Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy Explained in Full
What is Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy For?
The Prfimmer massage technique is a corrective treatment primarily designed to aid in the restoration of damage muscles and soft tissue in the entire body.
Using a very specific series of cross-tissue movements applied to the muscles, all layers of muscle that have become depleted of their normal blood and lymphatic flow receive concentrated attention.
This specific therapy helps restore optimal levels of blood circulation which allows for improved natural healing.
How Was Pfrimmer Developed?
Therese C. Pfrimmer, a registered massage therapist and physiotherapist from Ontario, Canada not only evolved the method of deep muscle therapy, but was her own first client.
Her discovery of what we now call the Pfrimmer technique in 1946 led to the reversal of her own paralysis, she then dedicated the rest of her life, some 34 years, to research on muscles, training others in her discovery, and aiding in the improvement of a broad spectrum of disabilities and diseases.
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy establishes a foundation for corrective massage upon which other trouble-shooting techniques may be added. It has been valuable in aiding in the prevention as well as correction of many serious muscle conditions. Because of its positive benefits to all of the body’s soft tissue, it may b described as the most comprehensive form of corrective body work available today. Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy is, indeed, the healing touch.
How Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy Works
Tight, adherent muscles may cause many ailments:
Restricted circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid
Entrapment of nerves in soft tissue
Impaired structural alignment
The effect of a damaged or adherent muscle is comparable to a garden hose with a kink or bend. The normal flow of water is blocked and the garden is not watered sufficiently.
When a similar disruption in muscle and soft tissue occurs, the normal functions of the blood, nervous and/or lymphatic systems are diminished of blocked. Tissues and organs supplied by these systems are not properly accommodated.
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy is designed to cause corrective changes to the damaged or adherent muscles and the adjacent soft tissues. The improved circulation that results causes changes on the cellular level, not only to the muscle involved, but also to any soft tissue that may have been affected by the impaired circulation.
Where muscles have become “dry”, Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy brings lymphatic fluid toward the muscle cell. The lymphatic fluid acts as the exchange on the capillary level.
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy relieves entrapment of nerves, and it also aids in moving out wasted and congestion that may have accumulated in damaged muscles and soft tissue. When this happens, inflammation and edema decreases and pain is reduced. Detoxification on a cellular level is achieved and cellular function is improved. It softens hard fibrous muscle which restricts joint range of motion, thereby “throwing off” the body’ proper structural alignment.
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy provides a dramatic form of passive exercise for those who have been injured or ill. Combining PDMT with traditional treatments of specific conditions or diseases offers an added edge that can speed recovery and promote maximum improvement where traditional treatments leave off.
How Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy Helps the Body
This is only a partial list of ways that Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy has shown itself to be effective to overall health:
Muscular System
•May correct damaged muscles and separate adherent fibers.
•Allows nutrients and medicines to reach the cellular area and waste to be removed.
•Softens hard, fibrous muscles and relieves pain.
•Relieves congestion and inflammation.
Skeletal System
•Aids in clearing deposits and debris from old bone injuries.
•Helps repair damaged ligaments and tendons at bone attachments.
•Improves joint range of motion.
•Enhances effectiveness of chiropractic and osteopathic treatment.
•Allows for improved posture and stronger stance.
Nervous System
•Releases entrapment of nerves in soft tissues.
•Reduces inflammation and congestion along nerve pathway (neuritis, radiculitis, neuralgia, etc.).
•Relieves neuromuscular conditions.
•Improves conditions resulting from brain injury.
Integumentary System
•Improves circulation to the skin, thus moisturizing dry, scaly, skin and improving tone.
•May reduce bed sores, acne and other skin eruptions. Excellent for geriatric skin problems.
•Regular therapy may improve the appearance of cellulite.
Endocrine System
•Aids in hydrating muscle cells so endocrine hormones can reach their end sites through improved circulation.
Cardiovascular System
•May contribute to the improvement of sclerotic blood vessels
•Helps relieve congested tissue in chest of congestive heart patients.
•Improves general health so that a heart patient can maintain self through exercise.
Lymphatic System
•Releases entrapment of lymphatic vessels.
•“Drains” sluggish nodes.
•Improves integrity of lymphatic vessel walls.
Respiratory System
•Releases restriction in the muscles that aid in breathing.
•Promotes postural improvement thereby reducing “crowding” of lungs.
•Removes old congestion in lung/rib area.
Digestive System
•Improves tone in muscular walls for peristalsis.
•Helps clear adherent factors between organs (intestines can get “stuck together”, as can stomach and pancreas).
•Aids in moving inflammation, congestion and old fecal matter from the tract.
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy Can Also Help Indirectly
Urinary System
•Relieves spasms and restriction of the Psoas muscle adjacent to the kidneys.
•Releases restriction from the bladder area in pelvic floor.
Reproductive System
•Helps clear congestion in pelvic floor area.
•Tones and balances muscles during and after pregnancy.
•Helps regulate menses through improved general health.
Common Conditions Where Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy Has Provided Relief
Arthritis
PDMT helps move wastes out or the muscles and joints, reducing edema, and inflammation, as well as pain. It often improves the range of motion of the joints.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
PDMT moves congestion from the median nerve area of entrapment.
Constipation and Digestive Distress
PDMT improves tone in limp, flaccid muscles of the colon wall contributing toward improved peristaltic action.
Headaches
PDMT releases adherent factors in the neck, improving blood flow to the brain, as well as relieving a major cause of headaches: stress.
Heart Problems
PDMT may relieve congestion from the tissue around the heart and can improve the tone in muscle walls of the blood vessels, as well as muscle pathways leading to the heart.
Joint and Muscle Pain
PDMT releases adherent muscles allowing them to freely glide over one another. This also can relieve pain producing build-up of metabolic substances within the muscles. Range of motion and lubrication within the joints also can be improved.
Neck and Back Pain
PDMT has been known to release adherent back and neck muscles, restoring their ease of motion and diminishing the incidence of spasm. It helps spinal adjustments to hold more successfully.
Occupational Injuries
Occupational Injuries often result from overuse of a muscle in a repetitive movement, causing muscle strain, dryness and restriction. PDMT restores the muscle’s blood and lymphatic flow so it moves freely and without pain. Inflammation caused by cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) or repetitive strain injury (RSI) can be dispensed in the sane way.
Paralysis
PDMT opens muscular pathways so that fresh oxygenated blood can reach muscle cells thereby improving the function of the nerve in the motor unit. (If the muscle is too dry, the supply of freshly oxygenated blood is inadequate, contraction cannot take place, and the nerve seems non-functional.)
Poor Circulation
Often damaged muscles deep in the body will press on blood vessels impairing blood flow. PDMT helps cold hands and feet, dry skin, varicose veins, old injuries which are slow in healing and other circulatory problems to improve.
Sciatic Pain
Sciatic pain is often caused by tension or spasm in the piriformis and/or Psoas muscle, resulting in entrapment of the sciatic nerve. PDMT helps resolve this irritation along the nerve pathway in the specific areas of entrapment.
Sports Injuries
PDMT aids in releasing muscle restrictions thereby helping to balance the stress on weight-bearing joints. It also helps joint range of motion and reduces spinal subluxation. PDMT contributes to the effectiveness of chiropractic, physical therapy and sports medicine treatment. The cross-fiber technique has been acknowledged in sports medicine to be effective in hastening recovery and giving the athlete the added edge.
Tendinitis, Bursitis
PDMT is effective in helping reduce inflammation and congestion surrounding bone, cartilage, joint capsule, joint spaces and bursae. It isolates and aids in relieving restricted muscles which are pulling on the joint and causing pain in the soft tissues.
Trauma and Car Accidents
When injuries don’t heal in the normal time frame, there is often underlying muscle distress, resulting in a cycle of chronic pain. PDMT helps interrupt the chronic pain cycle with muscle work and joint limitations resulting from past injury.
Whiplash
Whiplash can cause damage to the minute fibers of the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck and back. It often also results in congestion and tension in the sub-occipital and sublingual/throat muscles. PDMT helps remove the congestion and tension from these injured areas.
Specific Condition Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy Has Been Demonstrated to Aid In
•ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
•Brain Injury
•Bell’s Palsy
•Cerebral Palsy
•Fibrositis and Fibromyalgia Syndrome
•Lupus
•Memory Loss
•Multiple Sclerosis
•Muscular Dystrophy
•Neuralgia
•Neuritis
•Parkinson’s
•Polio
•Scoliosis
•Strokes
•TMJ-Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
Pfrimmer Questions & Answers
Q: Is PDMT just another massage technique?
A: No. Rather than being another technique of massage, Pfrimmer is a specialty unto itself…a comprehensive system of corrective cross-tissue movements designed to aid in the restoration of damaged soft tissue in the entire body. Pfrimmer is the foundation upon which other trouble shooting techniques may be added. Pfrimmer therapist is viewed by doctors as “specialist” in the field of muscle therapy.
Q: Why is Pfrimmer considered the foundation for trouble shooting and corrective massage?
A: Because it has been known to stimulate corrective changes on a cellular level. Once the body begins to heal itself, it responds well to additional trouble-shooting such as myofascial release, positional release and trigger point work.
Q: What is the difference between Pfrimmer and regular massage?
A: Massage manipulations work with the superficial layers of muscle and move body fluids. PDMT aids in releasing adherent and fibrous muscle conditions existing in deep layers of muscle. PDMT actually helps correct muscles and other tissues which have become damaged.
Q: Can Pfrimmer be incorporated into Swedish massage?
A: No. Mixing the two in the same session would nullify the corrective system of Pfrimmer thereby canceling potential results. The two differ dramatically in concept and execution of technique. Swedish massage is designed to flush fluids toward the heart; PDMT to bring them into the cell. Swedish is designed for relaxation; Pfrimmer for correction.
Q: Is PDMT the same as Deep Muscle Massage or other forms of deep tissue work?
A: No, Deep Tissue Massage follows the principles of Swedish Massage and is basically the same technique done more deeply.
Q: Does PDMT combine well with chiropractic and osteopathic treatments?
A: Yes! Since the skeletal and muscular systems function together, combining PDMT with chiropractic and osteopathic creates a synergistic relationship. Therapy on damaged muscles aids chiropractic and osteopathic adjustments to the skeletal system. It has been known to benefit the adjustments to “hold” longer. Skeletal misalignment is often caused by damaged or impaired muscles. PDMT can give help at the source of many structural problems.
Q: Does PDMT combine well with physical therapy?
A: Yes! The detailed handwork “inside” the muscle bundles performed with PDMT works toward restoring the health of the muscles, thus contributing to positive results in physical therapy.
Q: Does deep mean painful?
A: no. Most people say that “it hurts good.” In other words, if you have a problem area, it will hurt to some degree to have it worked on, but it feels “right” to have the problem addressed. Also, “deep” doesn’t necessarily mean “hard.” With the proper technique, muscles deep in your body can be reached with a minimum of pressure.
Q: What kind of background would a Pfrimmer therapist likely have?
A: Therese Pfrimmer preferred to teach her technique to doctors, nurses and physical therapist. However, the high academic standards set by AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) schools have made it possible to train qualified massage therapist in the Pfrimmer profession. Because of their excellent training in hand techniques and palpation, they can readily master Pfrimmer techniques. Any potential Pfrimmer Therapist must care about people and have an inquiring mind.
Q: What are the educational prerequisites for studying to become a Pfrimmer Therapist?
A: A minimum of 500 hours of formal, in-class schooling in anatomy, physiology and body work is required; or, a degree in the healing arts such as held by a medical doctor, osteopath, chiropractor, nurse or physical therapist.
Q: Why would a doctor, nurse or physical therapist want to study PDMT?
A: Professionals in the healing arts have found a study of PDMT an enhancement to their professional abilities. It increases their comprehension of the muscular system, palpation skills and the role soft tissue plays in overall health. For some, it has been a rewarding career change.
Q: When should a doctor consider referring their patient for PDMT?
A: Referral may be warranted for conditions involving the skeletal, muscular, neurological, circulatory or respiratory systems, or in cases where any inflammatory conditions or entrapment of nerves has occurred. PDMT promotes maximum muscle movement. PDMT is also beneficial for people desiring to maintain a healthy physical state.
What Doctors Say About the Value of PDMT
Barry Gillespie, DMD, MSD, TMJ Specialist
“Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy is an invaluable adjunct to my work with TMJ patients. Basically the jaw, head and neck are coordinated through the myofascial tissues. Soft tissue balance and release has to be complete for maximum TMJ benefit.”
Seldon Nelson, Pharm D., D.O., Instructor Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
“There is a definite area of medical neglect today involving soft tissue therapy. Muscle therapist generally does much to fill this present need. I have been particularly impressed with the Pfrimmer therapists I have observed.”
Eugene B. Spitz, M.D., World renowned neurosurgeon, Inventor of the shunt for hydrocephalics
“Over the years we have referred a large number of children with organic neuromuscular problems for the Pfrimmer technique of deep muscle therapy and have found it to be of significant value frequently as an adjunct to the sensorimotor stimulation program.”
John Unruh, PHD; Clinical Director, Center for Neurological Rehabilitation
“We have developed into one of the largest centers for out-patient treatment of brain injury in the world with offices in nine countries. We maintain an extremely sophisticated diagnostic and research facility which keeps us on top of various new methods, programs and techniques which can be of some possible benefit to our patients. Our research has shown the Pfrimmer method of deep muscle therapy to be of significant value to a number of our patients, and we have been increasingly inclined to refer patients to Pfrimmer therapist throughout the world.”
Carl Weisse, DC; Instructor, PA College of Straight Chiropractic and Community College of Philadelphia
“Doctors who are familiar with the value of massage view Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapist as ‘specialist’ in the field of muscle therapy.”
Patricia Yeoman, M.D., Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
“I have seen many patients benefit from Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy while I was serving as staff physician at Deep Muscle Therapy Center in suburban Philadelphia. I have also received help personally for my own condition of inflammatory and painful soft tissue. There is great value to the medical community to include this work in the treatment plan for many serious conditions.”