About
Photo By: Karen Heyden
Karen Heyden BA LMT CTKP
Karen is a licensed message therapist in Illinois, Missouri, and Michigan. She opened her healing practice over 18 years ago. She specializes in post-surgical lymphatic message therapy, Cranial Release Technique (CRT), Craniosacral Therapy (CST), Neuromuscular Therapy through the Barral Institute, MYK System, scar tissue remediation, Kinesio and Dynamic taping, and lymph message for lymph-edema. She is certified in Cranial Release Technique, MYK Systems and is a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner.
Her practice offers many different modalities to help you achieve health and balance. These alternative modalities do not force the body into posture, but rather gently allow the body to correct itself. The sessions are very relaxing.
Karen was a member of the Illinois Massage Licensing Board for over 7 years. As a consummate professional, her office offers a peace-fill oasis as a quiet healing space. She offers evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your busy schedule.
For her own relaxation, Karen is an Emeritus Regional United States Soccer Referee and an International Special Olympics Soccer Official. She travels to international tournaments held in the United States, and officiates local youth games.
Alternative Therapy
Alternative therapies such as Kinesio taping, dynamic taping, craniosacral therapy, the Cranial Release Technique (CRT), and neuromuscular therapy (NMT) offer various approaches to support the body’s natural healing processes, manage pain, and improve overall well-being. Kinesio taping and dynamic taping both involve applying elastic tape to the skin to support muscles and joints, with Kinesio taping focusing on enhancing circulation and stability, while dynamic taping provides a more dynamic support system that mimics muscle action. These methods are particularly popular among athletes for injury prevention, pain management, and performance enhancement.
Craniosacral therapy and the Cranial Release Technique are both gentle, hands-on approaches that focus on the cranial region and the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy uses light touch to release restrictions in the craniosacral system, helping to treat conditions like migraines and chronic pain. CRT, on the other hand, involves quick adjustments to the cranial bones to release tension and improve overall body function. Neuromuscular therapy differs by focusing on soft tissue manipulation to address chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues by relieving muscle tension and restoring balance between the nervous and muscular systems. Together, these therapies provide a holistic approach to health, addressing both physical and systemic imbalances.
Kinesio and Dynamic Taping
Taping involves the application of a special elastic tape to the skin in a way that supports and stabilizes muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. The tape is believed to provide physical support, improve circulation, and help in the healing process.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that focuses on evaluating and enhancing the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Cranial Release Technique
The Cranial Release Technique is a treatment method that focuses on releasing tension in the cranial region, thereby affecting the entire body. It is based on the idea that the skull bones can be gently adjusted to release stress and improve function throughout the body.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. It focuses on restoring balance between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system.
Alternative Therapies for Sensory and Physical Support in Autism Spectrum Care
For patients on the autism spectrum, alternative therapies like Kinesio taping, craniosacral therapy, the Cranial Release Technique (CRT), and neuromuscular therapy (NMT) can offer gentle and supportive ways to manage physical discomfort, stress, and sensory challenges. These therapies focus on improving the body’s natural functions, relieving tension, and enhancing overall well-being. By using non-invasive techniques that can be tailored to each individual’s needs, these therapies aim to provide comfort and help regulate the body, potentially improving both physical and emotional health in a calming and supportive manner.