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Health Is Our First Muse
Methodologies
Integrated Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Somatic Education
As a licensed orthopedic physical therapist with over 30 years of extensive mind-body movement technique training, Irene is uniquely qualified to offer a wide range of integrated physical therapy, rehabilitation, and somatic education to meet each of her client’s needs.
Irene creates individualized programs, employing various training systems to facilitate your body's therapeutic and rehabilitative needs. Whether you're seeking physical therapy, improved athletic performance, or greater body awareness, Irene will tailor a program specifically for you.
Physical Therapy Evaluation and Consultation
All new clients receive a physical therapy evaluation that includes manual muscle testing and a postural assessment. The initial evaluation helps establish an objective hypothesis and set a course of direction for exercise protocols. Irene fosters open communication, facilitating each client's goal-reaching process. In addition to helping you reach short-term and immediate goals, Irene will also help to expand and create a more positive relationship with your body.
Spine Stabilization
Spine Stabilization training challenges the neuromuscular control of the upright postural system. Supporting the lower back from within helps prevent injury from repetitive movement, sustained postures, and trauma. Much of the training therefore revolves around core stability, which is essential for the maintenance of an upright posture and plays a vital role in functional movements such as bending, squatting and lifting. Areas of focus: lumbar spine and cervical spine, in its neutral position with dissociation of the hip and shoulder girdle.
The Pilates Method
Pilates is a physical conditioning method rooted in the alignment of the spine and pelvis in neutral position. Specialized equipment with springs and levers allows for the modification of training exercises, increasing or decreasing in difficulty as needed. Pilates improves core strength, increases muscle tone, and flexibility.
GYROTONIC® Method
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a gentle system of exercises designed to balance the body, aiding in steady and agile movement. This system uses a series of circular movement patterns and synchronized breathing. The stretching, twisting and rotating exercises restore flexibility to the spine, release joints from constriction, stimulate the neuromuscular system, and improve movement awareness.
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Mental Imagery
As with landscapes, our minds are full of peaks and valleys. But instead of literal terrain, our minds are shaped by the images we absorb over a lifetime. These images, particularly those from mass media, affect our state of mind in relation to our bodies. Visualization exercises sharpen your physical perception while increasing the ability to explore your internal sense of self. A combination of visualization and movement sequences facilitates subtle physical adjustments that will deepen your connection to physical effort.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is an integrated approach that addresses a person's totality. As such, the underlying philosophy in PNF centers on untapped human potential. PNF sessions target the sensory receptors that inform the spatial relationships to our movements. The sessions also challenge nervous and muscular system responses, helping improve range of motion and alleviate fatigue.