Press Release

Certified Massage Therapist, Kelly Johnson, brings Spinal Reflex Therapy (SRT) to Ashburn, Virginia, making Modern Concepts Salon the first treatment center in this area.

SRT is a specific protocol developed to turn off the Axial Spinal Reflexes (pain) that develop in the body. It is a neurologically-based treatment of the soft tissues of the body. A person needs to understand that reflexes occur without the brain telling them to do so. A reflex is a cord mediated (your spinal cord) response NOT interpreted by cognitive reason. In short, a reflex is just something our body produces, without thought, in response to unpleasant stimuli. Reflexes are defensive by nature.

Developed by Dr. Frank Jarrel in 1993, SRT identifies specific Axial Spinal Reflexes, or indicator points, that have been turned on, causing painful areas within the body. These reflexes are on 24/7 and the only way to stop the cycle is to turn them off. A person may not feel debilitating pain in the actual indicator points but they can feel unrelenting pain elsewhere. By use of specific tools, a Spinal Reflex Analysis (SRA) is done to determine the course of action for the practitioner.

The SRT session begins in the same manner at every visit, an SRA will be completed to identify which Axial Spinal Reflexes, or indicator points, are turned on. Using this information the practitioner consults a chart of attachment points to determine where the specific muscle fiber/ligament is and where to apply pressure. Once determined, work will begin on those specific fibers that are “stuck” in a positive feedback loop from repeated reflexive contracture. The practitioner holds pressure on a single point, with no movement, anywhere from 30 to 3 minutes, or until a relaxation of the muscle/ligament is experienced.

“Communication throughout the process is extremely important for an effective session. It is thoroughly explained to the client that they will have an initial flash of pain during the times when I begin applying pressure; there must be a ‘pain fade’ within the first 20 seconds or you will know that I am not treating the correct ‘fiber.’ Feedback from my client makes me more accurate. The end result is truly amazing. Most people can’t believe how different they feel. Some patients have described almost euphoric feelings while others want to curl up and sleep,” commented Johnson.

Once the session is complete the patient is asked to move around and assess what they are feeling, their current level of pain (if any) and to ask any questions. It is vital to follow post- treatment instructions. Patients need to realize that once the acute pain is turned off there may be other areas of minor pain that they begin to notice are now surfacing and can be treated in the next session.

SRT is a neurologically-based soft tissue therapy that has achieved profound results.

“As a therapist, my goal has always been to get my clients to a place where they are as pain-free as they want to be. I was fascinated after hearing about this from a former professor and reading about SRT. I knew this was something I needed to get into my tool kit. The Basic and Professional levels of training were intense, but extremely worthwhile. I look forward to offering this treatment to anyone suffering from chronic pain,” stated Johnson.

Johnson further noted that this is not a massage, it is a therapy. A typical session is 30 to 45 minutes, and each person will receive an individual treatment plan based on the evaluation results at each visit. There are only four other certified SRT practitioners in Virginia.

Shutterstock

By: Contributing Author

Stay updated by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.