What does the science say?

Heather selects therapeutic strategies through comprehensive training, collaboration with experienced practitioners, patient feedback, and current scientific knowledge. This reflects evidence-based healthcare in practice—integrating research with clinical expertise and individual patient needs.

Manual therapy techniques face unique research challenges that can make the science appear less robust than it actually is. These approaches are inherently personalized, with practitioners adapting techniques based on each patient's specific condition and response. This individualization makes standardized research studies difficult to design, even though it's therapeutically valuable.

Many widely-used healthcare interventions face similar research limitations yet remain standard practice because of their established safety profiles and consistent clinical outcomes. The techniques Heather uses have been refined through decades of practice by thousands of skilled practitioners who have observed meaningful improvements in their patients' pain, function, and quality of life. These real-world clinical observations represent valuable evidence of therapeutic benefit.

The available research shows encouraging results for many of these approaches, and these techniques have excellent safety records when performed by trained professionals. The current evidence—combining available studies, extensive clinical experience, and patient outcomes—supports their use as part of comprehensive, individualized care.

Below, we summarize the current scientific understanding of each technique's effectiveness, helping you make informed decisions about your care.

Scientists in lab coats discussing research findings and therapeutic techniques to enhance evidence-based healthcare.

ANS Balancing

Key Findings:

A 2021 review of 12 systematic reviews found that manual therapies can influence both sympathetic (stress) and parasympathetic (rest) nervous systems, though results vary by technique.
Resonance breathing (6 breaths per minute) significantly improved heart rate variability (HRV) in young adults, indicating better autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance. Regular aerobic exercise also enhances parasympathetic activity.
Hands-on ANS therapies require further study, but theoretical models suggest that gentle touch may activate calming C-tactile nerve fibers.

Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflexes

Key Findings:

A 2003 case-control study of 69 hospitalized patients found that those with pneumonia were 3.9 times more likely to have tender Chapman reflex points in the lung. Sensitivity (69%) and specificity (64%) suggest diagnostic potential, though microscopic tissue analysis has not confirmed structural changes.
Limited therapeutic studies exist; however, clinical reports suggest that lymphatic stimulation at reflex points may support immune function and organ health.

Craniosacral therapy

Key Findings:

Despite its long history of use in the field and the significant anecdotal success rates, very few high-quality studies have been conducted.
A 2024 meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concluded that craniosacral therapy provided no clinically meaningful improvements for either musculoskeletal or non-musculoskeletal conditions.
An earlier 2016 study reported pain reductions in chronic neck pain (−21 mm on a pain scale).

Ergonomics

Key Findings:

The scientific evidence strongly supports ergonomic interventions for preventing and managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. A 2025 meta-analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials involving 4,086 workers found that ergonomic interventions significantly reduced pain intensity with a mean difference of -0.28 on the visual analog scale compared to control groups. The analysis demonstrated statistically significant reductions in musculoskeletal pain in the lower back (OR 0.53), upper back, ankles, wrists, and neck.
A 2019 systematic review examining workplace interventions found strong evidence that ergonomics training combined with workstation adjustments decreased upper extremity musculoskeletal injuries, with moderate evidence showing cost-effectiveness for employers. The review demonstrated positive effects in both manufacturing/warehouse sectors (strong evidence) and administrative/healthcare sectors (moderate evidence).
Research comparing ergonomic modifications versus workplace exercises in 184 office workers showed significant improvements in both groups after one month, with workplace exercises showing particular effectiveness for lower back complaints. The study found that both interventions reduced musculoskeletal complaints in the neck, shoulder, hand/wrist, and lower back regions. A study of 142 office workers demonstrated that combined ergonomic and exercise interventions were more effective than either approach alone, with exercise modifications showing superior results after 4 months.

The Feldenkrais Method®

Key Findings:

The scientific evidence supporting Feldenkrais method® for chronic low back pain and movement re-education is very strong.
A 2020 randomized trial compared the Feldenkrais Method® to core stability exercises in 60 patients with chronic low back pain. Those in the Feldenkrais® group saw greater improvements in quality of life (+33%), interoceptive awareness (+48%), and disability reduction (−47%) compared to the control group.
Pain scores decreased significantly in both groups, but the Feldenkrais® approach uniquely enhanced body awareness, which correlated with long-term functional gains.
Research suggests that its focus on mindful movement helps retrain the nervous system, making it particularly effective for managing chronic pain.

Kinesiotaping

Key Findings:

A 2012 systematic review of six studies examining musculoskeletal injuries found that kinesiotape significantly improved pain levels and range of motion in patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders of the cervical spine both immediately and 24 hours after injury. For shoulder conditions, research suggests kinesiotape may provide short-term pain relief for patients with shoulder impingement, though evidence for long-term benefits remains limited.
A comprehensive 2021 survey of 1,083 healthcare professionals revealed that practitioners most commonly use kinesiotaping for post-injury treatment (74%), pain modulation (67%), and neurological feedback (60%). The survey found that 70% of practitioners believe kinesiotaping modulates pain, 69% believe it enhances proprioception, and 65% believe it increases local circulation. However, a significant portion (58%) also acknowledged its potential placebo effect.
A 2019 study specifically examining knee osteoarthritis found that kinesiotaping with specific tension significantly reduced pain during walking compared to sham taping, with researchers noting that the mechanical effects extend beyond superficial tissues to deeper layers.
Recent research from 2023 concluded that while kinesiotaping shows mixed results for motor control and physical performance, it demonstrates the most pronounced effects in reducing pain syndrome and improving posture in the short term.

Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Key Findings:

A 2011 randomized controlled trial (RCT) on baseball players with shoulder tightness showed that MET increased horizontal adduction range by 15° and internal rotation by 12° immediately after treatment.
The collaborative nature of MET (patient-therapist effort matching) makes it a safe and effective approach for addressing joint mobility issues, with effects lasting beyond the session.

Myofascial Release

Key Findings:

A 2021 meta-analysis of 10 studies found that myofascial release reduced chronic low back pain by 37% compared to the control group. Functional improvements were modest but consistent.
For chronic neck pain, a 2024 review noted pain reduction in 7 out of 10 trials, although the effects on mobility were inconsistent.

Osteopathic Listening

Key Findings:

Philosophical theories suggest that it enhances intercorporeal awareness, but no controlled studies have confirmed its therapeutic benefits.
Given its relative newness, this practice requires further rigorous study; however, anecdotal evidence is promising.

The publications and information on this page reflect the latest research as of 2024. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine which therapies align with your specific needs.

The Research:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32723088/

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27215948/

3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269215520947069

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14620082/

5. https://www.advancedtherapyinstitute.net/bodyworkblog/chapmans-neurolymphatic-reflexology-coming-back-after-being-illegal-for-a-century-law-reverses-criminalization-of-holistic-health-practices

6. https://osteogoodhealth.com/chapmans-reflexes-neuro-lymphatic-reflexes/

7. https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2011.3292

8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8638932/

9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8924557/

10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11250637/

11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33984499/