Complementary Services
At Center IMT, we offer several services that are complementary modalities to Integrative Manual Therapy. They include endermologie, functional medicine, acupuncture and hypberbaric treatment.The following information written by Kimberly Burnham, M.T., I.M.P.,C. provides an interesting perspective on endermologie and hyperbarics in conjunction with Integrative Manual Therapy.
Endermologie and Hyperbarics As An Adjunct to Integrative Manual Therapy
The endermologie program is part of our approach to supporting and fixing up the structure of the lymphatic and immune systems. Designed in France for the treatment of lymphedema and other medical conditions, the endermologie machine is used in the United States primarily for cellulite treatment. The reason it has been successful with both lymphedema and cellulite is that both conditions are caused by dysfunctions of the lymphatic system resulting in an accumulation of fluid and toxins in the tissue. This also leads to adhesions of the connective tissue and a lack of tissue flexibility.
The equipment from LPG USA helps drain excess fluids by creating a suction effect with nozzles, which look somewhat similar to a vacuum cleaner attachment. The amount of suction and frequency of suction can be varied by the therapist and the treatment should be comfortable for each client. The suction effect mobilizes excess fluid and moves fluid and toxins through the lymphatic system where they can be more effectively dealt with than if they stay trapped in the tissues.
The reason this approach is so successful in conjunction with Integrative Manual Therapy is that once the fluid and toxins are moving, the IMT hands-on treatment helps fix up the structure of the lymph nodes, the liver, kidneys, etc. which are being asked to deal with the excess fluids. The IMT work also helps repair problems in areas having a deficient immune response to the toxins. Without an approach such as IMT, the reason for the swelling and toxicity in the tissues is an ongoing problem and treatment becomes a part of a maintenance program rather than the recovery program it is at Center IMT.
If assessmentin our clinic shows that a client can benefit from endermologie treatment, they books an appointment specifically for the endermologie with one our therapists trained in this modality, they dress in a special nylon body suit, which enables the therapist to glide the nozzle over the body surface. The client lies on a therapy table and the treatment typically lasts an hour with pre and post assessment but can be longer.
The endermologie is part of what we call Plan A. A client who is on Plan A schedules one hour of endermologie, followed by two or more hours of Integrative Manual Therapy and then on the same day, if possible has a hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
The benefit of doing all three is that the endermologie mobilizes the fluids and toxins, the Integrative Manual Therapy treats the causes of the excess fluid and helps the person detoxify their system, the hyperbaric oxygen treatment then infuses the tissues with oxygen, which is an important nutrient in the recovery of injured tissues.
The client that participates in the hyperbaric oxygen program books an appointment with Hyperbaric Services of America, fills in some forms including a referral from their MD for hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Considerations with this treatment include the individual's medical history and any appliances such as shunts or implants. Clients should also be aware that flying is not permitted within 12 hours before or after hyperbaric oxygen treatment since the client receives 100 percent oxygen and is pressurized in a large clear tube during the treatment.
Further information on endermologie can be obtained at www.endermologie.com or calling LPG USA at 1-800-222-3911. More information on hyperbaric oxygen can be found at /www.hyperbaricservices.com or by calling Hyperbaric Services of America at (877) 472-4268.
