Welcome to Touchwell

 

Chronic Pain Management

 

Bowen Technique

Craniosacral Therapy

Visceral Manipulation

in Glasgow

Chronic Pain Treatment In Glasgow

Steven Rutherford – Therapist

Having trained in remedial therapy at the College for the Blind in Hereford Steven has over 15 years experience of working with hands-on techniques including Bowen TechniqueCraniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation in Glasgow and throughout Scotland.

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Employed by the NHS Centre For Integrative Care at Gartnaval Hospital in Glasgow since 2001 he has vast experience of working with and successfully providing relief from the symptoms of chronic illness and chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue, lower back pain, chronic neck pain and headaches, sciatica, arthritis, chronic pain syndrome, IBS.

While currently working at the NHS Centre for Integrative Care, Steven also runs two private  Bowen Technique clinics in Glasgow where you can be seen privately, please contact Steven for an appointment.

 

ITEC, ECBS, CST – UIUK,  fully insured by Chartered Therapists Association.

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Experienced Therapist

Steven has many years experience of providing these therapies, both NHS and private practice.
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Chronic Conditions

Steven specialises in treating patients with chronic pain syndrome & medical / physical conditions.

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Transport

Just off M74 J1A, Our Clinic has free on-street parking and both clinics have excellent public transport links.

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Wheelchair Accessible

Glasgow Shawfield Clinic has good street-level access for customers with mobility issues.

Book a session today

Providing a Unique Blend of Physical Therapies

Having a detailed  knowledge through extensive studies  of anatomy allows precise manipulations to target tensions and restrictions in the body. Specialising in Bowen Technique, Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulations in Glasgow, each treatment observes the clients body’s responses to the therapeutic manipulations.  This allows the therapist’s touch to follow the reflexive patterns of release, guided by the direction of the unwinding tissues which can return healthy function to the body exactly where the changes are needed.  Sessions often involve an integration of the techniques from the above therapies to achieve a tailored therapeutic encounter. Providing relief from a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions, including back-pain, sciatica, chronic neck pain, chronic shoulder and knee problems, arthritis, asthma, migraine, PTSD, sports injuries and stress.

woman on masage table receiving Bowen Technique treatment in Shawlands in Glasgow

Our Therapies

All treatments are 1 hour sessions. The client should wear loose, comfortable clothing when coming for an appointment. All appointments are at one of our two Glasgow clinics. Glasgow Finn’s Place Clinic is wheelchair accessible and has on-street parking at the front door.

Therapist using Bowen Technique therapy on a woman in Glasgow

Bowen Technique

The Bowen Technique is a gentle therapy that is applied to specific to release points of mechanical stress and tension.

Poor movement patterns can imprint an imbalance into the form of the body.  Injuries and scar tissue can create mechanical restrictions which will incur compensations throughout the balanced web of the connective tissue.

This may overload particular joints and create wear and tear symptoms of the body.

Using small, non-invasive moves to the muscles and tendons the therapist releases areas of tension found around the body to allow the posture to re-align.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy being carried out by Steven on a woman in Glasgow Clinic.
Craniosacral Therapy in Glasgow

Craniosacral Therapy

During Craniosacral Therapy the therapist uses a light touch and cradling holds to allow the body to relax and unwind.

By perceiving the rhythmic flow of the cerebrospinal fluid the therapist assesses the entire body for free flow and ease, using the body’s own movement to allow change.  Deeply relaxing yet powerful.

Training in Somato-Emotional Release and Visceral Manipulation techniques.

Craniosacral Therapy is an approach that manipulates the dura to re-instate elasticity and structural balance to the central nervous system and the wider body. 

 

Therapist performing Visceral Manipulation Technique therapy on a woman's neck and shoulders

Visceral Manipulation

Visceral manipulation techniques were developed by observing that the craniosacral rhythm was mirrored throughout the organs.  A healthy organ moves freely within its anatomical limitations of suspensory ligaments.  Having a free sliding relationship with it’s neighbouring structures is essential for optimal function and good health.

By assessing the plains of movement of each organ it is possible to ascertain the locations of fixations that may be impairing the organ’s function. With skilful touch, the restriction could then be targeted and the innate rhythm recruited as the force to re-instate improved movement, function.

Detailed Description of Therapies

BOWEN TECHNIQUE
Bowen Technique was developed by an Australian Bodyworker called Tom Bowen.  He was a gifted therapist and passed his knowledge on to several of his students.  Each student was given differing techniques.  These techniques are the essence of his approach.

Using skilful touch, the Bowen Technique stimulates the nervous system which causes the reflexive release of the tissues.  The direction and pattern of the body’s release can be recruited to provide clear and concise adjustment to the structure of the connective tissue.

Connective tissue ensheaths every muscle, bone, organ and blood vessel.  It condenses to form the tendons and ligaments and even the lens of the eye.  It seamlessly connects the structures of the body forming compartments that can glide over each other.  A healthy connective tissue system allows for the smooth resistanceless relationship between all the moving parts of the body. 

Poor movement patterns can imprint an imbalance into the form of the body.  Injuries and scar tissue can create mechanical restrictions which will incur compensations throughout the balanced web of the connective tissue.  This may overload particular joints and create wear and tear symptoms of the body.  Also, the dysfunction of the connective tissue can occur through underuse.  If the moving compartments of the body are not regularly stretched and mobilised then sticking can manifest between the layers and progressive loss to the range of movement follows.  The therapy can release bound compartments, revitalize the tissues and with precise corrections return the posture into balance.

This technique is characterised by short breaks between each adjustment.  As the initial reflex is an action of the nervous system the break from being touched can allow space for the nervous system to continue releasing throughout the body.  This system is the intelligence within the body, it coordinates all the nebulous patterns of connections. 

Bowen technique respects the processes of the body, allows time for the cascades of release to express their actions which leads and defines the direction of the therapy.

 

Steven Rutherford ECBS   Qualified 2003

 

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral Therapy 

This therapy focuses on the rhythmic movement of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.  The fluid is contained within a closed membrane called the dura.

The dura is elastic tissue that suspends the brain within the skull and prevents it from colliding with the inside of the cranium when the head is impacted or experiences a sudden stop.  The brain is essentially fixed to the centre of a set of trampoline-like structures, one running vertically along with the centre line of the skull from front to back and a second on a horizontal plane.  The dura also extends down the spine to encase the spinal cord and ends by attaching at the tailbone. 

If a violent movement wrenches the structure small micro tears can occur in the membrane.  These injury points will form scar tissue to repair and maintain the membrane.  However, scar tissue has less elasticity and reduces the flexibility and mobility of the structures.  Certain wrenches can result in the imbalanced suspension of the brain and spinal cord.  This imbalance will be transmitted throughout the entire nervous system, resulting in nerve tension that creates symptoms of pain and dysfunction.  Thus a fall onto the tailbone can result in pain higher up the spine, a whiplash injury can create pain or loss of sensation in the arms and hands. 

Craniosacral Therapy is an approach that manipulates the dura to re-instate elasticity and structural balance to the central nervous system and the wider body.  It recruits the rhythmic impulse of the fluid-filled dura to gently stimulate and release fixations to return health and balance to the body. 

CST1, CST2, SER1

 

VISCERAL MANIPULATION TECHNIQUES
Visceral manipulation techniques

the organs have a movement pattern driven by the nervous system, this produces a rhythm which matches the flexion and extension of the craniosacral system. This movement is known as motility. Disruptions in these movement patterns can relate to dysfunction of the organ. Also, the viscera are fixed in place within the body by ligaments that suspend the organs to surrounding structures. Loss of elasticity within these connections can reduce the ability of the viscera to slide freely and result in loss of healthy function. This therapy re-introduces mobility and motility to the organs.

VM1, VM2, VM3, VM4, VM5.

Neural manipulation techniques

This approach works with the peripheral nerves of the body to improve the health and function. Nerves should have a free and gliding relationship with the neighbouring tissues, they also have the ability to stretch along their lengths thus allowing an unimpaired range of movement. Nerves, however, can be compromised resulting in reduced function and pain. They can be entrapped by surrounding tissues that may pinch or crush the nerve which can lead to pins and needles, tingling or pain.

Nerves have their own internal circulation which can become congested creating small swellings known as nerve buds. This pressure over stimulates the nerve leading to dysfunction and pain.

These techniques are effective by working along the length of the nerve to ensure the surrounding tissues do not entrap it, to maintain elasticity along its length. and encourage good internal circulation.

MN1, MN2, MN3, MN4, MN5.

 

Manual Articular Techniques.

These techniques work to ensure that the joints are stable and unrestricted. By treating the surrounding connective tissue, muscles, nerves and blood vessels manual articular techniques encourage healthy alignment to support the capsule of the joint.

Working with the joints of the limbs, spine, pelvis and ribs and their interconnected relationships across the body. These techniques re-introduce elasticity to the ligaments and tendons around joints to allow a full range of movement and relief from pain.

MAUL, MALL, MASP.

 

Vascular Manipulation Techniques

The arteries are muscular vessels ensheathed by the nerves of the autonomic system. These techniques gently stretch along the length of the artery to invigorate the tone of the vessel to support a responsive and balanced blood system. The veins have a much less muscular structure and are more easily compressed.
These techniques also ensure the surrounding tissues do not impinge on the venous system to avoid congestion within the body.
The vascular techniques support the health of the circulatory system that provides nourishment throughout the body. The blood is also the means of transport for the hormones for which a free and uncongested venous system is essential.

The skill of assessing the quality of the pulse around the viscera is a useful indicator of effective manipulation techniques and the essential health of the organs.

VM1, VM2

Steven has been training with the Barral Institute UK since 2010 and attended many courses with direct tutelage from Jean-Pierre Barral and Alain Crobier.

 

 

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Patient Comments

 

I was diagnosed with MS more than 30 years ago and have restricted use of my left leg with considerable nerve pain and burning from the left hip to toe. I was allocated treatments from Homeopathic hospital where I first met Steven. He using his considerable skills relieved the pain for the period I was a patient in hospital. He told me that the hip pain was due to the way I was walking. I have visited Steven once a month for treatment since then.  He has treated the pelvic twist I had due to the way I was walking and he has also eased other areas of pain resulting from my medical condition. The fingers on my left hand curl in but he has with one of his therapies straightened the fingers completely pain free.

Appointments I have had with him have changed my life, I always find after having his therapy the relief he gives me is second to none.

I am still able to drive, walk albeit slowly due to his special ability to ease muscle and tension where ever needed.

I would recommend Steven as he is a very talented and skilful young man.

 

 

M Smith

Patient

Contact Details

07715 002 776

steve@touchwell.co.uk

Glasgow Clinic

Finn's Place
167 Ledard Road
Glasgow
G42 9QU
UK

Glasgow Clinic
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