Active Myofascial Therapy -
The Diamond Method ™

Active Myofascial Therapy -
The Diamond Method ™ (AMT)

is something completely different!

It is not massage, not physical therapy and not exercise; however it does use techniques from all of them plus a variety of other disciplines.

AMT™ was developed by Irene Diamond, RT, an exercise and movement therapist and neuromuscular re-educator as a result of a spinal cord accident she had at age 15. She was completely paralyzed initially but eventually went on to regain full movement. After completing her degree, she used herself and clients as the first guinea pigs. She fine tuned the work and is now teaching therapists in workshops around the nation. 

Active Myofascial Therapy, either alone or used in conjunction with physical therapy or chiropractic, will allow you to experience quick and permanent results! It is the most effective physiological therapy you can experience for soft-tissue dysfunction.

AMT™ is for you if you have any of the following: pain during the day or at night which affects your ability to carry out your daily activities or get a good night sleep; problems resulting from a car accident or work related injury; TMJ disorders; repetitive stress syndrome; migraines/headaches; or any other acute or chronic soft-tissue injury. Almost 90% of physical aches and pains are due to soft-tissue (muscle, fascia and/or ligaments) imbalances, weakness and/or restriction.

The cause is usually an injury, years of poor posture, or physical or emotional stress which lead to a contraction of some muscles as a way for your body to protect itself or to compensate for a dysfunction. Unfortunately, even if your injury has healed or the situation has changed, your muscles don't always get the message from your nervous system to release the chronic contracture (called "splinting") or protective compensation. What may start out as a small limitation in movement, over time may result in severely restricted movement and a shortening of the muscles. If pain continues, it can set up what is known as a pain-spasm-pain cycle, which is hard to break.

More on Active Myofascial Therapy™

Orthopedic Massage

The goal of Orthopedic Massage 1 is to induce a change in the structure and function of the neuromusculoskeletal soft tissue to promote healing of the whole person.2  Orthopedic Massage combines elements of myofascial release, neuromuscular reeducation, soft tissue mobilization and muscle energy techniques taken from the world of osteopathic medicine. One of the unique concepts at the heart of Orthopedic Massage is that muscles, tendons and ligaments have a normal position relative to the neighboring soft tissue and the joint they affect.3

If soft tissue has a normal, specific alignment and placement within the body, relative to the surrounding tissue, then injury, either as a result of accidents, sudden impacts or strains, chronic postural problems or repetitive stresses, can cause the soft tissues to fall out of correct placement and alignment. Orthopedic Massage aims to correct alignment through the use of specific directional soft tissue mobilization, active resisted contractions of the affected muscles (Muscle Energy Technique) and joint mobilization.

Like AMT™, when receiving a treatment using Orthopedic Massage, the client receiving the treatment is not completely passive, as would be the case in more traditional deep tissue massage. Instead, the therapist works with the client in performing specific isometric contractions of the affected muscles, a system known as Muscle Energy Technique.  Since these assisted contractions are in a specific direction, habitual patterns of holding and involuntary spasms can more easily be released. Having the client become aware of the contractions allows strengthening of weak muscles that have been endorsed due to the overly tight muscles that oppose their motion.  Combining release of overly tight (hypertonic) muscles and strengthening of weak muscles, the muscular tensions around a specific joint are normalized, thus reducing pain and increasing awareness, both conscious and unconscious.

More on Orthopedic Massage

1 As taught by Dr. Thomas Hendrickson, D.C. Back

2 As taken from the Manual of Orthopedic Massage, copyright Dr. Thomas Hendrickson, D.C. Back

3 ibid Back