Bodywork Treatments

Deep Tissue Massage

This is an umbrella term for techniques that target the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue. These techniques may be the best method to release tension and stubborn adhesions (muscle knots). Deep tissue massage is effective in relief of tight or painful muscles, postural compensations, and chronic overuse or repetitive movement injuries.

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Note: This more intense techniques may create a slight discomfort or soreness that lasts a couple of days before the actual relief is realized. 

Cupping Therapy (a.k.a. Myofascial Decompression)

Cupping is an ancient medical treatment; dating back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.

One way to think about cupping is that it is the inverse of a deep tissue massage. Rather than applying pressure to muscles, the suction uses pressure to pull skin, tissue, and muscles upward. The treatment is said to improve blood circulation, thereby speeding up healing, reducing pain and easing muscle soreness. According to Dr. Houman Danesh, a pain management specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, cupping helps "jumpstart the body's natural healing process."  

 Note: Cupping may cause the skin to temporarily turn red, blue or purple, especially if there is an injury or energetic blockage under the area that was cupped. The skin discoloration can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks but is rarely painful. Once the marks have cleared, the procedure can be repeated until the condition or ailment is resolved

Myofascial Release

An effective and long-lasting soft tissue therapy, for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. This method engages the myofascial connective tissues (the tough membranes that wrap, connect and support your muscles) and loads them with a constant force until a release occurs. Myofascial Release uses slow, gentle and mindful techniques with subtle and incremental pressure, making it an ideal therapy for those who are unable or unwilling to undergo more vigorous techniques.

Myofascial Release has been shown to be extremely effective in easing chronic pain, resorting mobility and range of motion, and is highly recommended for those suffering from fibromyalgia.

Note: Each Myofascial Release treatment session is performed directly on the skin without oils, creams or tools. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate a release of the fascia.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular Therapy engages the relationship between the nervous and muscular system to create reflex responses. All of the activity of the muscular system depends on the nervous system, which is the main control system of the body. By using the physiological relationship between nerves and muscles, we can change muscle length and kinesthetic perception.

Modalities include: Trigger Point Therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation 

Sports Massage /
Therapeutic Stretching

Excellent for athletes and people at all levels of physical activity. Sports massage uses techniques designed to enhance athletic performance as well as treat specific problems, injuries, and pain associated with sports activities.

When performed as a pre-event treatment it stimulates blood flow to the muscles, and increase flexibility to reduce the risk of injury. It is typically more vigorous than traditional massage. Post-event treatments are designed to stimulate cell growth in muscles which speeds up tissue repair and reduces recovery time.

Note: This is the only form of bodywork I do where the client stays fully clothed and that makes it a favorite for first-timers.

Corrective Exercise

Corrective Exercise by its simplest definition is movements or exercises chosen to correct a specific dysfunction, thereby minimizing or eliminating compensation and producing efficient movement patterns.

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Corrective Exercise works to correct:

1. Faulty joint alignment

2. Lack of stability

3. Poor motor control

Correcting a dysfunctional movement pattern will not only aid in the reduction of pain and tension, but it can also help prevent future pain and injuries.