Muscle spasm that often accompanies chronic pain may be symptomatically helped with heat or cold. When a muscle is in spasm, stretching and/or exercise does not release the spasm. Gentle hands-on techniques such as IMT can restore mobility to the spine and lower back, correct the position of the pelvis and the sacrum, and restore normal alignment between the lumbar spine and the sacrum. Once the joint alignment is restored, and there is less in- flammation in the region, stretching and exercise will be much more effective to help create more movement. After the muscle spasm is released, the normal muscle tissue helps to maintain joint mobility, which can then allow the person to return to stretching and exercise programs.


IMT to Treat Underlying Causes of Chronic Pain In addition to treatment of joint alignment with IMT, there are


many underlying causes for why a person might experience chronic pain, not necessarily related to a particular injury. Often, chronic pain is contributed to by inflammation, digestive problems, circula- tion issues, and much more. When there is something in the body that is requiring protection (for example, circulation or immune related), the body’s tendency is to inhibit movement—to ‘lock up’. This lack of movement can cause pain and stiffness which is persistent. IMT uses a comprehensive hands-on assessment process to identify underlying causes of chronic pain. Once these sites of dysfunction are found, a customized IMT treatment plan can be developed to treat the underlying issues and help to restore normal movement in the body.


Additional Strategies for Treatment of Chronic Pain


Considering that chronic pain is commonly exacerbated by in- flammation in the body, it is very beneficial to implement some anti- inflammatory measures in our life to help reduce chronic pain. In addition to manual therapy, making some basic dietary and lifestyle changes can help to change the way we feel. Here are some helpful strategies to reduce inflammation in our body and thereby, reduce pain and symptoms: 1. Gluten elimination: Gluten is a protein that is found in


wheat, rye, barley, and oat. Gluten is considered to be pro-inflam- matory. This means that when it is ingested, it can increase inflam- mation in our body, and in this case, also contribute to chronic pain. By eliminating gluten from our diet, we can reduce the level of inflammation in our body and thereby, reduce chronic pain that is exacerbated by inflammation. Gluten is also an allergen and there- fore, must be eliminated 100% to have successful anti-inflammatory benefits. There are so many wonderful resources out today about how to eliminate gluten from our diet. For more information, visit http://www.instituteofimt.com/gluten-sensitivity.php. 2. Peanut elimination: As many of us know, there has been a significant rise in peanut allergies in our country. Peanuts do not necessarily contribute to anaphylactic allergies in all persons; how- ever, they appear to be inflammatory in most. When trying to reduce inflammation in the body, to help reduce chronic pain, it is help- ful to eliminate all peanuts and peanut oil from our diet. There are some great alternatives to peanuts today, such as ‘sun butter’ which is derived from sunflower seeds and has a similar texture to peanut butter which is such a staple in so many homes. 3. Reduce refined/processed sugar: Refined sugars can con- tribute to greater levels of inflammation in our body and also have a ‘neuro-toxic’ effect which means that they are destructive to our nervous system. It is our nervous system that contributes to the


sensation of pain. By eliminating refined sugar from our diet, we can reduce chronic pain and symptoms. There are so many unrefined sweeteners today such as honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, palm sugar, and many others. For more information on how to perform a ‘processed sugar elimination diet’, visit http://www.instituteofimt. com/processed-sugar-and-alcohol-elimination-diet.php. 4. Shifting your home to a ‘natural home’: Shifting your home


to a natural one seems like a daunting task. There are many simple ways to begin this transition that don’t have to seem enormous. One simple change is to begin by changing all your cleaning products to natural cleaners. As you run out, you buy natural! By eliminating toxic chemicals in your home, it can help reduce inflammation in your body and thereby, reduce chronic pain. For more information on how to shift your home to a natural home, visit http://naturalliv- ingfamily.com. The causes of chronic pain can be very complex, but there


are many strategies that we can implement in our lives, including manual therapy and nutritional changes, that can help to correct some of the underlying reasons for chronic pain. By improving these underlying problems, we can find sustainable changes in chronic pain and simultaneously work towards optimal health.


Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT, C is the Practice Manager and Director of Pediatrics for Regional Physical Therapy and The Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy (IIMT), headquar- tered in Bloomfield, CT. She is also the Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT). Dr. Connell-Giam- matteo has taught courses in IMT nationally and internationally for over 15 years. Nancy Ortolani, PT, IMT,C is the Clinical Manager of the Insti- tute of IMT and Regional Physical Therapy located in Bloomfield, CT. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Physical Therapy and has treated clients with trauma and chronic pain. Nancy has been studying Integrative Manual Therapy since 1995 and has been the Clinical Manager at the Institute of IMT for over the last 15 years. See ad on page 21.


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