We will direct questions to the appropriate therapist and post questions and their answers
for everyone to see.
Please email your questions to askatherapist@orlanutherapies.com.
Q: I am suffering with increasing severity of tinnitus (ringing is high pitched). I was once diagnosed with weak chi. I understand that that may be related to kidney function. Related symptoms include: my teeth are decalcifying; I have dry eyes; and I have pains horizontally across my stomach below my rib cage about waist level—usually from left to right. I do periodic kidney and liver flushes. I eat organic foods, mostly vegetarian. Please help! What can I do?
A: Michele Rozansky, PT
You are doing wonderful things to improve your digestive system's health. I'd also recommend evaluating the craniosacral system which literally houses, nourishes and directs our central nervous system, which in turn pilots all of our body's physiological systems. Given our lifestyles, it is very easy to develop restrictions in the soft tissue that surrounds our nerves and that can impede their function (a possible explanation for the tinnitus and the difficulty in absorbing calcium).
Also, decalcification can be a metabolic problem that would need to be addressed more specifically with nutritional analysis. It is unclear how you were tested for the disorder. That would need to be done on a 1-on-1 basis for more exact recommendations.
Q: Will I always have Fibromyalgia?
A: Michele Rozansky, PT
Not necessarily, Fibromyalgia can be a multitude of symptoms, muscular pain, hormonal imbalance, digestive challenges, and sleep disorders. All physiological systems need to be addressed—via the immune system—and they can be. Nutrition, lifestyle challenges as well as soft tissue restrictions can easily be addressed with a variety of manual therapies and exercise.
Q: How may Orlanu’s approach differ from other clinics?
A: Holly Haebig, OTR/L, CMT
We strive to help patients discover the tools for self-care that work best for them at any given moment. We want patients to be knowledgeable about their bodies and understand how and why stretching, strengthening, relaxation exercises, etc., help in the healing process. Many people we meet were instructed correctly, but have little understanding as to why they should be doing these things and it becomes less meaningful and less empowering, especially long term. People seem to heal when they are motivated, and knowledge is motivating and empowering.
Q: I have had head aches for the past two years. Nothing seems to help them. How could craniosacral therapy help when nothing else has helped me?
A: Anne Becker, OTR/L
The craniosacral system is made up of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that go around and attach to the brain and spinal cord. These same membranes also attach to the bones of the skull, face, mouth, and the sacrum or tailbone area. If a restriction or tissue tightness occurs anywhere in this delicate system, it can lead to pain, sensory or motor symptoms including headaches. Craniosacral therapy is a hands-on gentle approach used to detect and correct these restrictions. It restores normal tissue mobility and alleviates pain symptoms.
Q: How can massage therapy help me?
A: Sigrid Londo, CMT
On a physical level massage improves circulation by increasing the blood flow to your tissues and organs. The gentle stroking movement brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissue, reducing ischemia—related pain. Massage also detoxifies the body by hastening the removal of metabolic waste and strengthens the immune system by stimulating the circulation of lymphatic fluids. Flexibility and mobility are facilitated by the softening and lengthening of muscle fibers thereby freeing restrictions in connective tissue.
Q: What makes yoga therapeutic?
A: Anna Rychner, RN, CYI
Hatha yoga as a physical discipline has many health benefits. It gently identifies and adjusts muscle imbalance, improves flexibility and encourages relaxed attention and concentration. The healing effects are the aftermath of doing the practices consistently over a period of time. Individual therapeutic yoga sessions offer the benefits of hatha yoga with an extra element of safety and personalized attention to accommodate special needs. Recent research has demonstrated that yoga has relieved client's pain, including lower back, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. It has improved their mood and decreased the need for pain medication. Individualized sessions may supplement your current exercise program or provide a gentle approach to the physical strengthening and inner exploration necessary for healing. I recommend individual yoga sessions rather than a class for those compromised by any physical or emotional condition.
Q: How does trauma stress relate to breathwork?
A: Cheryl Maes, OTR
Breathwork facilitates relaxation of musculature and soft tissue, increases circulation and energy, boosts the immune system, and allows for ease of emotional release for greater clarity
