Andrew Given is a certified Structural Integration practitioner and a nationally certified and licensed Massage Therapist and Bodyworker.
For nearly a decade, he has specialized in Craniosacral and Connective Tissue Therapies. In that time, Andrew has focused on creatively applying the perspectives of these methods to assist in the rehabilitation, refinement and reorientation of movement artists and athletic professionals. He has extensive experience in movement analysis and manual technique application with circus performers, gymnasts, martial artists, musicians, endurance athletes and dancers as well as training protocol development and supplementation. Andrew has also worked alongside other practitioners assisting in clinical cases involving trauma, tissue degeneration and long-standing postural compensation. He welcomes and is excited by collaboration.
Andrew has taught anatomy, kinesiology and technique courses in both academic and bodywork programs, instructs focused analysis & application workshops across the country and facilitates classes on the therapeutic use of sound in bodywork and meditation. He also provides movement analysis, body training consultation and co-sessions with Gyrotonic and other movement specialists.
Project and term contracts are available for teams, schools and institutes.
Andrew sees private clients in the Chicago and is a frequent guest at practices in Michigan, Utah and Arizona. He also offers consultations in Washington state and the greater Portland, OR area
while he continues his graduate studies in the Pacific Northwest.
To contact him directly please email: andrewgiven@gmail.com
For more information on the primary styles of practice Andrew employs, please see below.
Connective Tissue Therapy (CTT) is an approach to structural bodywork which puts an emphasis on the condition and function of the various layers of fascia throughout the body over individual muscles or muscle groupings. The saran-wrap like fascia creates a three dimensional web which is involved in the function of every other physiological system. Fascial tissue wraps and connects the bones, muscles, organs and creates a scaffolding for the nervous and vascular system. Dysfunction in the fascia can quickly translate to issues in other systems and, because of the connective nature of the body, local symptoms eventually become global patterns.
Fundamentally different than classic massage, CTT uses a whole body perspective in postural analysis and techniques which engage the fascia more so than the muscle fibers. A CTT specific session may include a period of assessment and a structural analysis as well as more active involvement of the client during adjustments. Specific approaches to CTT include Rolfing, Structural Integration and Hellerwork. All of these systems utilize similar underlying principles of fascial importance.
CTT can benefit many postural conditions including chronic hypertension, plantar fasciitis, repetitive motion training injuries, tendonitis, whiplash, knee pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. CTT, in it’s various forms, has captivated Andrew since his introduction to the perspective and he considers it his primary tool set. He has found great benefit in the use of this approach with athletes of all levels.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a style of
bodywork developed by Dr. John Upledger, D.O. which focuses on accessing and releasing tensions throughout the body via the skillful engagement of the central nervous system at key points of the head, neck and pelvis. Based on techniques used by doctors of osteopathy, CST is an effective light-touch method for approaching issues such as migraines, vertigo, TMJ syndrome, scoliosis, and stress related disorders. Many clients simply enjoy the deep relaxation that is possible with CST, while others appreciate the gentle and non-invasive solutions the perspective has to offer. Advanced application of CST can benefit ADD/ADHD, PTSD, infant development, orthopedic issues, fibromyalgia, joint injuries and brain/spinal injuries.
While complementary to massage and other bodywork, Craniosacral Therapy is a specific kind of sensational experience and involves a fair amount of held positions and periods of stillness or “listening”. CST can be utilized specifically or incorporated into integrative sessions depending on client goals.
Andrew has found CST especially effective with musicians and individuals with fine motor skill development. CST principles of alignment, fluidity and awareness also coordinate well with development in the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis systems.
Original Material (C) AMG 2013
