Programs
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) seeks to correct behaviors and patterns created by inappropriate muscle function
and incorrect habits involving the tongue, lips, jaw and face. These may include tongue thrust (thrusting the tongue against or between the teeth during swallowing or at rest), inappropriate tongue resting posture and open-mouth/lips apart resting posture. Elimination of improper oral habits including thumb and finger sucking are often included in an OMT program. Studies have shown that treatment can be 80%-90% effective in correcting swallowing and tongue rest posture. Exercises are also beneficial for various articulation disorders, including interdental lisp. OMT can be initiated for children as young as 4 years old and is also appropriate for older children, teenagers and adults.
PROMPT Therapy
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) is a technique that utilizes tactile, kinesthetic and proprioceptive cues to facilitate speech output for both children and adults with a variety of speech disorders. Developed by Deborah Hayden, PROMPT assists clients in gaining "voluntary control for motor-speech systems and links the necessary motor movements to linguistic (word, phrase) equivalents for use in functional communication." PROMPT has been found effective for treatment of apraxia, dysarthria, phonological disorders and speech disorders related to hearing impairment.
Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy
Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT), designed by Dr. Katherine Verdolini, is a program that targets treatment of voice disorders resulting from both hyper-and hypo-function of the vocal cords. The program focuses on teaching the client how to achieve an optimal configuration of the vocal cords (barely apart or barely together) by increasing sensory awareness and response to vibrations in the face. The client self-monitors these sensations and is guided by the clinician until s/he can identify those associated with her/his best resonant voice quality. The goals are to speak in a clear, strong voice with little effort, prevent injury to the vocal cords and reverse injury if present.
The Compton Pronouncing English As A Second Language Program (Compton P-ESL)
The Compton P-ESL program is a method of modifying a foreign accent so that non-native English speakers can be better understood in professional and business situations. After undergoing a detailed speech analysis, a speech professional then teaches the client speech modification techniques, as well as the basic sounds and principles of American English. Depending on the client's speech analysis, programs may be scheduled in either 7 or 13 weekly, consecutive sessions. Special emphasis is placed on pronunciation, complete word projection and voice projection. Upon completion of the program, the client's speech is analyzed again. Those who attend sessions consistently and practice daily can expect to achieve at least a 50% change in their accent or dialect.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle and effective somatic technique that taps into the body's innate intelligence and potential to heal itself.
The CranioSacral
system is comprised of the
membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain
and spinal cord. It extends from the skull, face and mouth (which
comprise the cranium)
to the sacrum (tailbone). Cerebrospinal fluid is pumped through the
membranes, creating a rhythmic pulse. This pulse may be detected
throughout the body and is particularly evident at the head, sacrum and
coccyx. Restrictions in this system may potentially contribute to a
variety of sensory, motor or neurological difficulties, including:
Initially developed in the early 1900's by osteopath Dr. William Sutherland, CranioSacral therapy continues to be researched and promoted today, most notably by John Upledger D.O., O.M.M. and the Upledger Institute. The work is used by orthopedists, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and massage therapists world-wide as an effective adjunct to conventional treatment.
Like CranioSacral Therapy, Polarity Therapy is utilized by healthcare professionals in a variety of disciplines. It also dovetails with CranioSacral Therapy, as Dr. Stone viewed cerebrospinal fluid as the "Breath of Life" (our innate life intelligence). and incorporated multiple CranioSacral techniques into Polarity Therapy. Ultimately, Polarity Therapy is helpful in supporting the client's current health care regimen and encourages each person to assist in maintaining their own health.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) seeks to correct behaviors and patterns created by inappropriate muscle function
and incorrect habits involving the tongue, lips, jaw and face. These may include tongue thrust (thrusting the tongue against or between the teeth during swallowing or at rest), inappropriate tongue resting posture and open-mouth/lips apart resting posture. Elimination of improper oral habits including thumb and finger sucking are often included in an OMT program. Studies have shown that treatment can be 80%-90% effective in correcting swallowing and tongue rest posture. Exercises are also beneficial for various articulation disorders, including interdental lisp. OMT can be initiated for children as young as 4 years old and is also appropriate for older children, teenagers and adults.PROMPT Therapy
PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) is a technique that utilizes tactile, kinesthetic and proprioceptive cues to facilitate speech output for both children and adults with a variety of speech disorders. Developed by Deborah Hayden, PROMPT assists clients in gaining "voluntary control for motor-speech systems and links the necessary motor movements to linguistic (word, phrase) equivalents for use in functional communication." PROMPT has been found effective for treatment of apraxia, dysarthria, phonological disorders and speech disorders related to hearing impairment.
Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy
Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy (LMRVT), designed by Dr. Katherine Verdolini, is a program that targets treatment of voice disorders resulting from both hyper-and hypo-function of the vocal cords. The program focuses on teaching the client how to achieve an optimal configuration of the vocal cords (barely apart or barely together) by increasing sensory awareness and response to vibrations in the face. The client self-monitors these sensations and is guided by the clinician until s/he can identify those associated with her/his best resonant voice quality. The goals are to speak in a clear, strong voice with little effort, prevent injury to the vocal cords and reverse injury if present.
The Compton Pronouncing English As A Second Language Program (Compton P-ESL)
The Compton P-ESL program is a method of modifying a foreign accent so that non-native English speakers can be better understood in professional and business situations. After undergoing a detailed speech analysis, a speech professional then teaches the client speech modification techniques, as well as the basic sounds and principles of American English. Depending on the client's speech analysis, programs may be scheduled in either 7 or 13 weekly, consecutive sessions. Special emphasis is placed on pronunciation, complete word projection and voice projection. Upon completion of the program, the client's speech is analyzed again. Those who attend sessions consistently and practice daily can expect to achieve at least a 50% change in their accent or dialect.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle and effective somatic technique that taps into the body's innate intelligence and potential to heal itself.
The CranioSacral
system is comprised of the
membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain
and spinal cord. It extends from the skull, face and mouth (which
comprise the cranium)
to the sacrum (tailbone). Cerebrospinal fluid is pumped through the
membranes, creating a rhythmic pulse. This pulse may be detected
throughout the body and is particularly evident at the head, sacrum and
coccyx. Restrictions in this system may potentially contribute to a
variety of sensory, motor or neurological difficulties, including:Motor Coordination ImpairmentsDuring treatment, the client lies fully clothed on a treatment table, where the practitioner uses light touch to detect and release restrictions within the CranioSacral system. This reduces stress on the central nervous system, encouraging a state of equilibrium. Sessions are generally 15-30 minutes for children and 60 minutes for adults. Parents remain in the room during pediatric sessions to learn therapeutic techniques for home carryover and to provide encouragement and support for their children. The number of sessions required for optimal treatment depends on the individual and his or her presenting condition. Because each client is unique, there is no "cookbook" approach to therapy.
Central Nervous System Disorders
Autism
ADD/ADHD
Learning Disabilities
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Migraines and Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Stress and Tension Related Difficulties
Initially developed in the early 1900's by osteopath Dr. William Sutherland, CranioSacral therapy continues to be researched and promoted today, most notably by John Upledger D.O., O.M.M. and the Upledger Institute. The work is used by orthopedists, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and massage therapists world-wide as an effective adjunct to conventional treatment.
Polarity Therapy is a gentle, holistic health care system based
on the premise that the flow and balance of energy is the root of good
health. Founded by Dr. Randolph Stone, DO, DC, ND (1890-1981), the
cornerstone of Polarity is the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda. Within
Ayurveda, all form is considered a manifestation of five specific
energies, or elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These energies
arise and flow from energy centers in the body called chakras. n turn,
the chakras are surrounded by "oval" which permit and support the flow
of energy. These energy centers, currents and fields comprise what Dr.
Stone named the "Wireless Anatomy of Man". When thoughts and emotions
are out of alignment with the body's energy system, an energy
"interruption" results. This may manifest as physical, mental or
emotional distress. Polarity addresses these disruptions through gentle
touch, specific exercises (Polarity Yoga) and verbal guidance. The
benefits of treatment include:
Ayurveda, all form is considered a manifestation of five specific
energies, or elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These energies
arise and flow from energy centers in the body called chakras. n turn,
the chakras are surrounded by "oval" which permit and support the flow
of energy. These energy centers, currents and fields comprise what Dr.
Stone named the "Wireless Anatomy of Man". When thoughts and emotions
are out of alignment with the body's energy system, an energy
"interruption" results. This may manifest as physical, mental or
emotional distress. Polarity addresses these disruptions through gentle
touch, specific exercises (Polarity Yoga) and verbal guidance. The
benefits of treatment include:Deep RelaxationDuring a Polarity Therapy session, the client rests fully clothed on a treatment table. The practitioner places 2 hands on the client to facilitate flow and movement of energy in the body. Touch may be light, medium or firm. Throughout the session, the client may experience a deep relaxation, and thoughts and feelings frequently rise to the surface. The practitioner assists the client in processing these thoughts and feelings, often leading to greater self awareness of areas that may be contributing to an energy imbalance in his or her life. Ultimately, the client and practitioner work together in addressing energy interruptions, thereby promoting the client's active participation in their health, and allowing them to feel supported in making positive change. Sessions are generally 30 minutes for children and 60 minutes for adults. Again, during pediatric sessions, parents remain in the therapy room to observe.
Stress Reduction
Increased Self-Awareness
Overall Sense of Well-Being
Like CranioSacral Therapy, Polarity Therapy is utilized by healthcare professionals in a variety of disciplines. It also dovetails with CranioSacral Therapy, as Dr. Stone viewed cerebrospinal fluid as the "Breath of Life" (our innate life intelligence). and incorporated multiple CranioSacral techniques into Polarity Therapy. Ultimately, Polarity Therapy is helpful in supporting the client's current health care regimen and encourages each person to assist in maintaining their own health.
