Massage
Therapeutic
When looking for a Massage Therapist, many people want to know what type of massage they practice. As with most therapists, I blend a number of techniques and tailor each session to what the client needs.
Most clients come to me for deeper work to alleviate pain. I specialize in using a combination of modalities listed below.
30 min $45
60 min $85
90 min $120
120 min $150
Deep Tissue
Often times the muscles that are involved in causing pain are several layers deep in the body. This requires a Massage Therapist to “sink through” layers of muscle before getting to the desired layer.This type of massage might be obvious given the name, but it is important to distinguish that Massage Therapists have different philosophies about how to approach deeper work. I never intend to go beyond the client’s comfort level when providing deep tissue massage. I always warm up the area first so that the tissue “lets me in” as opposed to forcing something that is not ready to open. Forcing tissue can cause an instinctual response for the body to “lock down” causing the opposite desired outcome.
Trigger Point Massage
Pain in the low back might be caused by trigger points in the hips and the gluteal muscles. That headache is likely tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. Trigger Point Massage recognizes the pain referral patterns in the body and acknowledges that where a personfeelspain might be different from thecauseof pain. Usually the Massage Therapist will find a trigger point, apply pressure, hold it for several seconds until the pain dissipates and repeat.
Myofascial Release
Like an onion, the body is layered, but with many different types of soft tissue. One of these types of tissue is called Fascia. Myofascial work is preformed without the use of lotion in order to work and stretch the fascia that can holdmuscles in dysfunctional patterns. Once those fascial layers begin to release, the therapist might add lotion and begin work on the actual muscles that lie under the fascia.
Myoskeletal Alignment
Combining the principles of osteopathy and structural integration, myoskeletal alignment is a type of bodywork used to relieve chronic pain. This technique is often integrated into regular massage and bodywork sessions, and it can also be used alone to treat systemic problems. Tight, stressed muscles contribute to pain by limiting freedom of movement, while weak muscles provide inadequate support for the body. This in turn leads to posture problems, stiffness, and other symptoms which create an endless cycle of pain.
Active individuals can have soreness in their muscles from exercising. Sports Massage is a great way flush the overworked muscles, improve recovery time and prevent injury through increasing circulation. The massage therapist will likely focus on wringing and pumping techniques to move toxins out of the muscles. Stretching is usually incorporated to lengthen shortened muscles and improve flexibility. Deeper work is generally avoided when athletes will be competing in the near future.
Sports Massage
When people think of a traditional massage, they usually have Swedish in mind. A series of long gliding strokes are used with lotion to help increase circulation and flush toxins out of the body. I generally use Swedish massage to warm up the tissue in preparation for deeper work. Most people find it really relaxing and “feel-good”.
Swedish Massage
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:
Decreased anxiety
Enhanced sleep quality
Greater energy
Improved concentration
Increased circulation
Reduced fatigue
Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stay
Ease medication dependence
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the body’s natural defense system.
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ, the skin.
Increase joint flexibility
Lessen depression and anxiety
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improvingcirculation
Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling
Reduce spasms and cramping
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
Release endorphins, amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
Relieve migraine pain.
Improve posture
Massage
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, hips, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.