Physical therapy

The Diamond Method™ of Active Myofascial Therapy is an adaptation of an existing therapy, myofascial release therapy, and has been developed over the past 30 years by Irene Diamond, owner and creator of the Diamond and Massage & Wellness Center. After an accident as a teenager left her paralyzed resulting in months in cervical traction, she consulted various massage therapists to restore muscle strength and deal with chronic neck pain. Having them hold specific points, which she now knows to be trigger points, she learned to move her head and shoulders in certain patterns, which would alleviate pain. This gave her instant relief and she went on to study physical therapy and rehabilitation before opening the Center in 1998 and developing her findings into The Diamond Method™ of Active Myofascial Therapy (AMT).

Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial release therapy is a form of soft tissue therapy, aimed towards releasing muscle knots or ‘trigger points’, found in the soft tissue component of connective tissue. Using pressure to release these points, the soft tissue or fascia is then stretched by subtle movements used by the therapist. The Diamond method has incorporated myofascial therapy into a combination of methods and requires the patient to be active throughout the process, moving in prescribed ways, pushing muscles into the pressure and performing the ‘Actions’. These involve gentle stretches and corrective actions as directed by the therapist and complement the release therapy.  It also involves a 7step formula devised to develop joint flexibility, improved posture and ‘re-education’ of the neuromuscular system.

Neuromuscular Disorders And Myofascial Release Therapy

The first step of the Diamond formula is ‘Discovery’ – evaluating the patient and sourcing the area causing the pain. ‘Inspect/Investigate’, literally inspecting the site of pain and investigating the reasons for the pain, whether it is muscle strain, a trigger point or another cause, follows this. Step 3, ‘Assessment’ determines what therapy approach will suit the patient needs and then ‘Manual therapy/Manipulation’ follows. Steps 5 to 7 ‘Optimize’, ‘Neuromuscular Reeducation’ and ‘Design Future Plan’, involve relaxation techniques, movement patterns and manual therapy to increase efficiency of the neuromuscular system, plus an individualized program of Actions is created for use at home.

Throughout the steps and the follow-up therapy plan, the patient is supported by a team of therapists offering massage therapy, rehabilitation and pain management, weight loss programs and ergonomics. The Diamond Method™ aims to provide long term results so not only is the original problem (pain, injury) resolved, but an assessment is made of life style, work/desk set-up, sleeping position and everyday actions which may be creating poor posture habits, muscle tension and strain. The aim is to maximize body efficiency, develop joint flexibility and function, create body awareness and ‘remind’ the nervous system how to function correctly.

The Diamond Method™ of Active Myofascial Therapy is not just a soft tissue massage method but also a holistic approach to eradication of pain and prevention of a future occurrence. It aims to produce long term results for a pain free life.