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Now that the hustle and bustle of holiday greetings has passed, we here at Inner Circle would love to wish each one of you a Happy, Healthy and HEALING 2020!

To start off the New Year right, Inner Circle has completed our annual Food Drive benefitting the ERA Food Pantry of Lower Bucks (www.ERAFoodPantry.org)  Starting with our Turkey Toss before Thanksgiving, the staff and patients of Inner Circle – that’s right, all of you! – delivered a grand total of 776 pounds of food!  As a thank you, we have a very special guest appearing in Amy’s usual celebratory costume – our resident Pelvic Floor Expert, Jenn Keeney!

As an added bonus, we’ve included a link to a powerful article written by our Founder and Director, Timothy Alloway, that offers a path which can help lead you into the New Year with a New You!

Good Journey,

-IC

“Information for the Mind and Body”

It’s that time of year again!

As we head toward the holiday season, we have started our biannual food drive to benefit the Emergency Relief Association Food Pantry of Lower Bucks (www.ERAFoodPantry.org)  Please drop off any donations to our office in Langhorne, PA.  All assistance is wildly and wonderfully appreciated.

We’ve already begun the donations with our yearly Turkey Toss – delivering 35 turkeys to the ERA this past weekend!

Our first ever FREE workshop, introducing new people to the Inner Circle way of life, was a resounding success!  For anyone you know who has ever asked about how Inner Circle is different and would benefit from our unique and holistic approach to healing is invited to join us.  The workshops are held once a month on Saturday mornings – please contact our office for details and to register or click the link below.  Remember, it takes strong shoulders to toss turkeys!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WORKSHOPS ARE FOR NEW PATIENTS ONLY

Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Workshop Registration

(https://innercircle.ptworkshops.com/InnerCircle-Langhorne/rotatorcuff/workshop)

The leaves have changed and begun falling, the days are getting shorter and the warmth of the Sun is being replaced by the warmth of coats, hats and fires.  The change of seasons moves along.  Everything is a process.

We know that all too well here at Inner Circle.  Change is the only constant and, as many of you know, our stock and trade.  We’re all about change – but not just with our patients – with ourselves and our company.

As you know, 2019 has been marked with several changes: the institution of our very successful biannual food drive for the ERA of Lower Bucks (www.ERAFoodPantry.org), our winning of Best of Bucks for the fourth year in a row, our upcoming series of workshops for those new to Inner Circle and our ever-growing extended family through our social media presence (we’re over six hundred strong on Facebook!)

With all this reflection on change, we thought it would be a great time to return to the article that could be considered our mission statement: Healing is a Process by our Founder and Director, Timothy M. Alloway, MSPT.

Healing is a Process

In today’s busy society most people do not realize they are responsible for the creation of their own health. The need to get things done and do them quickly has created a deficit when it comes to our health. We ignore the food we eat, the accident that occurred, the lack of exercise, and the emotional trauma because after all they will just “go away.” Conventional medicine allows for this by providing an environment where the patient’s passive attitude is considered unimportant to the process (drugs and surgery will do all the work). However, this is the farthest thing from the truth. The chemical treatments of conventional medicine require no conscious participation on the part of the patient. Holistic techniques, on the other hand, like visualization, psychotherapy, naturopathic, yoga, and manual therapy all require active participation. The process of curing is passive; that is, the patient is inclined to give the authority to the diagnosis rather than actively challenging the illness and reclaiming their health. Healing is an active process, one that requires you to investigate all negative processes that could prevent your full physical and emotional recovery.

Before I became educated in this work, I noticed that people, myself included, focused too much on their pain or “symptom.” We are much more than our “symptoms”. Many times, I have shown each one of you the multiple restrictions or sore areas that are part of the problem and the event of healing. Healing is not the same as curing or fixing. Healing does not mean going back to the way things were before, but rather moving what we have forward. So how do we move forward?

The first step is awareness, without it nothing is possible, you will just stay trapped in your status quo. When things are not well within your body, mind, family or environment – it is time for change. The second step is taking responsibility. A way not to change is to blame other factors: the environment, the school, the government, your parents, the doctor, your spouse and so on. Blaming outside sources happens every day, “If I could only change (my parents, my shoulder, my job) I would be able to live a happier life.” Hopefully after some time it dawns on you that the only person that can change is yourself. The third step is the willingness to change. This commitment to healing must come before vanity or materialism. This willingness must come from inside, a will to improve. Every decrease in pain, every improvement in movement, every emotional scar revealed, every stress that is removed. Look at the process as a journey, be happy for every step forward, and when it doesn’t, become more determined to have it occur. Learn to enjoy the process even when it hurts.

All of us say we want to change but unless we have outside help or devote the time and effort needed for true change, we will probably return to the old life pattern (symptom). Are you ready to change or do you just want to talk about change?

As a patient, when you are being treated by a manual therapist you are encountering a unique individual, one who has spent considerable time developing their skills and awareness. They have the courage and knowledge to feel their own pain and face their own fears. They realize healing is a process and will help and devote their energy in order for you to take that exciting step forward. Now you must make that your priority as well.

Inner Circle is proud to support the continued research and education in understanding and treating cancer in a safe, holistic and effective manner.  This installment of Inner Circle Insights is shared in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Many of you have become aware of how Myofascial Release should be a part of the treatment plan for any diagnosis, as well as a part of your general health and wellness regimen.  However, when we discuss the “Big C”, the idea that manual therapy has a place can be confusing.

To assist in better understanding the place that Myofascial Release, performed by a skilled therapist, can have in all phases of disease or dysfunction, we are sharing two “Therapeutic Insight” articles that appeared in MASSAGE Magazine authored by the Father of Myofascial Release, John F. Barnes, PT.

Therapeutic Insight: The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Perspective:

Mastectomy, Breast Reduction and Augmentation

September 4, 2012, Massage Magazine

Myofascial release can be helpful post-surgery following mastectomies, breast reduction and augmentation. Once healing has occurred after a mastectomy, myofascial release techniques performed below and above the scar area can be helpful in eliminating the pain; this technique can also soften the scar.

However, scars grow inside the body like a vine, and can reach into the respiratory diaphragm and into the neck. This can cause breathing problems and—due to the strength of the vine—create a pulling sensation, forcing the client forward, which creates a posterior strain in the back and neck, resulting in headaches, as well as neck and back pain.

Breast augmentation scars are usually under the breast, resembling a “C” on its back. It then can come up under the breast midline, and there usually is a scar around the nipple. The nipples have to be repositioned and many sensory nerves are severed. The resulting scar is often not attractive, and can become thick and dark. Myofascial release can be helpful in softening and lightening up these scars. Many times the sensory nerves become hypersensitive and the breasts cannot be touched. Bras and blouses can also become uncomfortable to wear.

Augmentation is performed most of the time for cosmetic reasons or after mastectomies. Too many times the breasts do not look natural; they can become hard and do not feel or look normal. Sometimes the breasts are not level. Unfortunately, many surgeons do not recognize that fascia twists throughout the body, creating torque. When the patient is lying on the surgical table, breasts appear to be level, but since they are not naturally positioned (not standing) and “out of gravity,” it is not until the woman stands up that you can see the fascia drag, which creates a high or low breast. After augmentation, breasts can also become hypersensitive or have decreased sensation. Myofascial release can reposition the breast of the female client and create a more soft, supple and natural appearance.

Sincerely,

John F. Barnes, P.T., L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.

Therapeutic Insight: The Myofascial Release Perspective – Breast Health

June 1, 2010 article in MASSAGE Magazine

Myofascial release has been helpful in treating endometriosis, pelvic pain, menstrual cramps and pain, frequency, urgency and incontinence. It has also been successful in treating ovarian and breast cysts.

What is a cyst? A cyst is a fascial restriction that has blocked the fluid flow of an area, forcing the area to swell, become inflamed and be painful. Myofascial release is safe and can gently soften and release the cyst, so the tissue can heal and return to normal.

I would like to share with you a case history of a brave woman—and massage therapist – Peggy Smith.

Case history

In October 2006, I received biopsy results confirming breast cancer, specifically “infiltrating ductal carcinoma.” I wasn’t completely shocked by the news, as I had received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2003 in my other breast. My treatment at that time consisted of a lumpectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy and six weeks of radiation. When my surgeon called with the biopsy results in 2006 and wanted to schedule me the following week for a mastectomy, I was stunned and overwhelmed with fear. The several weeks of appointments, scans and biopsies, both needle and surgical, had been physically and emotionally exhausting, but I assumed all along that I would be given treatment options. I had heard how emotionally devastating mastectomy surgery could be and I was also concerned about potentially having to deal with lymphedema and/or loss of upper-body strength, but my surgeon insisted that because I had two cancerous tumors, I had no choice.

Fortunately, as a massage therapist, I had attended several of John Barnes’ myofascial release seminars to learn and experience this healing therapy. If I had to go through surgery, I knew I would cope with it better and recover faster if I received myofascial release therapy beforehand. So, I postponed the surgery and scheduled an intensive at John’s Eastern Myofascial Release Treatment Center in Paoli, Pennsylvania. After just one day of treatment, the larger of the two lumps felt smaller—and by the end of the week, it was difficult to locate. I was very excited and encouraged by this result. After feeling such positive change in just one week, I certainly wanted to give myofascial release therapy more time for further improvement, and I chose to cancel the surgery.

However, my surgeon did not share my excitement and insisted his ultrasound results indicated the tumor was the same size or larger. He also declined my request to order another MRI for comparison purposes, and I decided it was best to find another doctor.

I have had no further surgery since the biopsies in 2006. I continue to return to John’s Myofascial Release Treatment Centers for myofascial release therapy and I use myofascial release techniques to self-treat regularly. My mammogram and ultrasound results from June 2008 indicate “benign findings bilaterally.” My blood work tested in October 2008 is all within normal range and my oncologist told me, “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”

In an e-mail, dated June 30, 2009, Peggy wrote:

I’m excited to share my recent (6/30/09) breast caner ultrasound and mammogram results: “The results of your recent exam indicate no suspicion of breast cancer.”

Thank you, Peggy. Your courage is remarkable.

This case study shows myofascial release is an important part of women’s health. In addition, a new article titled, “We are Not Mindless Machines,” which will be featured in the July issue of MASSAGE Magazine, discusses the treatment of cancer with myofascial release.

Sincerely,

John F. Barnes, P.T., L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B.

John F. Barnes, P.T., L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., is an international lecturer, author and acknowledged expert in the area of myofascial release. He has instructed more than 100,000 therapists worldwide in his myofascial release approach, and he is the author of Myofascial Release: The Search for Excellence (Rehabilitation Services Inc., 1990) and Healing Ancient Wounds: The Renegade’s Wisdom (Myofascial Release Treatment Centers & Seminars, 2000). He is on the Council of Advisors of the American Back Society; he is also on MASSAGE Magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board; and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.

The votes were all cast, the ballots tallied and the final vote count stands… Inner Circle has won The Best of Bucks 2019!  The Four Bagger has been achieved!!

We’d like to thank each and every one of you that took the time this year to vote for our nomination and, finally, for our win!  Many of you have been anxiously awaiting the results with patients continually asking, “Have we won?”

We. That’s the important part to remember and acknowledge here.

We.

If it were just therapists here, there would be nothing to vote for. As individuals, we can only get so far. But together? We can move mountains.

Whoever originated the saying was right, “If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”

Thank you again for all of your love and support and for allowing us to join you on your healing journey. Until next year when we attempt five wins in a row, I think we’ll name that one The Pentagon!!!

Back in the beginning of June, we announced the commencement of our first biannual food drive.  Our Practice Manager, Amy Fee, has organized our annual Holiday Food Drive for many years to great success, which means a whole lot of help to the families of Lower Bucks County.

After yet another successful Holiday Food Drive in 2018, the Emergency Food Relief Food Pantry of Lower Bucks County (www.erafoodpantry.org) asked if we would lend our assistance again halfway through the year.  While their donations swell during the holiday season, that same level of attention and awareness dwindles during the summer months.  The heartbreaking consequence of that decrease in donations leaves the ERA having to turn families away.

We asked for your help and you answered BIG TIME!  Having delivered the donations this past Saturday to the ERA, our Inner Circle Family raised 916 pounds of food!  That’s almost half a ton!  For comparison, let’s list several things that are almost as heavy…

A grand piano… an Arabian horse… a Grizzly Bear… a Cow… a Polar Bear

That’s A LOT of food! As always, Amy created additional incentive for donations to flood in by promising to dress as America’s seminal summer snack… a hot dog!  For any of you who missed it… fear not… we absolutely LOVE sharing these pictures!

A huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you who help to make Inner Circle not just the BEST Physical Therapy practice, but a community and a family.

Remember to Love each other… and yourselves.

The voting for Best of Bucks 2019 finally ended this past Sunday.  We want to extend our thanks to everyone who voted throughout the process… we are always deeply heartened by the response we receive to this annual contest. We’ll let you know about the results as soon as we get them!

Back in February and March of this year, we had shared a new blog segment entitled, “A Journey in Picture,” where we shared some amazing visuals from pioneering researchers in the field.  In this installment, we’re continuing with Part Three of “A Journey in Picture.”

In this video, we see visionary anatomist, John Sharkey, demonstrating how our skeletal system is not separate from the fascial system, it is only the hardest aspect of it. This is bone as it exists in the human body.  The skeletal system studied in school is nothing more than a model of an x-ray.

Professor Sharkey is a clinical anatomist, exercise physiologist and neuromuscular therapist with over thirty years’ experience.  He is an avid international lecturer as well as Senior Lecturer at the University of Chester in Chester, England.

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As we announced in our last message, Inner Circle has been nominated as The Best of Bucks 2019!  Voting for the finals begins this Sunday, June 23^rdand will run through Sunday, July 7^th.

Voting will be handled as it was during the nomination.  Once registered, you will be able to vote once per day, every day, until the voting is completed.  If you voted during the nominations, your email should be registered already.

Inner Circle Physical Therapy & Myofascial Release Center will be located in the Beauty & Health Section under Physical Therapy.

Being the Best of Bucks has allowed more people over the last three years to learn about and benefit from the unique and innovative approach to health and healing that we use here at Inner Circle… we want to keep spreading the word to the community to offer them as much help as we offer all of you.

In that spirit, let’s take our “Three-Peat” of 2018 and make it the “Four-Bagger” of 2019!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

So far, June has brought with it several great announcements that we’re just going to call Christmas in June!

First off, we just received word that we’ve been nominated for The Best of Bucks 2019!  That’s the fourth year and counting… the official voting process will begin later this month.  Don’t worry, we’ll give you plenty of notice when the polls officially open.  Many thanks for your continued support… let’s go for the Four-Bagger!

Our other piece of great news concerns our annual Holiday Food Drive that Amy has kept going for many years.  Due to the enormous amount of food donated last holiday season, the Emergency Food Relief Food Pantry of Lower Bucks County asked if we would be able to help halfway through the year.  While donations to their organization swell during the holiday season, that same level of attention and awareness dwindles during the summer months.  The heartbreaking consequence of that decrease in donations requires the ERA to turn families away.

So, Amy has organized our first bi-annual food drive that is running through the end of June… please make our Christmas in June the same success that you did in December!

Many thanks to all of you that have helped to create this ever-growing community we call Inner Circle.

Much Love,

-IC

What do you call it when you win something four times in a row?  Four-Bagger?  Connect Four?   We’re not sure but we’re excited to find out.  Following the “Three-Peat” of 2018, the nomination process for Best of Bucks 2019 is upon us.  Beginning Sunday, May 5^th, the polls will be open to nominate us to compete in the Best of Bucks 2019 and will be open for several weeks.

We’re very proud to be the reigning champions for the last three years and extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for making that happen.  We feel the love, let’s do this again!

Please click on the link below, register yourself and nominate Inner Circle Physical Therapy & Myofascial Release Center in the Beauty & Health section.

And always remember, you can vote once per day… so stuff that ballot box!

www.BucksCountyCourierTimes.com/contests