Stiffness and pain resulting from, or left behind long term by, a joint condition or other musculoskeletal injury have never been easy to resolve. Few, if any, conventional medical techniques target this specific problem. But an approach that distills and combines various established manipulative techniques is proving highly effective for many patients with these challenges.

Frank Pileggi, PhD, RHP—a proponent and practitioner of corrective muscle therapy (CMT)—has become the referral of choice for many of the region’s major orthopedic centers, athletic trainers and primary physicians when patients need manipulative release of restricted musculoskeletal soft tissue. Dr. Pileggi’s CMT integrates aspects of myofascial release, Rolfing, trigger point and myotherapy, lymphatic massage, and Asian massage methods such as tui na and shiatsu into a unified approach to soft-tissue adjustment.

“I treat a lot of sports-medicine patients and can address problems both acute and chronic,” said Dr. Pileggi, Dean of the Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies. Conditions that he commonly works with include sprains, contusions, muscle spasms (caused by overuse or chronic tension), arthritis, rheumatic conditions, and postsurgical tightness or adhesions. For example, his interventions can serve to break up scar tissue at the site of a joint replacement.

Dr. Pileggi, who also receives international patients and works with professional athletes, uses his hands to manipulate connective and muscular structures. The intervention begins gently and may progress deeply. The therapist—who at the University of Vermont completed his master’s degree in holistic health sciences and earned his doctorate in holistic arts and practices (with a concentration on physiotherapy)—focuses the treatment session on a specific physical function or target area. The ability of CMT to effect changes in muscles, muscle groups, cartilaginous tissue and the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems often means dramatic relief for patients from new or longstanding limitations that have reduced movement, strength or range of motion.

CMT may involve one visit or several visits spaced across weeks. It successfully activates circulation, calms or stimulates weak or damaged nerves, helps restore tone and flexibility, relaxes strictures, and improves bodily alignment and posture.

Russ Allen is a communications consultant and freelance wrier who lives in Jenkintown, Pa. Dr. Pileggi offers CMT at 811 Sunset Rd in Burlington. To schedule an appointment call 609-326-6042, or visit Lourdesnet.org