Healing & Transformation
Book a session with Heather now!
About IMT
Integrative Manual Therapy, or IMT, is a functional and structural approach to rehabilitation that works with all the systems of the body to treat pain, dysfunction and disabilities that limit the body’s ability to heal itself. This gentle, hands-on approach to healing yields exceptional results for:
Recovery from illness or injury
Improved childhood growth and development
Prevention of future breakdown
Development of resiliency in body and mind
IMT is based on scientific understanding of the body that includes both the anatomy and physiology of the physical body and the anatomy and physiology of the energetic body.
“First our child was sleeping better, then eating better, and finally self-regulating her emotions. We feel like Heather gave us our family back.”
The practice incorporates more than 15 different healing modalities, and over 20,000 structure specific techniques. This allows an IMT practitioner to work with the body’s energy patterns and specific tissue systems (neurologic, connective tissue, musculo-skeletal) to identify – and address – the root cause of most issues, rather than simply treating symptoms.
The deepest, most effective healing accesses both the physical body as well as the energy body, with the appropriate technique used at the optimal time. The quality of touch is significantly lighter than many other modalities because the tissue is communicated with, not overridden with too much force. Traumatized or injured tissues will collapse and will not respond to treatment if not accessed correctly. Treatment plans are developed with the use of IMT assessment skills that “read” or “listen” to the body’s subtle signs and communications. All of this is done through highly developed hands-on skills.
IMT is more effective for long term healing because it accesses both the structural components of the body as well as the energetic parts. If you have not healed with another modality it is likely because some aspect of your physical body- energetic body was not accessed, did not receive the support needed, or was overridden with too much force.
Healing Techniques
IMT Treatment Techniques
When using Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) to treat patients, many different types of techniques are used. The following is a partial list of treatment techniques.
Myofascial Release:
A very gentle, hands-on approach to release strain patterns from the fascia and other forms of connective tissue.
Strain Counterstrain:
A foundational technique to reduce muscle spasm of voluntary muscle tissue through positional releases.
Advanced Strain Counterstrain:
This is strain counterstrain for autonomically innervated muscular tissue, including arteries, veins, organs, lymph, and discs.
Neural Tissue Tension Technique:
This technique is used to reduce scar tissue inside and outside of central and peripheral nerves, therefore improving nerve function and reducing acute and chronic pain.
Muscle Energy Technique:
Another foundational technique used to realign biomechanics (the bone and joint articulations), from sacrum and pelvis through the cervical spine and extremities.
Visceral Manipulation/Mobilization:
A collection of techniques to reduce or remove strain patterns- physical and energetic- that are held in visceral tissue, allowing deep healing and rebalancing.
Cranial Therapy:
Treating the cranium is an extremely important part of healing from concussions, traumatic brain injury, whiplash, migraine headaches, and spinal trauma. Cranial treatment includes: specific myofascial release, strain counterstrain, advanced strain counterstrain, neural tissue tension, muscle energy techniques, and more that have been specifically designed for the cranium.
Myofascial Mapping:
This is one of the primary assessment tools used in IMT. “Mapping” the fascial tissue will indicate areas of true dysfunction that need to be treated, as opposed to areas that are secondary.
Who Can Benefit?
I genuinely believe that everyone can benefit from healing work. People are most motivated to recover from illness or injury, but healing is possible in all areas of mind, body, spirit and emotions.
Healing Benefits for Adults
I’ve had excellent results treating clients with these or similar diagnoses. However, many clients have not received any definitive diagnosis, and with treatment they report improved symptoms and function.
Chronic Lyme
Immune System and Autoimmune Disorders
Chronic Stress, Anxiety and PTSD
Cardiac Issues
Chronic Pain including Neck Pain, Back Pain and Joint Pain
Digestion Issues
Spiritual or Energetic Issues
Concussion, Head Injury, and other Neurologic Issues
Women’s Health Issues
“In our few sessions together, Heather was able to bring to the surface the conditions allowing me to deal with my trauma that was 60 years buried.”
Healing Benefits for Children
I am able to adjust my healing techniques for treatment of children of all ages. I have had great success working with children and their parents to improve growth and development, as well as recovery from trauma or illness.
Sensory Processing Disorder and Sensory Integration
Concussion and Head Injury
Developmental Issues
Chronic Lyme
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at my first Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) treatment session?
Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill out the new client paperwork, if not already completed via email. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. No jeans, no skirts or tights. The session will include time to review your paperwork, your health history and your goals. Assessments will vary according to your goals but will always include hands-on assessment of physical and energetic strain patterns. This is followed by an initial treatment which allows me to see how you respond to treatment and further develop an appropriate treatment plan. You are welcome to ask questions throughout the session. We will review your session and treatment plan before you leave.
What will my IMT treatment plan include?
This will vary depending on your goals are and your specific health history. Two people may have the same goals but the combination of techniques will be different because every person has a unique history, a unique way of being in their body and a unique energy system. In addition, some people are very motivated to learn self-treatment homework with NeuroFascial Process (NFP), address nutrition with lifestyle changes and Standard Process whole food supplements, learn new ways to heal through journaling, mindfulness meditation, breathwork, or train in specific yoga therapy stretches and exercises.
Will you talk to my doctor? Can I do this and my other treatments?
I love being part of a client’s healthcare and wellness team. I work within any parameters or precautions set up by your physician and I will coordinate care with your team according to your wishes.
How soon will I feel changes or improvements?
Some people feel changes, or something happening in their body, while they are on the treatment table during their first session. Other people don’t feel anything during the treatment session but they realize their symptoms have changed in some way in the days following a treatment session. Better sleep, fewer headaches, able to walk without pain… the changes may correlate directly with your primary goal or you may experience a secondary improvement before the primary issue begins to heal or transform. For some people the transformation to better health and improved function is obvious and immediate. For other people the process takes more time: connecting with their bodymind, learning to feel physical sensation as well as their emotions, recognize thought patterns, release old energies that no longer serve you. It is a process for everyone.
What is the cost of treatment?
Pricing for in-office treatment sessions:
60-minute session $160
90-minute session $220
120-minute session $280
Treatment session length is best determined on a case by case basis. Options and recommendations are reviewed during the initial evaluation. However, for patients traveling from out of the area, the longer sessions are the most sensible and can be arranged with enough advance planning.
Are treatments covered by insurance?
The clinic is not “in-network” for any insurance plans. However, I am licensed as an occupational therapist. I am able to provide an invoice for “out-of-network” OT treatment. Call your insurance plan and ask them what is the deductible for out-of-network occupational therapy, what is the rate of reimbursement, how many visits are covered?
Do you accept Flex Spending or Health Savings Account debit cards?
Yes. This is an excellent payment option.
Still Have Questions?
Drop me a line or give a phone call. I’m happy to answer any questions or assist you in setting up your first appointment.
Directions and Parking
The office is located at 67 Coddington Street, Suite 205, Quincy, MA. There is parking in the lot behind the building. Enter from Newcomb Street. You may park in any open space.