IF you think Kinetic Chain Release sounds more like a chemistry experiment than a physical therapy, then you are not alone.
When I was invited along to the newly-opened Reform Clinic in Glasgow's west end I was unsure what to expect.
The clinic is tucked away in the Hidden Lane in Finnieston - next door to the popular tearoom - and only opened four weeks ago.
The atmosphere and decor has the vibe of an upmarket west end massage and beauty salon, but forget bikini waxes and pedicures - this is about holistic therapy and all-round wellbeing, both physical and mental.
Director Nicola Rolland, my therapist for the day, has a background in business consultancy but has also trained as a yoga teacher and 'somatic coach' - a type of counselling technique. She has now set up the Reform Clinic with her sister Jacqueline Rolland, a nurse, and partner Mike, to provide everything from cutting edge smoking cessation treatments to pain relief.
Kinetic Chain Release (KCR) is designed to "bring the body back into balance" through skeletal realignment. The first sign that my skeleton might not be as aligned as I assumed came after I hopped only the bed and, after lifting my pelvis, strength-testing my knees and shaking out my ankles, my left leg was found to be half and inch shorter than my right.
This is not unusual, apparently - in my case a comparatively minor symptom of the fact that I put more pressure on my right side, for example carrying my handbag on my right shoulder and shopping bags with my right arm.
KCR was originally devised in Canada more than 30 years ago by a Scottish physiotherapist, Hugh Gilbert, to correct a range of physical ailments such as weak ankles, knee problems, hip and joint pain, pelvic discomfort and back and shoulder pain.
It operates on the principle that a weakness in one part of the skeleton will have knock on effects elsewhere.
Although I spent 45 minutes on a massage table, you probably shouldn't approach KCR expecting an entirely relaxing experience.
KCR involves a series of joint mobilisations and stretches to test your flexibility. The therapist will also work to release tension in some key muscles by targetting specific pressure points, for example around the hips, lower back and jaw.
Some clients can find this painful - personally, I found the pressure fairly easy to tolerate, so do not be put off. And if it feels uncomfortable, you simply have to ask the therapist to stop.
At the end of the session I felt relaxed and more 'upright' in my posture. And my legs were the same length!
A single KCR session is £65, but the treatment is also offered in one of two packages, designed to remedy either stress or pain in joints and muscles.
The 'pain' package combines three one-hour sessions for £225, including two hours of KCR and a final session which incorporates Connective Tissue Release, an "intensely relaxing" treatment designed to rehydrate the body's connective tissues - a sort of 'cling-film' for the muscles.
A separate stress package for £390 combines three two-hour sessions of KCR, CTR and training in take-home meditation techniques.
So, if you have aches and strains - physical or mental - and feel you've tried everything, the Reform Clinic could be the hidden gem you've been looking for.
Website: www.reformclinic.com
Email: info@reformclinic.com
Phone: 07785 768780
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