Last weekend, we sent Allea Francis, PT, DPT to Dallas, Texas to participate in a continuing educational course about TBB. Put on by D’Ambrogio Institute (DAI), the class emphasis on Total Body Balancing (TBB) was the perfect way to kickstart Allea's pursuit of continuing education. Below we've highlighted her major takeaways from the conference, along with connecting the dots between this 5-phase treatment approach and the pelvic floor.

What is TBB?

TBB is a full body evaluation and treatment approach that focuses on reducing pain and body tension. It incorporates gentle, rhythmic mobilization to relax the muscles, fascia, joints, and ligaments, and to address imbalances and dysfunctions throughout the body. This is all possible by introducing natural movement and rhythm to the body through facilitation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Not only can you apply this approach through the musculoskeletal system, but also the visceral, lymphatic, and craniosacral systems as well.

In order to fully understand the DAI holistic approach to maximize health, one needs to consider the body to be a sum of multiple interconnections and interrelationships of the Body, Mind, and Spirit. There are many lines of force acting on the body at any given time. As a result, TBB treats the whole body in multiple positions while focusing on integration—resulting in long lasting improvements in health.

Allea brings back with her several new techniques for treating not only the pelvic floor, but also shoulders, ribs, the spine, and hips. 

Why is TBB Important?

The distinctive relevance of TBB has to do with the comparison of homeostasis and homeodynamics. As individuals, we do not remain the same over time (homeostasis); rather, we are constantly changing (homeodynamic). Finding the right balance within ourselves—while adapting and evolving to the world around us—is essential for optimizing health and wellness. First, let’s get you into your natural alignment and then let’s get you moving! See our Instagram post about this topic.

Who are TBB treatments for?

Patients who are ideal candidates for TBB are athletes, dancers, amputees, patients who are pre- and post-surgery, those in rehabilitation after a sports injury, patients needing prevention and maintenance, and those seeking general wellness. Through the 4-day intensive course, Allea learned to apply 5 phases of treatment to decrease pain, increase mobility, improve circulation, decrease swelling, increase energy, improve posture/balance, speed up recovery, and decrease mental stress. 

What role does TBB play in pelvic floor physical therapy?

It's interesting to note that Allea was the only pelvic floor physical therapist at this conference in Dallas. She was able to share her experiences as a pelvic floor PT, and spread the word about the importance pelvic health. As she continues to grow as a clinician, she has incorporated this technique with all of her patients and has seen fast improvements just within that treatment session. 

We, as a clinic, are excited to integrate these new skills into pelvic floor rehab, in conjunction with TBB!

We asked Allea what it was like to be the only pelvic floor physical therapist at the conference:

"I was asked a lot on how I was going to incorporate this treatment approach into my practice. I’m always telling my patients and other health care professionals, I treat all musculoskeletal dysfunction, not just the pelvis! However, I specialize in the pelvic region. Even though most people come in with pelvic issues, I find that some of their issues stem from their hips or spine. I’ve even found people with foot pain that has been directly related to their pelvis (hence the foot and pelvic relationship between the fascial systems.)"

Check out Allea's video demo below on a TBB evaluation:

Sarton Summary

We are proud of Allea for implementing our core value of life-long learning into her practice so early on in her career. It is this approach to physical therapy that allows us to offer the most innovative treatment, maintain a healthy and expansive network with the best in the industry, and of course—provide the most efficient treatment to our patients.