Case Report on the Effectiveness of the Neurofascial Process Techniques

Author: Maryellen Ogrean, P.T.

Abstract: This case report will show the functional gains of using Neurofascial Process with a patient that has been diagnosed as having Epilepsy and Mental Retardation. This is an Integrative Manual Therapy technique developed by Dr. Sharon W. Giammatteo, which assists in the integration of all body systems. The functional and behavioral outcomes documented in this article are profound.

Key Words: Epilepsy, Mental Retardation, Neurofascial Process

History

This case report will show the functional gains made with one patient using Neurofascial Process techniques. This is an Integrative Manual Therapy technique developed by Dr. Sharon W. Giammatteo, which assists in the integration of all body systems, "...is a differential diagnosis and treatment approach which addresses body and mind dysfunction. This approach allows the practitioner two premises. One premise gives the ability to recognize areas of dysfunction which contribute to the dysfunctions of other parts of the body. Another premise of this work gives the ability to determine the non-physical process which is a part of the physical dysfunction" (1).

The patient is a forty-four year old male with a diagnosis of epilepsy and mental retardation. He has received Integrative Manual Therapy for the past two years, addressing multiple structural dysfunctions. The family was given Neurofascial Process techniques to do as a home exercise program helping to integrate the new levels of function. The family was not compliant with performing the Neurofascial Process at home. In May 2000, all treatment was focused on Neurofascial Process techniques at home and in the clinic. The symptoms exhibited, prior to focusing on the Neurofascial Process included:

1) Dizziness on a daily basis.

2)Inappropriate anger directed at caregivers, for example, stating the desire to buy a gun in order to shoot someone who made him angry.

3) Reports of fatigue after approximately three to four hours of light activity. 4) Frequent perseveration using one to four word phrases.

5) Inability to read.

Treatment

The Neurofascial Process was performed at the clinic by a practitioner along with one or two aides. At home it was performed by relatives and aides. Neurofascial Process sites were connected to the right eye, bilateral parietals, the heart, and to all Process Centers. This process required approximately four hundred hours to complete.

Outcome

The patient's primary caregiver, his sister, reported observing the following changes during the Neurofascial Process: "Here is a list of changes you asked for since we started the NFP on John. Even the most minute changes are exciting to see. John is evolving. Though I feel his anti-epileptic medications still sedate him, his attention span, alertness, concentration, energy and confidence are so much better. He is forty-four this month and is learning to read. His tutor is ecstatic with his progress. John has the ability to think clearer now, whereas before he could not vocalize a thought which was very frustrating to him and anyone listening to him. There was much confusion. Today, he is more peaceful and expressive. John's eyes are tracking bilaterally more often than in the past.

"Physically, there is great improvement. He walks up and down stairs like you and I without holding on to a handrail. Before, it was one step at a time with right foot guidance. He stands straighter longer. The bend in his stance is much less; thighs are smaller because of this. John can participate in short hikes and keeps up with a full day of activities with the rest of his friends. Before he could not walk half a block without a dizzy spell. He'd be listless and disoriented with any expended energy. Before you ever treated John, he was severely affected by changes in the weather. As storms would build he literally would have dizzy spells one after another all day long; sometimes for two days. If he got excited he would get dizzy. Seldom will he have a dizzy spell today. The duration and intensity are much less.

"John is a happier person today. He's got an awareness about himself now. The day he turned forty-four he wanted to know if he was considered a senior citizen now!" (2).

Patient was re-evaluated in August 2000 with the following changes noted:

1. Dizzy spells are now less than one time in two weeks, even with weather changes.
2. No angry outbursts during treatment, and no apparent anger directed toward caregivers.
3. Speaking in more complete sentences with the ability to engage in and initiate conversation.
4. Working and co-operating with the reading teacher; currently working on phonetic reading.
5. Increased activity level to approximately eight hours, including outings to therapy, reading class, bowling, baseball games, fishing, hiking, and volleyball.

Discussion

The patient has shown significant functional improvement within the last three months as listed above. The only therapeutic intervention during this time has been Neurofascial Process. This report shows the importance of techniques that improve integration of all systems in the body, especially those that address the body mind process problems . Neurofascial Process is extremely important to use in all cases to help reach optimal function.

References

1. Giammatteo,T., W. Giammatteo,S.. Integrative Manual Therapy for the Autonomic Nervous System and Related Disorders. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 1997, p. 5.

2. Personal letter from caregiver to Regional Physical Therapy of Connecticut. Colorado Springs, Colorado. July 29, 2000.