“Only the tissues know” — Jean-Pierre Barral DO, MRO(F), RPT

Osteopathic bodywork is a truly holistic approach to wellness that considers the entire organism. All of our internal structures and systems influence the musculoskeletal system. This means that your organs and their fascial containers, neurovascular and lymphatic structures and the liquid crystalline matrix that connects them all, influence how we hold tension and experience pain, but they are often unconsidered in a typical orthopedic assessment hyper-focused on biomechanics.

Understanding that the body is wired for survival and is deeply interconnected, interrelated and hierarchal is integral to treating it effectively. The central nervous system and viscera play a vital role in posture, range of motion and motor control. When we only look at bio-mechanical output without considering the multitudes of sensory input from all of our containers and their contents, it is difficult to make real lasting change. If a body is in a protection pattern it will remain so until what it is protecting has been addressed and the organism feels safe to release that strategy.

If you‘ve struggled with an injury or chronic pain that won’t resolve, despite weeks of rehab and other interventions, there is likely a key systemic component that has been missed. Every session with Jillian is guided by this whole-body paradigm, using the LTAP™ (created by Anna Hartman, AT, MS, ATC, CSCS) to determine where the body needs support. LTAP™ stands for Locator Test Assessment Protocol and is a quick round of orthopedic type tests incorporating osteopathic principles that work with the body’s innate intelligence to determine the area and sequence of treatment.

Sessions may incorporate a blend of manual and movement therapy including but not limited to massage, visceral manipulation, acupressure, neural manipulation, cranial release, joint mobilization, MET, static and dynamic cupping, gua sha, and therapeutic movement. Improvement or resolution of pain varies but most feel meaningful results in 1-3 Sessions.

“The purpose of Visceral Manipulation is to recreate, harmonize and increase proprioceptive communication in the body to enhance its internal mechanism for better health.” — Jean-Pierre Barral, DO, MRO(F), RPT

The viscera refers to the internal organs of the body, such as the liver, stomach, intestines, kidneys etc. Visceral manipulation (VM) is a manual therapy technique developed by French Osteopath and Physical Therapist John-Pierre Barral that has been taught in the US since 1985 through the Barral Institute.

Barral defines VM as a manual therapy consisting of gentle, specifically placed manual forces that encourage normal mobility, tone and inherent tissue motion of the viscera, their connective tissue and other areas of the body where physiologic motion has been impaired.

VM aids in the release of the body’s innermost restrictions and unhealthy compensations. This methodology focuses on the body’s miraculous innate intelligence to heal itself. When an organ’s mobility is increased, it’s motility is also increased leading to better function. As the source of the problem is released, symptoms will start to reside.

The treatment is gentle compression, mobilization and elongation of the soft tissues. The key word is gentle — there is never excessive force used, and it should never hurt! The therapist almost always guides the body first in the direction of ease, to create safety in the system and then increases tissue stretch for maximum release. Some techniques are done seated, others supine or side-lying. The experience is usually pleasant and incredibly relaxing.

VM may affect:

Cellular function by lengthening collagen fibers & improving tissue hydration

Physiological function through normalization of pressure and tension within and between organs

Vascular function through increased circulation, neurological function by re-establishing beneficial communication between brain and body

Endocrine/metabolic function through stimulation of local tissue metabolism that increases serotonin production and therefore general metabolism

Mechanical function by releasing protective musculoskeletal holding patterns

Lymphatic function through improved fluid dynamics and flow

Whether you are recovering from an injury, are a dancer/athlete looking to cross-train, want to maintain overall health, or are looking to get in better shape, Pilates can work for you! The Pilates method invented nearly 100 years ago by Joseph and Clara Pilates, has evolved to become one of the most popular and effective methods of physical training. Many of the exercises work so well they have become physiotherapy canon! The focused detailed work of Pilates builds stability and control and deeper self-awareness.

Breath, mobility, control, alignment, and movement integration are Polestar Pilates principles that are integral to whole body health and longevity. Incorporating Pilates training into your routine can help prevent injury by increasing proprioception (awareness of our body in space) and interoception (awareness of internal processes) through mindful movement and attention to breath as well as via the feedback the apparatus provides to the nervous system with resistance and assistance. This is where the practice sets itself apart, with the equipment providing the body opportunities for not only closed and open kinetic chain movement, but also psuedo closed chain, with the straps/ropes, springs and mobile tower bar. This type of training creates deep intrinsic strength and finesse of all movements. Applying that work in a functional way for your every day life, your sport, and/or your hobbies will take everything to the next level and prevent repetitive use injuries.

Jillian is comprehensively trained via Polestar Pilates, and will use all apparatus and props available to create a bespoke session for each body’s unique needs. Sessions are available in Pasadena or virtually. If you live in LA and own your own reformer, private house calls are an option as well.