Osteopathic bodywork is a truly holistic approach to wellness that considers the entire organism. All of our internal structures and systems influence the musculoskeletal system. This means that your organs (viscera) and their containers, neurovascular and lymphatic structures and the fascial web that connects them all, influence how we hold tension and experience pain, but they are often inconsidered in a typical orthopedic assessment hyperfocused on biomechanics.

Understanding that the body is wired for survival and is deeply interconnected, interrelated and hierarchal is integral to treating it effectively. The central nervous system and viscera play a vital role in posture, range of motion and motor control. When we only look at biomechanical output without considering the multitudes of sensory input from all of our containers and their contents, it is difficult to make real lasting change. If a body is in a protection pattern it will remain so until what it is protecting has been addressed and the organism feels safe to release that strategy.

If you ‘ve struggled with an injury or chronic pain that won’t resolve, despite weeks of rehab and other interventions, there is likely a key systemic component that has been missed. Every session with Jillian is guided by this whole-body paradigm, using the LTAP™ (created by Anna Hartman, AT, MS, ATC, CSCS) to determine where the body needs support. LTAP™ stands for Locator Test Assessment Protocol and is a quick round of orthopedic type tests incorporating osteopathic principles that work with the body’s innate intelligence to determine the area and sequence of treatment.

Sessions may incorporate a blend of manual and movement therapy including but not limited to massage, acupressure, neural manipulation, joint mobilization, METs, static and dynamic cupping, gua sha, trigger point therapy, stretching and Pilates based movement. Results in 1-3 Sessions.

Whether you are recovering from an injury, are a dancer/athlete looking to cross-train, want to maintain overall health, or are looking to get in better shape, Pilates can work for you! The Pilates method invented nearly 100 years ago by Joseph and Clara Pilates, has evolved to become one of the most popular and effective methods of physical training. Many of the exercises work so well they have become physiotherapy canon! The focused detailed work of Pilates builds stability and control and deeper self-awareness.

Breath, mobility, control, alignment, and movement integration are Polestar Pilates principles that are integral to whole body health and longevity. Incorporating Pilates training into your routine can help prevent injury by increasing proprioception (awareness of our body in space) and interoception (awareness of internal processes) through mindful movement and attention to breath as well as via the feedback the apparatus provides to the nervous system with resistance and assistance. This is where the practice sets itself apart, with the equipment providing the body opportunities for not only closed and open kinetic chain movement, but also psuedo closed chain, with the straps/ropes, springs and mobile tower bar. This type of training creates deep intrinsic strength and finesse of all movements. Applying that work in a functional way for your every day life, your sport, and/or your hobbies will take everything to the next level and prevent repetitive use injuries.

Jillian is comprehensively trained via Polestar Pilates, and will use all apparatus and props available to create a bespoke session for each body’s unique needs. Sessions are available in Pasadena or virtually. If you live in LA and own your own reformer, private house calls are an option as well.