What is Integrative Manual Therapy
Integrative Manual Therapy is a holistic approach to healing. It is used to correct the structural integrity of the body which will lead to positive functional outcomes. Dysfunction or disease initiates when the structure becomes taxed and there is a lack of flow within a certain system. As an IMT practitioner, I can determine which system in the body is involved (i.e. circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, etc.) and use particular techniques to restore vitality and function to that system.
These techniques are extremely gentle and non-invasive and the patient remains fully clothed at all times. A holistic approach means I assess and treat the body as a whole. An extensive history is taken noting that minor impacts throughout the years can cause symptomatology over time. Ultimately, my goal is to find the underlying cause of pain and dysfunction rather than chasing symptoms.
IMT was developed by Sharon Giammatteo-Weiselfish Ph.D, PT over thirty years ago when she was on a mission to help her children. She took additional courses in Osteopathic Medicine and Chiropractic Medicine and blended manual therapy techniques into her own form which is still practiced today by many therapists.
If you are interested in learning more about IMT, please visit Manual Therapy Seminars to see where there may be a class near you.
I do understand that locating an IMT practitioner may not always be simple. There are a couple of options for you. There is a team of therapists in Bloomfield, CT that continue to see clients who are willing to travel. We can accommodate an intensive like experience for you which means condensing your treatment time and being seen by multiple therapists. We would also be open to traveling to you given the appropriate circumstances. Please contact me for more information.
Start your healing
Our first meeting together will include a comprehensive medical history, an examination and treatment time.
I am always accepting new patients and I look forward to talking with you.
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About Me
Founder/owner
Alanna Heaney, PT, IMT, C
Hello, my name is Alanna Heaney and my curiosity in health started in high school with a love of being active in sports. It was about this time that my mother was diagnosed with two auto-immune diseases. I wanted to discover how to help these conditions, as well as learn to prevent them.
Being raised in Saratoga Springs, NY, I decided to attend college close by at the University of Hartford. There I received my Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and performed 3 affiliations, one in orthopedics, one in neurology and the last one at Center IMT (Integrative Manual Therapy) with Sharon Weiselfish-Giammatteo, the founder of IMT. Under the wings of Sharon, I fell in love with IMT and knew it would be my journey to help others heal with hope.
I opened Center IMT in Deerfield Beach, FL in 2001. Eventually, I moved to the metro DC area where I worked at Center IMT DC for two years. My journey then led me to Connecticut where my PT career began at University of Hartford. I continued to work with the team of IMT therapists through 2018.
In 2018, the owner of our practice, Ayelet, decided to expand her health journey with a different approach. This led me and the other PT’s who practiced with her to become sole practitioners. However, we remain extremely collaborative on all fronts.
While working in Bloomfield, I reside in West Hartford, with my husband, Brian, and my two sons, Liam and Layne. They are heavily involved in the community with sports, and we enjoy watching them grow.
Education
University of Hartford
B.S., Physical Therapy, 1999
CT School of Integrative Manual Therapy
Certified in Integrative Manual Therapy, 2004
Testimonials
“I have known Alanna Heaney for 5 years. She came in to my life as a PT when I knew nothing about her work but was seeking someone who did manual therapy. Her work is exceptional and I have been blessed to have found her. She is skillful, perceptive, wise and knowledgeable in her field of work. Integrative physical therapy has changed my life and helped me to heal on many levels. With gratitude for your presence in my life Alanna.”
“I have been seeing Ms. Alanna Heaney for over five years and during this time, I have found her to be very professional and caring physical therapist. Whatever pain I am experiencing, whether it be physical and or emotional, it is addressed therapeutically and with great compassion. I highly recommend her.”