We often regard pain as a feeling or emotion. However, pain is a scientific process. Pain is the body’s warning and response system when something is wrong. Sensory receptors send a traveling message via nerve fibers to the spinal cord, brainstem and finally, the brain. The signal sent back is the brain’s way of getting your attention.
Why do we need pain? Sensing pain prevents further injury and action. For example, the pain associated with broken bones limits further use. Without pain, further use and damage would occur.
Understanding the nervous processes behind pain allows doctors to block or subdue pain until the body is healed. As a holistic-focused business, we combine several scientific methods to offer an effective, natural approach.
Pain is divided into 2 categories: acute and chronic. During an acute pain episode, pain receptors transmit signals to prevent further damage. The pain resolves once the area is healed. Stubbing your foot or burning yourself on the stove are examples.
Chronic pain is felt after the body heals and the brain continues to perceive pain. Genetics, physiological mechanisms and psychological factors are at play. Chronic pain is less understood by scientists than acute pain.
Chronic and acute pain can be caused by a specific illness or injury, or it can be related to certain chronic or long-term diseases or conditions such as:
Ever completed therapy only to have conditions reappear or continue to be bothersome? Similar to traditional therapy, Counterstrain focuses on muscles, tendons, bones and ligaments with one key difference.
Unlike therapy, Counterstrain looks at the whole body including the lymphatic system, nerves, fascia, organs, muscles, arteries and veins. The goal is to restore the clogged pump mechanism in the lymphatic system to allow the fascia to function normally and relieve connective tissue pain.
Get relief from acute or chronic pain, tightness, spasms, joint stiffness and other hard-to-explain symptoms through Counterstrain. Join our Counterstrain Seminar to learn more or sign up for a 30-minute, one-on-one evaluation.
You may wonder: “How can breathing reduce pain, I’m always breathing!” Although this is a popular, understandable question, breathwork has been scientifically proven to reduce acute and chronic pain. Breathwork and mindfulness differ from normal breathing patterns.
Scientific research proves breathwork reduces autonomic activity, the fear-based fight-or-flight response and pain scores. Breathwork alters the perception of pain and helps patients better cope with the stress and anxiety that often accompanies chronic pain.
One study found breathwork altered core muscle activation and significantly decreased pain in patients with chronic lower back pain. Another study found a reduction in reported pain scores in women with fibromyalgia after deep breathing exercises.
Learn more about conscious, connected breathing techniques through our BREATHE! Seminar.
CBD is naturally extracted from the hemp plant and does not contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. CBD binds to cell receptors and influences how the body perceives pain. CBD is an effective, natural treatment for pain relief and does not induce the same side effects as pharmaceuticals.
What the Studies Say:
Whatever the source of your pain, the practitioners at Total Health will assess and treat your pain by doing more than just patching up your symptoms. We work to uncover the root cause of your pain and offer services based on your unique health goals to increase your mental and physical resilience. With Total Health, you’ll have access to effective pain-reducing therapies and be equipped with powerful pain management techniques to help you rediscover the freedom and joy of less pain or a pain-free life.
We are now serving Brookfield, Brown Deer, Butler, Germantown, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Milwaukee, Muskego, New Berlin, Sussex, Wauwatosa, West Allis, West Bend, Waukesha, & beyond.
Our team of holistic practitioners determines the best way to alleviate your symptoms based on non-invasive testing and your wellness goals. We target the root cause of inflammation & heavy metal toxicity at the cellular level so that you can take back control of your health instead of managing symptoms. Our most popular clinical services include:
Our seminars show you how holistic medicine can change your life. We are ready to explain the science behind naturopathic medicine, weight loss resistance, thyroid hormone regulation, and chronic fatigue.
Listen in as Marty Johnson interviews the newest addition to the Total Health team- Janell Strupp PT, CPI. Hear how she can outsmart pain and dysfunction with advanced fascial counterstrain. With this technique people have found relieve from pain stemming from multiple dysfunctions within the body, including acute or chronic neck pain, back pain, headache, shoulder, knee or hip pain.
Listen in as Marty Johnson talks about natural products for managing pain, and what to combine them with for more effective results.
Pairing CBD with other spices, vitamins, and minerals can boost its effects in unique ways.
The brain is essentially in charge of everything in regards to pain in the body, i.e. how severely it’s perceived and where the pain is occurring.
DHM, Owner and Natural Health Consultant
Martin has spent over 30 years researching and educating people how to take back their health. He can be found guest lecturing throughout the year on natural health topics. He has a passion to help identify root causes of health conditions and help turn the momentum of his client’s health in a positive direction.
Licensed Acupuncturist
Karen has an extensive background in both acupuncture. She is board certified in acupuncture since 2009.
Licensed Acupuncturist, MSOM, B.S. Nutrition
Monica has been practicing acupuncture since 2008. She is licensed by the state of Wisconsin and nationally board certified by the NCCAOM.
Licensed Massage Therapist
Isabella graduated from Wisconsin School of Massage Therapy with a mission to ensure that every client leaves a session feeling at least 50% better, whether physically or mentally, than when they arrived.
BS, Certified Red Light Therapy Practitioner
Elly's background in tennis & bodybuilding, combined with her passion to help people, has led to her career here helping people become the best version of themselves through natural approaches. Red Light Therapy has changed her clients lives significantly, being a non-invasive solution for fat loss, pain management, skin rejuvenation, and so much more.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Corianne is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Fascial Counterstrain provider. Drawn to the gentle, integrated nature and power of the technique in her own journey to healing, Corianne knew that Counterstrain was something she needed to share with others. She would love to work with you using this evidence-based technique not only to overcome acute or chronic pain and discomfort, but also to promote ongoing wellness and longevity.
Licensed Physical Therapist
Janell's background includes 30+ years of rehabilitation experience as a physical therapist. Since 2010, she has been focusing her efforts on a technique called Fascial Counterstrain. Backed by the latest research on fascia's role in reducing or eliminating sources of acute or chronic pain and inflammation, and having witnessed life changing effects in the lives of her family members and clients, she would love to share the benefits of this innovative technique with you.
