Bronwen, a Brisbane Physiotherapist, integrates Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation & Pilates into her work. Additionally Acupuncture & Reiki recognise the energetic nature of the body.
SERVICES
Welcome to Bronwen Kendall
"The whole is greater than the sum of the parts"
I have more than 15 years experience as a Physiotherapist in treatment and rehabilitation of muscluloskeletal injury and dysfunction. I have a broad scope of interest and skill within the conventional physiotherapy framework. My areas of special interest include Pelvis, Sacro-Iliac Joint (SIJ) & Lumbar spine dysfunction, Neck pain, Headaches, TMJ (jaw) dysfunction, and Women’s health.
Physical modalities which I integrate into my work include Muscle Energy Technique, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation & Pilates. Acupuncture bridges the physical and energetic aspects of the body. Reiki as a pure energy modality is a lovely counterpoint to the structural work.
Please read on for more information about each modality, and the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’, ‘Did you know’, ‘True Stories’, ‘Prices and TImes’ and ’Qualifications’ sections.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists complete a four (4) year tertiary training in which they study human movement & its rehabilitation. It equips them to assess, diagnose & treat the underlying causes of musculoskeletal pain & dysfunction as in relation to joints, muscles, nerve tissue, & faulty movement patterns. A physiotherapist will take your history, examine your movement, and implement a treatment program specific to your needs. The number of consultations you need will depend on the nature and complexity of the problem, and on what your goals are at the time.
Treatment will usually include a combination of joint & soft tissue mobilisation to improve tissue mobility +/- other modalities to promote tissue healing. In addition, instruction in exercise (specific & general), posture, ergonomics & movement habits aims to promote long term solutions.
Physiotherapy is an important part of the solution for many musculoskeletal problems, including:
Acute & Chronic pain
Joint & muscle injury
Poor posture
Back and neck pain
Headaches
TMJD (Jaw problems)
Pelvic and hip pain, including during and after pregnancy
Recovery after injury, surgery or childbirth
Continence problems including Stress Incontinence & Urgency
Arthritis & other orthopaedic probems
RSI/OOS (translation: 'Repetetive Strain Injury' & 'Occupational Overuse Syndrome')
Visit the Australian Physiotherapy Association site for more information including patient information cards & research updates: http://apa.advsol.com.au/physio_and_health
Acupuncture
Acupuncture makes use of the body’s energy (variously called chi, qi, or ki) within the constructs of traditional chinese medicine. It acknowledges the whole nature of a person (physical & energetic, emotional & spiritual, nutritional & seasonal) It takes into account relationships and cycles that operate within the system. I use acupuncture as an adjunct to physiotherapy in treating musculoskeletal conditions, allowing me to work with your musculoskeletal system in the context of your general health and well being, supporting both at once. It has both a physical and energetic nature to it. I predominantly uses the very gentle Japanese Meridian & Ki acupuncture styles, which use gentle needle insertion, contact needling (without insertion) and moxa to activate acupuncture points. Selectively, stronger needling of active Trigger Points (also known as dry needling) can be included.
Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation
Life and motion are inseparable. For a living body to function optimally, all layers of tissue from top to bottom, inside to out should be moving freely and fully. Optimal mobility permits and encourages optimal function.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Viseral Manipulation (VM), are modalities which restore mobility to tissues beyond the musculoskeletal system, and as such are ofthen the ‘missing piece’ in body work. Connective Tissue forms tendons & ligaments, sheaths and fascia. Fascia is the the name given to Connective Tissue in its sheet like form. It varies in its thickness, elasticity and tensile strength. Fascia is the ‘stuff’ which wraps around organs, muscles & bones, giving form and definition, separation and support. Fascia lines the skull and spinal column, and forms horizontal planes in the body to divide one compartment from the next. CST targets these components of the body. Viscera (internal organs) have their own fascial support system, suspending them in place and guiding their movement in relationship to the skeleton and with each other. VM targets these components. CST & VM both work with the viscous/elastic nature of tissues.
Restrictions in cranial membranes, fascia planes, or organ mobility can contribute to musculoskeletal problems, and vice versa. Lines of tension develop which affect how other parts of the body moves and functions. Restricted organ mobility can relate to physical, emotional &/or biochemical dysfunctions.
Physical: Under, overuse & misuse of the body, injury & trauma of any kind. If tissues do not heal perfectly, or are under constant or repeated strain, blockages in movement and lines of tension are created that the body must compensate for. Past History of inflammatory conditions will frequently leave tissues adhered, or ‘sticky’ (eg appedicitis, colitis, gastritis, bronchitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and so on). Surgical scars, though healed, commonly are not as mobile as the original tissue (eg appendectomy, caesarian section, hysterectomy, laparascopy, heart bypass)
Emotional: The emotions normally discharge to the physical body, with common patterns. Day to day stressors tend to affect the gall bladder, and chronically the stomach and liver. Fear, anger & shock can be discharged to the kidneys. Transition zones in the digestive tract respond to a variety of emotional states. Barral writes a fantastic book “Listening to the messages of your body” which expands on this beautifully. Well known sayings including “butterflies in the stomach”, “can’t stomach it”, “had a gutful”, “feeling liverish”, “broken heart” arise from our instinctive understanding of these relationships. TCM has always observed these relationships. VM will assist in normalising the relationship between mind and body by restoring normal tissue tone and feedback into the central nervous system. A practitioner who integrates Somato-Emotional Release (SER) into their work can delve into this further with you, if exploring consciously these relationships within your body is something that you would find beneficial.
Biochemical/Functional: Digestive dysfunction of varying kinds can have a relationship with organ mobility. Optimal mobility of tissues will promote optimal function of the system. Transition zones throughout the gut and sharp bends in the large intestines are common areas for bacteria and viruses to collect, and is made worse by mechanical restrictions. Hiatus Hernias & Reflux frequently have a mechanical component to them - the gastro-esophageal junction being prone to abnormal mechanical stressors due to its anatomy. Normalising pressures in the region can unload the junction and improve its function.
CST & VM are both light, gentle and highly specific manual therapies. They target the specific tissue restriction that the body most needs assistance with at that time. It may or may not be at the site of symptoms. Instead, it will target the factors that cause or perpetuate the symptoms, in the most efficient order that the body needs. The practitioner learns a sensitivity enabling them to feel fascial lines of tension in a 3-D manner. In French, the word for ‘manipulate’ means ‘to care for with hands’, implying its gentle nature.
John Upledger (USA), and Jean-Pierre Barral (France), both Osteopaths, have developed CST and VM respectively.
For more information please visit:
CST: www.iahe.com/html/therapies/cst.jsp & www.upledger.com
VM: www.iahe.com/html/therapies/vm.jsp & www.barralinstitute.com
As a Physiotherapist, I integrate Visceral Manipulation, CranioSacral Therapy and Acupuncture naturally into my treatment, enhancing outcomes.
Given that VM & CST address a variety of organ systems, a good relationship with your doctor &/or naturopath/dietitian is important.
Additionally, VM & CST will help with a wide range of conditions including:
Migraine Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Central Nervous System Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Scoliosis
Chronic Fatigue
Stress and Tension-Related Problems
Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Surgery Dysfunction including Mobilisation of surgical scars & adhesions
Mobilisation of tissues affected by infections & inflammation
Stress tension
Gall bladder dysfunction
Digestive dysfunction including Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Hiatus Hernia
Women’s health problems and pelvic pain
‘Stitch’ when exercising
Practitioners who work with children can also use CST & VM to help with:
Colic
Autism
Learning Disabilities
To date I have completed VM Abdomen 1 & 2 (Brisbane 2004 & Singapore 2008), VM Thorax (Chicago 2007) coursework. I am scheduled to do theVM Pelvic Organ course next year in Florida.
Reiki
The word Reiki translates literally into “Universal Life Force Energy”.
Please see www.aslor.org & www.reikicentre.com.au for more information about Reiki and it's long history as a healing art.
In essence, Reiki operates on the concept that there exists universal life force energy, that each individual has their own ‘package’ of life force energy, and that each individual has a connection to universal energy. A Reiki practitioner has been ‘attuned’ to life force energy, which allows conduction of Reiki to another person via their hands when placed on or near their body. You receive a ‘dose’ of Life force energy (NOT the practitioners own energy) that your body uses how it best needs at that time. The addition of a Purpose and focus increases it’s potential. A Purpose can be quite general or very specific. Reiki can be provided as a stand-alone healing modality, or used in combination with my other work.
Frequently Asked Questions
? How many treatments will I need
A most difficult question to answer at first meeting. The number of treatments that is beneficial varies from person to person. Most people will get significant benefit from 4-6 visits. Factors including how long the problem has existed, and how complex your body’s adaptations are will affect speed of change. Your general state of health, sleep & nutrition, emotional contributors, posture, ergonomic & movement habits, and your present goals will all have some influence.
? How will I feel after treatments
At worst you will feel no different. You may feel immediate improvements, in which case enjoy! but don’t launch into doing things your body has not been accustomed to doing for months & years. You may alternatively feel worse before you feel better. Old symptoms can return for a few days as your body adjusts to changes, in which case ‘go with the flow’ and call me if you would like to talk about anything at the time.
? Should I exercise before or after treatment
Heavy exercise immediately before, or for the 24 hrs afterwards is not ideal. Light and Moderate exercise is fine, and in context of Pilates I usually encourage people to explore the new mobility gained during treatment in Pilates on the same day. (see above Q?)
? Should I eat before or after treatment
A full bladder or stomach is simply not comfortable or helpful during a treatment. A small amount of food & drink is fine. Drink plenty of water after treatment, and remember to drink enough on a daily basis...
? Should I visit my doctor before having treatment
With respect to Physiotherapy in general - you need to visit your doctor prior to treatment if you require a medical certificate & referral for insurance purposes, or if you have any reason to think you need a medical review first. With respect to VM specifically, again you do not need to visit your doctor first unless you have symptoms that you think you need a medical review. In either case, if anything comes up in during your appointments that needs further investigation or advice I can refer back to your doctor.
? How long after surgery should I wait before I can have VM
6 weeks or more, to allow time for your body’s healing process.
? Are there any contra-indications to Visceral Manipulation
There are a very few circumstances in which VM should not be used at all, and quite a few in which the use of VM would be modified. I will get you to fill out a questionnaire at your first appointment. Things I need to know about include pregnancy, surgical history, active (or recently active) infection & inflammation, implants (including metal fixation for previous fractures, IUD, pacemakers, joint replacements), diabetes & rheumatoid arthritis.
Did you Know That...? Curious Relationships Within the Body
The Connective Tissue that anchors the Small Intestine to the back wall of the body relates directly to the Lower Back, Pelvis & Sigmoid Colon?
The mobility of the Liver can affect the function of the right Shoulder? and the Stomach of the Left Shoulder?
The Lung apex anchors to the 7th cervical (neck), 1st Thoracic & 1st Rib segments?
The Bronchi and Oesophagus lie just in front of the Thoracic spine, and have a close relationship with T4-6 segments?
The Kidneys tuck up under the lower attachment of the diaphragm sliding down & up the upper Psoas muscle with each breath in and out?
The Diaphragm Tendon anchors to the front of not only T12, but L1,2,3 and at times L4!!! and furthermore has a slip that supports the junction between Duodeum & Small Intestine?
The Pleura (outer lining) of the lungs attaches itself to the inside of each rib?
The Cecum (first part of the Large Intestine) and the Sigmoid Colon (last part of the Large Intestine before it becomes the rectum) lie in front of the pelvis adjacent to the SacroIliac Joints (SIJ)? Appendectomy scars frequently create havoc with the Cecum’s mobility.
Ligaments that support the heart suspend it within the chest upper Thoracic--lower Sternum, and lower Thoracic--upper Sternum. The Diaphragm attaches strongly to the underside of the heart, providing the anchor required by the diaphragm to flare the lower ribs.
There is a strong relatonship between Bladder, Coccyx (tailbone) and the Navicular (support bone in the arch of the foot)
There is a strong relationship between the Kidney and the Knees via the Psoas muscle.
These and many more fascinating relationships exist in these fabulous & mysterious bodies which we oft take for granted. Please consider the place of care for your organs with VM in the care of your body.
True Stories
watch this space for updates
Prices
Physiotherapy -Health fund rebates apply
Mention at your first appointment that you found me through this web page for a 10% discount on that visit.
30 min $65
45 min $75
60 min $90
Physiotherapy/Pilates comboinations
45min $70
60min $85
CST & Reiki
60 min $75
90 min $90
Times that I am available are as follows:
Tuesday am @ West End (7-12)
Tuesday pm @ Annerley (4-8)
Wednesday pm @ West End (12-8)
Thursday pm @ West End (12-8)
Friday am/pm @ West End (7-3)
Saturday am @ West End/Annerley alternating (8-1)
For location of West Enda Clinic see www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/therapist/16248
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Bachelor Physiotherapy (hons) 1992
Cert Acupuncture (APA) 2000
Craniosacral Therapy (Upledger): CST I & II
Visceral Mobilisation (Barral): Abdomen I & II, Thorax
DMA Clinical Pilates: Lvl 1 & 2
Stott Pilates Mat & Equipment: Essential & Intermediate
The Original Seven Level System of Reiki: Level 3 (Master)
MAP
Service Categories
Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, Physiotherapy, Reiki
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