Medical Bodywork
Femwell offers specialized evidence-based medical bodywork services specifically for women’s health needs. Medical bodywork encompasses various hands-on techniques to alleviate chronic and acute pain, improve healing after injury, support postoperative recovery, improve body alignment and mobility, prepare for childbirth, improve breastfeeding, and optimize organ function. Femwell currently offers Myofascial Release, Post-Operative Scar Tissue Mobilization, Clogged Duct/Mastitis Management, Gynovisceral Manipulation, Birth Body Balancing, and Cranial Sacral Therapy. All of the bodywork services we offer are backed by medical research and have been shown to significantly improve health outcomes.
Myofascial Release
John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Technique (JFB-MFR) addresses the fascial system, the three dimensional web of connective tissue which connects and surrounds every muscle, organ, and cell in the body. Trauma and/or repetitive motions or positioning (surgeries, injuries, accidents, sitting or standing all day, computer and phone use, etc.) can result in painful restrictions in this system. JFB-MFR is a gentle, hands on approach which gently takes the pressure off of these painful structures to restore function, mobility and health to the tissues. JFB-MFR has been found to be helpful for chronic neck and back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, digestive issues, pelvic pain, carpal tunnel and other nerve entrapment conditions, painful and/or restricted scar tissue and adhesions from surgeries, and more.
Myofascial Release sessions are provided by Jenny Arch, PTA, LMBT and are available as 60 minute sessions. Jenny can also provide a combination of Myofascial Release and Cranial Sacral Therapy techniques within the same session, if desired.
​
​
Post-Operative Scar Tissue Mobilization
​
After a surgical procedure, scar tissue forms in each of the layers of connective tissue the incision was made; the visible scar on the skin’s surface is just the tip of the iceberg. Scar tissue is made up of collagen- just like the tissue it replaces. However, the quality of collagen in scar tissue is not as strong or elastic as the original tissue. Furthermore, scar tissue can develop adhesions (attachments) to other surrounding tissues- skin, muscle, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and organs. Wherever it lays down, it pulls on the surrounding structures- making the area taut and restricting blood flow. This can often result in pain, impaired sensation, restricted movement, and/or dysfunction in that area. Scar tissue massage and myofascial release techniques gently break down scar tissue, promote flexibility, and enhance circulation in the affected areas after post-surgical procedures such as mastectomy, hysterectomy, and c-section.
Post-Operative Scar Tissue Mobilization sessions are provided in 60 minute sessions by Jenny Arch, PTA, LMBT, who is passionate about providing women with a comfortable space to heal vulnerable parts of the body.
​
​
​
Cranial Sacral Therapy
​
Cranial Sacral Therapy is a light touch manual therapy which directly addresses the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and surrounding structures) by stimulating self correction and structural healing down to the cellular level. Stress to the CNS can result in headaches, neurological issues, nerve pain, anxiety, sleep issues, depression, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and other dysfunctions. Touching the Brain techniques, an outgrowth of cranial sacral therapy that our LMBT is trained in, are born out of the past 20 years of glial cell and CNS research. These cutting edge techniques have widespread implications regarding CNS health in many areas including physical health, mental health, addiction, and memory and have the potential to support the CNS and bring one back into health and alignment.
Cranial Sacral Therapy sessions are provided by Jenny Arch, PTA, LMBT and are available as 60 minute sessions. Jenny can also provide a combination of Myofascial Release and Cranial Sacral Therapy techniques within the same session, if desired.
​
​
​
Clogged Duct & Mastitis Management
​
It is estimated that 2 out of 3 breastfeeding women experience clogged milk ducts- congestion of the tube-like structures that carry milk from the lobules, where milk is produced, to the nipple. Clogged ducts occur from inflammation around the ducts, often due to inefficient latch/sucking patterns, prolonged compression of the breast, breast engorgement, incomplete breast emptying, or changes in a baby’s feeding schedule. Clogged ducts result in painful and tender lumps in the breast tissue. If not addressed properly, they can lead to mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that can cause increased breast pain and flu-like symptoms, and/or abscesses.
Recent research shows that common practices, such as heat application, deeply massaging the breast, and pumping to fully empty the breast, can actually make clogged ducts/inflammation worse and lead to recurrence. However, therapeutic ultrasound has been found to offer a gentle yet effective solution for clogged ducts, utilizing sound waves to enhance circulation, dissolve blockages, and decrease inflammation, all contributing to quick and comfortable relief. In addition to therapeutic ultrasound, Dr. Alyssa Brussee, OTD, OTR/L, PCES, CDP utilizes the most recent research-based strategies to help women find lasting relief from clogged ducts and mastitis including manual lymphatic drainage techniques, positioning techniques, and self-care strategies.
Clogged Duct & Mastitis Management sessions are available with Dr. Alyssa as 30 or 60 minute sessions.
​
​
​