Soft Tissue Therapy with Movement (STT) in Vancouver | Yaletown


Soft Tissue Therapy with Movement (STT) was developed, refined, and patented by Michael Leahy, D.C., C.C.S.P.. Dr. Leahy noticed many symptoms with which patients complained of seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand palpation. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of his manual work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients' problems using what is now know as STT. He now teaches and certifies healthcare providers all over the world to use his technique. Dr. Jonathan Gerrard, B.Sc., D.C. is a certified provider in this technique.

This specific soft tissue therapy that engages movement of your body during treatment is a revolutionary proven approach used to successfully diagnose and treat cumulative trauma disorders, whether short or long standing. It has been shown that the use of STT commonly provides 50% improvement after the first to third treatment (8) helping to "actively release" the involved area.lance uses chiropractors

...It hurts so good!

Cumulative trauma disorders, also known as repetitive stress injuries or overuse syndromes, are major problems in the workforce, athletic population, musicians, as well as the general population. These syndromes are more commonly known as rotator cuff syndrome, tennis elbow, tendonitis, plantar fascitis, carpal tunnel, and chronic low back pain, to name a few. Health care costs for these cumulative trauma disorders in the United States is the largest health care expenditure exceeding low back pain and is estimated to cost above $110 billion yearly.

A major problem with cumulative trauma disorders is the accumulation of adhesions, formed initially as a protective mechanism serving to limit the motion of the affected tissues to allow the damaged tissue to heal slowly. Unfortunately, the body does not always read its owners manual and the resulting adhesions are often laid down in different directions not following the direction of muscle action, which ultimately causes restrictions in free movement of your tissues. The other problem is that adhesions form sticky abnormal bands of tissue that grow together in an abnormal way. Adhesions develop between joints and stick or attach to muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, resulting in restricted motion and or numbness or tingling if nervous structures are obstructed. As the tense soft tissue structures rub against each other, eventually, an injury occurs, which heals with inflammation and scar tissue formation (8).

Utilizing this technique Dr. Gerrard may serve as a valuable resource in treating such cases as:

  • Overuse injuries
  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Disc injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Neck Pain
  • Headaches
  • Rotator cuff/shoulder impingement
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
  • Shin splints
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sports injuries
  • Ligament sprains
  • Muscle strains
  • Plantar fascitis
  • Tennis/Golfer's elbow
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Iliotibial band syndrome
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Postural imbalances
  • Post-surgical and traumatic scars

Solution

Ultimately, early assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cumulative trauma disorders from everyday work and/or trauma from sports injuries is ideal; however, long standing adhesions complicated by joint dysfunction etc. can also be addressed. Once these adhesions are released, separated and broken up using STT, the underlying soft tissue will reestablish optimal texture, resilience, and proper function (8), becoming smooth allowing the muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels to move freely on each other. The powerful hands-on application of STT utilized to separate and break up these adhesions is an integral treatment strategy to fast relief.

At Aquarius Chiropractic, we personalize your care, formulating effective diagnosis and treatment strategies, beginning with the identification of the underlying causes and contributing factors as they uniquely pertain to you. Patients are treated according to their specific needs, goals and objectives. This may involve treatment at Aquarius Chiropractic alone, or may involve treatment in conjunction with another health professional. STT is a valuable technique for not only novice and professional athletes, but the workforce as well. Take control and actively release your pain, knowing that we are fully committed to providing quality non-surgical drug-free care.