What happens in a typical food as medicine mentorship visit?
In a typical session at my practice, the first step is a thorough physical assessment/intake to understand each client’s specific needs. This allows me to focus my work and tailor the session for maximum impact. The assessment includes postural evaluation, examinations of both active and passive range of motion, performance of manual resistive tests, and various additional tests as needed.
From there, I tailor my approach to each individual client. Every case is unique, and this variability keeps me engaged and constantly learning. During the session, I usually incorporate a variety of techniques depending on the client's needs, including:
Trigger point therapy to address muscle knots and discomfort.
Myofascial release to relieve tension in the fascia (the connective tissue around muscles).
Neuromuscular re-education to help retrain muscles and improve movement patterns.
Muscle energy techniques for increasing range of motion and improving muscle function.
Breath work to refocus the body's autonomic nervous system.
Cranial sacral therapy to release connective tissue tension and benefit the nervous system.
Deep tissue massage to work on deeper layers of muscle tissue for lasting relief.
The goal is always to identify where I can make the most positive impact and whether collaboration with other healthcare professionals would be beneficial for the client. My father and I have found that working together often leads to even more positive results, as our combined expertise helps address the client’s needs more comprehensively. This holistic approach ensures that each session is tailored to give the client the best possible care.
At the end of each session, I provide clients with takeaway exercises to help reinforce the progress made during the session and promote ongoing recovery. In addition to hands-on therapy, I believe in the powerful connection between nutrition and healing. If I identify that food choices or nutritional habits may be influencing a client’s symptoms or recovery, I offer personalized recommendations for simple dietary adjustments that can support their healing process. For example, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, nutrient-dense broths, or specific supplements can help move symptoms in a positive direction, particularly when combined with therapeutic work. My goal is to create a holistic approach that not only improves your physical function but also nurtures your overall well-being through practical nutrition strategies that can enhance recovery.