized around those movements.

This is why rubbing the wrist or wearing a brace sometimes helps only a little. If the restriction is higher up, the nerve stays under pressure.

How I Work With Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

In my Worthington office, I look at the whole chain: the neck, the shoulder girdle and scapula, the ribcage, the upper arm, the forearm and finally the wrist and hand. Using Craniosacral Therapy and structural integration, I work gently with the fascia to help the tissue soften and the nerve find more room. Nothing is forced. The work is slow and listening, and many people are surprised at how much their wrist changes when their neck and shoulder let go.

Clients who stay with the work for a few sessions often notice a reduction in tingling and night-time numbness, and more ease in daily tasks. Results vary from person to person, and I will always tell you honestly what I am finding.

What You Can Do Right Away

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a gradual process. The smartest thing you can do is face it straight on when symptoms first appear. Rest the hand, stop or change the activities that aggravate it, and pay attention to how you sit and hold your shoulders. Mild cases sometimes resolve on their own in a couple of weeks. Working with a physical therapist and a licensed bodyworker can support that process and help the nervous system settle. If you also carry tension in your neck, my post on neck pain relief is a good place to start.

Please see your doctor if you have constant numbness, muscle wasting at the base of the thumb, or symptoms that are getting worse quickly. Bodywork is a complement to medical care, not a replacement for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can craniosacral therapy help carpal tunnel syndrome?

It can help many people, especially when neck, shoulder or fascial tension is adding to the pressure on the nerve. It is gentle, non-invasive, and works well alongside physical therapy or medical care.

How many sessions does carpal tunnel treatment take?

Many clients feel a change within the first two or three sessions. Longer-standing cases usually take more. We will talk about what you are noticing after each visit and adjust from there.

Is this a treatment for carpal tunnel surgery recovery?

Gentle bodywork can be a good support after surgery once your surgeon clears you for it, helping the scar tissue and surrounding fascia move freely again.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can take you out of work. Listen to your body when you notice the early signs. Being proactive is always easier than being reactive. If you would like to talk about carpal tunnel treatment in Columbus, call or text me for a free 15-minute phone consultation.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D
Worthington, Ohio | Serving the Columbus Area
(614) 653-8111
craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

TMJ and Clenching

by | Jun 6, 2015 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, mind body & spirit, Structural Integration

Does anyone know how to resolve TMJ and Clenching Problems?

I would really like to tell you that there is an easy fix for the pain in your jaw, but that isn’t always true.  While some cases go away by themselves over time, others continue to get worst.

TMJ

TMJ

TMJ is a disorder that can cause stress and pain to the temporomandibular joint and surrounding soft tissue.

With more that 15% of adults living with fascial pain, earaches and ringing, jaw pain and headaches, it may behoove the person suffering from this condition to try various methods to get the help they need.  If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms while opening, closing or moving your mouth, or while sleeping or awakening in the morning, you may be in need of some support to restore and rebalance the positioning of the head, neck and mouth in relationship to healthy postural alignment throughout the body:

  • difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
  • jaw pain while yawning or chewing.
  • pain or ringing in the ear area.
  • hearing and/or feeling popping or clicking sounds.
  • headaches.
  • tenderness around the teeth and gum areas.
  • teeth grinding
  • jaws get stuck or locked.
  • any swelling in the face

These are all common symptoms of what is know as TMD (Temporal Mandibular Disorders).

With a background focused mostly in Structural Integration and Craniosacral Therapy, I have found 5 things that seem to help clients improve and resolve this condition.:

  1. Myofascial Structural Therapy to improve how the head rests over the body.
  2. Craniosacral Therapy to improve movement within the sutures and to create balance in the cranium.
  3. Stretching and Movement Exercises.  Not only are neck exercises crucial for improving neck posture, but also the pelvis needs to be freed up and  symmetry between the legs established in order to help self-correct TMD.  Some great options would be yoga, Feldenkrais, Continuum, gyro tonics and free dancing.
  4. See a dentist for a bite appliance.  However, from a bodyworker perspective, I suggest one for the lower teeth rather than the top which is usually recommended.  Wearing any type of appliance on the top that restricts movement of the maxilla only inhibits healthy movement of the cerebrospinal fluid.
  5. Meditation to reduce stress. The Central Nervous System Stress can play a big factor in mouth disorders by creating tension in the musculature. Letting go of stressful beliefs through inquiry (www.the work.com) or something like breathing exercises or a walk through nature can be very helpful.
  6. Explore options with your pillow.  If you sleep on your back, you don’t need one.  However, if you sleep mostly on your side, there are some nice posturepedic options available.
  7. SomatoEmotional Release helps clients to feel deeply into their bodies and let go of unhealthy energy patterns of stress.

Three things to avoid:  Chewing gum and holding your cellphone in your neck.  Stop slouching and find length in your spine while reading or sitting at a computer.  

If you are in the local Columbus Ohio area, or would like a free  15 minute phone consultation, please feel contact me.

Sharon Hartnett CST, LMT, SI

(614) 653-8111

craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

Sports Related Knee Injury

by | Dec 12, 2014 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, Structural Integration

Knee injury is one of the most common sports related reasons that bring patients to the doctors office.

knee injury

knee injury

 

Be proactive if you feel any pain, notice popping sounds, see any swelling or can’t walk properly.  It is important that you don’t put off getting the proper treatment for knee injury if you want to avoid long-term negative repercussions.  If you are fortunate, with your physician’s recommendation, you can apply basic first aid, and take some Ibuprofen and everything will heal nicely.  However, you don’t have to stop there.  Structural Integration with its fascial massage can be very helpful in alleviating any stress around the knee, the quads, and the hamstrings.  This can be done for minor ailments, or once your doctor recommends if surgery if needed.  The body is miraculous at healing itself.  However, the new tissue that is laid is not going to give you the same mobility you once had in many cases unless the fascia is spread, balanced and lengthens, allowing for more natural alignment.

If you are interested in playing sports and performing to your optimal level,  Structural Integration can be very helpful in supporting you to relate movement to your activities with higher performance.

Working with the fascia can be done starting with the superficial layers to help ease the pain around the joint.   As the work is deepened, it unlocks habitual patterns, and also those that resulted from the injuries.  Often clients feel the positive effects from doing a series of session more than with other types of basic massage.  That is because the adhesions and rotations, once they are released, stay that way,  allowing for more freedom and flexibility.

If you have had a knee injury and are looking for a therapy that can make a difference, call Sharon Hartnett LMT at (614) 653-8111 in  Columbus, Ohio.  

craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

 

 

Trusting the Wisdom Within With Craniosacral

by | Jul 21, 2014 | Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit, Structural Integration

One of the greatest things about Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is that this modality is all about trusting your own body’s wisdom to heal.

Yes it is important to find a Craniosacral Therapist who is knowledgeable and has good experience with your issues.  However- the best session will be all about having faith in the process.

During a Craniosacral Session,  the first thing your practitioner will do is listen to your body to find out where there might be dysfunctional patterns that lead to pain and other ailments.  This is done by starting at the feet and moving up to the head in order to check for amplitude, symmetry and other qualities of the craniosacral rhythm throughout the body.  Once the primary lesion is discovered, it is easy to go to that area and start the session for healing.  The rest is about following the body’s response to the work.

During evaluation and thereafter, Craniosacral Therapy touch is gentle and non-invasive. There are very few contra-indications with CST, yet the effects are far reaching and profound in your healing process.  The primary benefits that you will first feel are relief of pain, more flexibility and often more vitality.  By working primarily with the Central Nervous System as the focus, a Craniosacral Therapist can dialogue with every other body system to support the integration of full body functioning.  Often clients are unexpectingly surprised that there can be so much change in attitude, feeling and sensation after just a few session.

 

Craniosacral Therapy Columbus Ohio

Craniosacral Therapy as taught by the Upledger Institute

If you would like to find out more about Craniosacral,  please contact Sharon Hartnett for a free 15 minute telephone consultation:  (614) 372-6598.  

Craniosacral Therapy is a self-discovery process of remembering your own light!  It’s always present.

Website:  craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

Back Pain

by | Jun 25, 2014 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit, Structural Integration

Lower Back Dysfunction can cause back pain and suffering.

How many things have you tried to find resolution to your pain?

Back Pain Massage

Relieve Pain Symptoms

If you really want to feel better,   it’s important to look long-term and holistically.  I know that people want to find a quick fix- but that usually is not the best approach to healing.  I also know it is easier for most people to go to the doctor and only get prescriptions to relieve pain- but maybe there is a better way that will truly address your real issue.  

Engaging in an integrative program will help you to get to the core of the problem to restore better health and function.  

Is your life worth feeling well?

Let’s begin with the obvious.  Pain is the body’s way of saying, “something is wrong and I am out of balance.”

In particular, when the back is hurting- most likely there is some type of lesion interrupting the flow needed to nourish and support the spine and all the related organs in that area. When the tissues lose their nutrients, the connective tissue tends to dry out and get lumpy or adhered. The spinal cord which is composed of the vertebral bodies and paired sensory and motor nerves that are associated can become hyper-sensitive, hypertrophic,  and hyper-irritable. Voila- a triggered nervous system igniting the sympathetic system with constant bombardment.

So what does this mean for you?

If you want to to find not only long term relief from back pain,  but want to take it a step further to truly moving easier and feeling more vital and alive,  it takes a commitment to make changes in your life.  Speak to your doctor and come up with an all encompassing health plan.  This means exercise, diet and finding a healing team to support you. Working with the fascia and the nervous system is one of the best things you can do to yourself to reverse misalignment issues. By engaging in a 10 series of Structural Integration with Craniosacral Therapy, you can optimize your posture and dis-impact/decompress bones that are causing dysfunctions. Normalizing and releasing adhesions and lesion patterns will bring back your line and feelings of relaxation. As the connective tissue softens and hydrates, you will find yourself feeling more space and opening throughout your whole body.

We all want to feel our best. The challenge is whether you want to stand behind the choice of wellness.  In most cases, unless there has been a recent accident, it takes years for pain to become unbearable.  Give yourself some time and the care you need to turn things around.  Miracles can happen, but be in the process of healing and the wisdom of your body will show you the way.

For more information on Structural Integration, Craniosacral Therapy, and Reiki Energy Healing, call Sharon Hartnett LMT: (614) 653-8111 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.

craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

www.upledger.com

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

by | 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.

Massage in Columbus Ohio

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Rest for about a minute. Notice whether the discomfort fades or builds.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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