About DRI
The body loves to move. It moves fluidly out of its center and spirals back into it; it twists, turns and leaps. It can carry weighty objects or play all day. At least, that's how it used to be. As we age, we lose the "spring" of the spine and the slide of the joints. Injuries, surgeries, scars, burns and other insults to the body accumulate and the connective tissue hardens. We, frequently without noticing, begin to lose the ease and grace of our movement. Pain and dysfunction set in, and arthritic conditions begin to develop in our joints. Having observed this phenomenon, I have developed a body work therapy that addresses the entire muscular-connective tissue system as it moves dynamically. I call it Dynamic Re-Integration (DRI) to refer to the process of getting the body parts to work together in natural movement. Many of my clients claim that it has helped them regain the flexibility, ease of movement and pain free living of their youth.
DRI works with the body's natural desire to be in motion. The heart of DRI is an observational process. We begin by looking at how the body operates in gravity, how it achieves basic movement functions, and also how it moves through space. Starting at the shortest point and following the sometimes surface, and sometimes deep, interconnected pathways, pressure is applied to warm and lengthen the connective tissue. Most people do not have a clear idea of just what the connective tissue is, and assume it is the muscles, which it is not.
For a more in-depth look at fascia, please refer to the All About Fascia section in the menu.
The connective tissue is the matrix in which all the systems of the body exist. It is a 3-Dimensional web in which the nerve network, blood vessels/capillaries, and lymphatic tubules weave in and out. It is the sacs that hold our organs, the anchors that keep the ducts in place, and the sheaths that the muscles slide in. The connective tissue is also the tendons and ligaments that move the joints, which create all of our movement possibility. The connective tissue, when healthy, is "slickery." But when injured or over-stressed, it becomes much more like Saran wrap, and the layered sheaths stick to each other. This sticking together restricts movement and bio-energetic flow.
DRI reverses this process as it goes beyond just addressing the symptoms to track down and eliminate the origins of the injury or pain. Muscle and connective tissue regain vitality and balance through deep tissue applications. Active and passive movements and positions are frequently used during treatment to assess and release the areas of constriction.
DRI uses the principles of:
- Structural Integration
- Postural and Movement Analysis
- Myofascial Release
- Deep Tissue Manipulation
- Spinal Mobilization
- Stretching and Strengthening Techniques
Unlike other manual therapies, DRI employs a 3-Dimensional approach in order to pursue the tightened connective tissue lines through the body. In this way, pressure is applied not only to the surface of the muscle on the front or the back of the body, but all the way through the body treating the depth of the muscle or body part. While the process is similar to deep massage, it involves a much more active participation on the part of the client.
The DRI therapist and client will be working together towards certain measurable results and attainable goals. These goals may include things like a reduction/elimination of chronic headache pain, an increase in the range of motion of a shoulder joint, the strengthening of a foot, or more time spent on the golf course.
Movement classes are also available to augment the therapeutic process. The Dynamic Core Class is designed to enhance the effects of structural bodywork, strengthen the fascial weight-bearing lines, acquire spinal flexibility, and actualize your core potential.
All of these principles are coordinated into a system of processes and techniques that have proven to be powerful aids in moving an individual from chronic pain back to the state of fuller participation in the enjoyment of life. Muscle and connective tissue regain vitality and balance, and you can enjoy moving with greater ease, grace, and less pain.
Your body-in-motion will again enjoy staying in motion.
