Bodywork Treatments
The ultimate goal of bodywork is to restore structural balance throughout the body, in an effort to move you from rehabilitation to prevention. This is accomplished through a detailed therapeutic assessment, followed by a manipulation of the soft tissues, using the modalities below, in order to reduce or eliminate pain and dysfunction.
All of my treatments are customized for your specific set of needs. Whether you're rehabbing from a recent injury or are just looking for a top-notch therapeutic massage, I am the therapist for you!
Get in touch with me today to see how I can create a personal plan for your specific needs!
I think it's always good to have plenty of options, but I also know that trying to make the right choice can be overwhelming. So don't worry if you don't know which treatment is right for you.
Simply click here to book a "Customized Bodywork Session" and we will go over it together!
Medical Massage (a.k.a. Orthapedic Massage)
Orthopedic/Medical massage therapy is a type of therapy that mixes various types of Advanced Manual Therapy techniques. They include but are not limited to: Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Therapeutic Stretching, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Structural Integration.
Orthopedic/Medical Massage therapy is appropriate for anyone experiencing pain, tension or would like to increase flexibility and performance. For individuals looking for non-surgical, non-medication based treatment for injuries, Orthopedic Massage and Clinical Manual Therapy is the rehab approach for you.
Orthopedic/Medical massage therapy consists of three primary elements:
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Assessing clients condition and needs
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Adapting the treatment to heal the source of pain
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Educating the client about self-care activities that will prolong the results of the therapy.
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.
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.
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.
Couples Massage
You both like deeper pressure? Teaming up with Bill Kraus of Cool River Massage, this is a match made in heaven for deep tissue enthusiasts! Both therapists specialize in deep tissue techniques, sports massage, myofascial release, cupping therapy, and even Ashiatsu! We can do more relaxing techniques by request, but that is not what most clients ask for when they come to us. Our clients usually want deep firm pressure through most or all of the session. Does this sound like you? Well, you have found the right team to address your deep tissue needs. Open to any two-person party: Spouses, partners, friends, parent/child, etc.
Ashiatsu Massage
Ashiatsu is deep tissue massage using primarily the therapist's feet instead of hands. Feet provide deeper pressure sensations due to the larger surface area and utilization of body weight. This results in superior muscle tension relief, especially in the larger muscles of the back, shoulders, glutes, and legs. Neck and smaller muscles will still be massaged with hands. Try it! The response has been overwhelmingly positive!
Swedish Massage
This is a full body relaxation massage treatment that generally comes to mind when people think of massage. It involves using long flowing strokes and light stretching techniques designed to release tension, ease stress and promote relaxation. Swedish Massage is also extremely beneficial for increasing circulation and lowering blood pressure.