The applications of Ortho-Bionomy can seem profound in their results. Let us look at the
shoulder, for example:
- A tender point is identified at the coracoid process. The arm is gently moved into the correlating comfortable position of release, usually curving or caving around the tender point. Light compression is applied from the elbow back toward the shoulder joint. This gentle positioning with compression is held from 10 to 30 seconds, and then the arm is slowly lowered back to the table and the tender point is rechecked for tenderness. Generally the pain is reduced or gone, and tension and tightness around the point have also diminished.
- Facilitating a release for all the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint may require more than one positioning. There are actually eight specific OrthoBionomy reflex points and positions to release a shoulder, and each corresponding position helps release the various muscle groups surrounding the joint. In severe cases of frozen shoulder, it is particularly important to respect any resistance to movement in the joint and approximate the positioning within the comfort zone of the client.
- All releases depend on fine-tuning the position by moving in accord with the path of least resistance and moving out of the positioning slowly and gently. Often in the case of a frozen shoulder, isometric techniques are used to override the fear of pain from movement by cueing the muscles to attempt movement, while the comfortable positioning is maintained. These isometric or isotonic exercises might be added to the client’s home-care program, along with some posture exercises, if suggesting home care is within the scope of the therapist’s practice.