Ferdinando, why does manual therapy play such a central role in healthcare for you?
Manual therapy allows us to specifically influence the body through touch and release blockages that often run deep. For me, it’s one of the most original and effective methods to restore balance in the body. The human being is a holistic system, and manual techniques such as osteopathy, craniosacral therapy, and fascia therapy help release tension and activate the body’s natural self-healing powers. The interplay of different manual methods is often decisive in achieving lasting results.
Which forms of manual therapy do you use, and how do they differ?
At Halo Health, we apply various techniques that address specific areas and needs:
Osteopathy
Based on the concept that the body functions as a unit, osteopathy uses gentle, targeted manipulations that can affect not only muscles and joints but also connective tissue and organs. It helps release tension throughout the body and supports self-healing.
Craniosacral Therapy
A very gentle method focusing on the skull bones, sacrum, and cerebrospinal fluid. It often has a deeply relaxing effect and can help with stress, sleep problems, or migraines. The fine work on the skull and spine allows even subtle blockages to be resolved.
Fascia Therapy
Fascia run throughout the entire body and play an important role in mobility and pain-free movement. Fascia therapy loosens adhesions and supports the elasticity of this network. It is particularly effective in improving mobility and alleviating musculoskeletal discomfort.
Each method has its own approach and area of influence, and it is often beneficial to combine them for the best results.
In what cases do you combine different methods, and how do patients benefit?
Every patient comes with a unique combination of symptoms and needs, so flexibility in combining methods is essential. For example, for a patient with back and headaches, I often combine craniosacral therapy with osteopathy – craniosacral therapy gently relaxes the head and neck area, while osteopathy releases blockages in the spine. In cases of chronic muscle tension, I frequently add fascia therapy to loosen adhesions and improve mobility. It’s ultimately about finding the right combination that addresses the individual’s needs and helps restore balance in the body. These methods often complement each other perfectly – the gentle touch of craniosacral therapy calms the nervous system, while osteopathy targets and releases mechanical tensions.
What role does individual therapy adjustment play in your work?
Personalization is at the heart of every treatment. In manual therapy, there’s no “one-size-fits-all.” I take the time to understand the patient and their symptoms thoroughly, tailoring the therapy accordingly. We often start with a comprehensive analysis to identify where blockages are and how symptoms manifest in daily life. Then I decide which methods are most suitable. Treatments are adjusted continuously, as the body changes with therapy. Sometimes, after fascia therapy, it becomes clear that targeted osteopathic treatment would help stabilize the newly gained range of motion. This flexibility allows us to address the body holistically, treating not just symptoms but their root causes.
How do you explain to patients why different manual methods are useful?
I often compare the body to an instrument that needs regular tuning. Everyday stress and strain can lead to tension and blockages. Some patients come with back tension originating from stress in the head – here, a combination of craniosacral and fascia therapy is often very effective. I explain that each method targets a specific area, and by combining them, we can support the body as a whole. Most patients quickly understand that combining methods increases the effectiveness of therapy and helps them return to well-being faster.
What advice would you give to those interested in manual therapy?
I recommend anyone who wants to invest in their long-term health to be open to different manual therapy methods and to listen to their body. Everyone is different, and what works for one person may be less effective for another. It’s important to engage in the process and understand that combining techniques often brings out the best of each. Good manual therapy goes beyond temporary pain relief – it supports the body in staying balanced.
