Most of us do not fully appreciate the importance of our physical wellness until an accident or injury shines a spotlight on what we have been taking for granted. We’ve all been there: you don’t realize what your body does when you swallow until you get a sore throat; or how much you rely on your knees until one of them gives out; or how many times a day you bend over to pick something up until you pull a back muscle. But for each one of these individual body parts that are out of place or experiencing dis-ease, pain can move like a domino effect through other linked body parts.
An interesting approach to physical therapy addresses the interconnectedness and complexity of the human body: Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) is a sophisticated technique focusing on removing mechanical strains from every tissue in the body in order to get each part of the body working the right way. IMT is a unique compilation of holistic diagnostic and treatment methodologies developed by Sharon Giammatteo, Ph.D., IMT.C. The IMT Wellness Center offers a descriptive summary of the techniques that IMT uses:
IMT treatment techniques are based on the premise that the body has the potential to self-correct or heal itself under the right circumstances. Tissue repair at the cellular level is a normal process that occurs within the body. The healing of a cut or wound on the skin, or a broken bone that heals itself once it has been immobilized, are two examples of this mechanism at work. Pain and dysfunction, on the other hand, are an indication that there is too much cell or tissue dysfunction for the body to restore health on its own. Under these circumstances, in order to improve the body’s self-correction mechanisms, intervention is required.
This hands-on therapy integrates manual therapy techniques for all systems of the body in order to restore function and produce holistic healing among all parts of the body. From the fascia to the organs, to the joints and mechanics, the human body is an incredible integrative system so it follows that any healing should be equally integrative.
If you are interested in learning more about IMT, the next installment of The Viva Center’s Optimal Living Series 
will be facilitated by renowned physical therapist Lisa Klein, PT, IMT.C. Join us on Friday, March 6 at 1:00 pm for an informative and experiential workshop on different ways to enhance your physical wellbeing, including with IMT.
About the Optimal Living Series:
The Optimal Living Series is specifically designed for individuals who are ready to take action in a fun and supportive environment with a team of experts. Over a series of 9 workshops that focus on different areas of wellness, you will gain valuable tools that allow you to live more optimally.
Please join us for the remaining OLS workshops this year:
March 6, 2015 – Physical Wellness
April 3, 2015 – Organizational Wellness
May 1, 2015 – Interpersonal Wellness
