top of page
IMG_8876.JPG

Neurosensitive Manual Therapy

What is Neurosensitive Manual Therapy?

We base our techniques off of the fact that all tissues of the body are intricately interconnected. Treating hypermobility and chronic pain requires a dynamic approach to rehabilitating the mechanical, neuromuscular and motor control systems of the body. We use a highly specialized and integrated skill set of listening, palpating, observing, assessing, and coordinating multiple systems of your body to apply interventions.

​

Our manual therapy focuses on:

  • Proprioceptive input (safety and awareness)

  • Tone regulation (not stretching)

  • Symptom relief to allow strengthening

  • Slow, controlled strengthening

  • Graded exposure to feared movements 

  • Activity pacing

  • Stability over flexibility

  • Consistency over intensity

IMG_8876.JPG

1. Joint Approximation & Compression - Gentle compression through a joint (e.g., shoulder, hip, spine)

  • Improves proprioception (joint awareness)

  • Activates stabilizing muscles reflexively

  • Often immediately reduces pain
     

Best for:

  • “Floaty” joints

  • Instability-related pain

  • Patients who feel better with braces or pressure
     

2. Low-Grade Joint Mobilizations - Small oscillatory movements without pushing into end range

  • Modulates pain via nervous system

  • Provides safe movement input without destabilizing

 

Best for:

  • Acute flare-ups

  • Guarding/spasm

  • Painful but not stiff joints

​

3. Gentle Myofascial Release - Sustained, low-load pressure into fascia

  • Reduces protective muscle tone

  • Helps with central sensitization

  • Can improve body awareness
     

Best for:

  • Chronic muscle tension

  • Widespread pain (EDS, fibromyalgia overlap)

​

4. Careful Trigger Point Therapy - Sustained pressure on tender points

  • Can reduce referred pain patterns

  • Helps overactive stabilizers relax

 

Best for:

  • Secondary muscle overuse (e.g., upper traps, hip flexors)

​

5. Neurodynamic / Nerve Gliding Techniques - Gentle movement of nerves through their pathways

  • Reduces neural sensitivity

  • Improves tolerance to movement

 

Best for:

  • Burning, tingling, radiating pain

  • High nervous system sensitivity

​

6. Diaphragm & Rib Cage Manual Work - Hands-on work to improve breathing mechanics

  • Many hypermobile patients have:

    • Shallow breathing

    • Rib flare

    • Poor core coordination
       

Benefits:

  • Improves core stability indirectly

  • Downregulates nervous system

  • Reduces neck/shoulder overuse

​

7. Nervous System–Focused Techniques - Very light touch, rhythm-based techniques

  • Targets autonomic dysregulation

​

Benefits:

  • Useful for symptom relief in:

    • POTS

    • Chronic fatigue

    • High sensitivity patients

​

8. Positional Release - Placing body in positions of ease to reduce tension

  • Calms overactive muscles

  • Very low threat to system
     

Best for:

  • Highly sensitive or flare-prone patients

  • Early-stage rehab

bottom of page