FAQ’s about The Niel-Asher Technique®

1- Is there a practitioner near me?

The Niel-Asher Technique® has been available in the UK for nearly a decade. We have now developed a world wide training programme for therapists'. A list of therapists and specialist frozen shoulder clinics is available on this website. It is regularly updated with new therapists.

2- How does it work?

What is the Niel-Asher Technique® and how does it work?

The Niel-Asher Technique® is a 'natural' method utilizing the body's own healing mechanisms. No drugs, no surgery. It is HANDS-ON-ONLY. It uses a specific and unique sequence of manipulations and pressure points to the shoulder joints and soft-tissues. In essence, these can be thought of as ‘inputs’ into the nervous system. This unique combination stimulates a new pathway in the brain, rapidly releasing injury and spasm and increasing strength and power. We have labeled this idea Cortex-Neuro-Somatic-Programming® (CNSP®). The technique 'fools' the body/brain into healing itself by addressing the two main components of the problem - pain and stiffness. Initially the technique aims to significantly reduce the pain, by treating the swelling around various shoulder tendons (especially the long head biceps tendon). Following this, the technique moves on to rapidly defrost and improve the range of shoulder motion by stimulating a unique sequence of reflexes hidden within the muscles. This works on the parts of the brain that co-ordinate the shoulder muscles called the motor cortex. By using a unique choreographed sequence of reflexes one against another the brain is fooled into changing the fixed capsular pattern. We do not force the arm; instead you keep it still whilst we apply the pressure.

Cortex-Neuro-Somatic-Programming® (CNSP®)

Simeon likens this theory to an aspect of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP). In NLP, the modality of language as an input is manipulated in specific ways. This seems to change the way that the brain interprets, processes and responds to various stimuli. In CNSP, somatic inputs (trigger points, pain responses, joint position and other somatic stimuli) can be blended in specific and coordinated sequences (or programs). The brain interprets these somatic inputs at the level of the spinal cord (locally) and the sensory cortex (in the brain); it responds by changing the motor output (changing the reciprocal inhibition and facilitation patterns) resulting in a plethora of changes such as increased strength and power, reduced pain and disability and increased function. Furthermore patients treated with this technique should see a tangible improvement with each treatment session.

3- What makes it different from other methods?

This is a good question. Traditional treatment approaches have failed! For many the idea of painful injections or surgery is unacceptable, especially as all the evidence to date points to the fact that 'Intra-articular cortizone injections may reduce pain or increase mobility briefly, but can cause serious unwanted effects. Neither manipulation under anaesthesia (which risks significant injury) nor surgery has any clear place in management' (UK Drugs & Therapeutic Bulletin)

These traditional approaches to the frozen shoulder either address the inflammation (steroid tablets, steroid injections and hydrodilatation) or the stiffness (physical therapy, exercise therapy and surgical manipulation). Physical therapies attempt to improve the range of motion by forcing the shoulder through the blockage; this in our opinion can make things considerably worse.

The Niel-Asher Technique® works differently. We keep the arm still whilst we apply a sequence of pressure points to specific tissues. The treatment can still be painful, especially in the early freezing phase, but it is no worse than the pain of the frozen shoulder (you will know what we mean if you have had one of those nasty spasms). The first few sessions of the technique initially address the inflammation in the rotator interval, after this the emphasis is on improving the range of motion. Depending how long you have had the problem and which phase you are in, results can be seen in as few as 4 sessions (range 4 –13). The results can be dramatic and fast and the method is ‘totally natural’. We believe it should be the first line of treatment before injections and or surgery.

The technique can be used to treat a wide range of shoulder problems, but it does not end there – the technology behind these ideas applies to the whole body. Simeon has been working on a number of other applications for his breakthrough including knee pain, ankle pain and back pain. For more information we recommend his excellent best-selling ‘the concise book of trigger points’ – 2008 North Atlantic press. Alternatively why not contact Simeon for an appointment.

4- What happens at the first treatment?

On your first session you will be taken through a thorough case history. You will be asked to undress to the waist and remove the bra-strap (if appropriate) of the symptomatic shoulder. You will have your (passive) shoulder range of motion measured and recorded and be put through any other relevant tests. You will then be informed of our diagnosis. If we think we can help, you will be asked to sign a consent form and treatment will begin straight away. If you intend to visit one of our clinics please read the consent form first.

Each treatment lasts from 25-40 minutes depending on what phase you are in and weather you have a frozen shoulder on one or both sides

5- How many sessions will I need?

Some cases take longer than others to get better, especially if there are other underlying conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, fracture, surgery, rotator cuff muscle damage. Your practitioner should be able to advise you on how many sessions you will need within the first one to three visits. As a rule we advise the following, although there can be variations. (Treatments are usually spaced out a week or two apart):

We are committed to getting you better as quickly as possible with this 'hands-on' only technique. You should see a tangible improvement after each visit. We measure your passive range of motion and assess your pain levels on each treatment session. For the majority of patients, the improvements are rapid and dramatic.

6- What is the cost?

The cost of treatment will vary from practitioner to practitioner. As a rule treatment with Simeon Niel-Asher costs £85 or approx $170 per session.

7- Tell me more about practitioner training?

You can rest assured that all registered Niel-Asher Technique® practitioners are trained and qualified to the highest standards. Registration is reviewed annually and we strive to maintain the highest standards. All of our practitioners are highly qualified specialists in their own rights. We only accept practitioners who are already qualified and licensed with a medical or paramedical register. All practitioners have their own insurance.

We currently offer two options for training:

Simeon Niel-Asher and his colleagues at Defrost Training run seminars and workshops – for more information click here.

We have continued our ground breaking theme by developing a distance learning course. How can practitioners learn in this way? Well, many practitioners simply can’t make it to one of our seminars as they are too far away. We have therefore had to think creatively about ‘spreading the word’ and have come up with a breakthrough solution. Because the technique works in a specific manipulative sequence we were sure we could train practitioners in a new and exciting way – and we were right! For example – read this testimonial from Leah Pagenkopf a physical therapist from Alaska. She is an experienced physical therapist who specialized in treating shoulders and post operive shoulder rehab.

8- What if I have a complaint about my practitioner?

All of our practitioners are highly qualified. In order to maintain the highest standards of care we would appreciate your feedback on your treatment by our practitioners, all information is treated with strict confidence. To find out more click here.