The Ottawa Professional Therapy Centre
The Ottawa Professional Therapy Centre
Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT)TM is a hands on treatment method that uses a light touch and subtle manipulations to treat a wide range of conditions. It is different from other treatment approaches in that multiple body systems, as well as their interaction with one another, are considered. IMT addresses disease, disability, dysfunction and pain.
IMT has been developed by Sharon W. Giammatteo Ph.D, P.T., I.M.T.C. It was formerly introduced in 1981. Currently there are clinics located around the world specializing in this type of manual therapy.
IMT treats all these conditions and more…
FibromyalgiaIMT is not like any other manual treatment approach. It is best described as a process that addresses both structural and functional aspects of your health. It can be used as either a treatment method or as a means of preventing future health issues. If other treatment methods have not worked for you, this method may.
The first portion of an initial assessment consists of a health history form as well as an interview. The combination of these two tools helps the Therapist to determine the nature of the injury or condition which is to be treated. This also gives you a chance to clarify what your goals are for treatment. The second portion of the assessment combines observation and palpation of the areas related to the injury. By completing an assessment consisting of these components a treatment plan can be developed for you that works towards your goals.
As for the treatment: unlike some other methods of manual therapy, you remain fully clothed during an IMT session. Usually treatment is done with you lying down on a treatment table; however, if you are uncomfortable lying down treatment can be done in another position.
Integrative Manual Therapy is a safe and beneficial form of treatment for all portions of the population from infant to elderly. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as massage therapy, nutritional support and acupuncture.
IMT uses a hands-on approach of soft tissue manipulation. These manipulations allow your body to release any compensations that have been made that may be preventing the area from healing. These can build up over time as your body adapts to different injuries. At one point there are no more adaptations that can be made and pain occurs. By working through these compensations your body can often return to its optimal function. Adaptations that keep an area from healing include, but are not limited to, tight muscles, tight fascia (the layer around muscles), and improper biomechanics (joint integrity).
After a treatment session an adjustment period is often needed for the results to become apparent. During this period new changes may be noticed throughout the body. This usually occurs within a 24-hour period. At each visit the techniques used will be slightly different. The use of different techniques allows progression through the treatment plan.
As with any other form of treatment, the session is under your control and can be stopped or modified at any time.
After the initial assessment the Therapist will be able to give you a recommendation of how often treatment will be beneficial as well as how many treatments may be needed before significant changes are noted.
After a treatment session with IMT it is recommended that you not do any heavy lifting or twisting movements for at least 24 hours. This allows your body to adapt to any changes that have happened before the addition of further stress to your body. It is also recommended that you drink an extra 2 - 4 glasses of water the day of your treatment. This allows your body to be well hydrated while adjustments to the treatment are being made.
The Therapist may also give you some homecare to complete before the next treatment session. This is usually a small task that will help you feel better and make the treatment more efficient. This may consist of gentle exercises or another activity that will help you on the road to recovery. Any homecare is given on an individual basis and can be explained in more detail by your Therapist.
For further information please go to: www.centerIMT.com or www.imtassociation.org.
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Our online booking calendar makes it possible for you to schedule an appointment with us anytime you wish. You will receive an email confirming your appointment and an email reminder 24 hours before your appointment.
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please call: 613-565-0763.