Services
Therapeutic Massage
I specialize in the types of massage listed below. However, because my sessions are designed uniquely for each individual's needs, I may use elements from some or all of these modalities in your session. The techniques in which I specialize all have specific energetic and/or physical purposes. When I meet for the first time, I will discuss which techniques are most relevant in helping you to achieve your physical and mental goals.
Click modalities below for expanded descriptions
- Swedish Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Myofascial Release Therapy
- Reflexology
| Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. The development of Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes. The term "Swedish" massage is not really known in the country of Sweden, where it is called "classic massage" |
| Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling. |
| Sometimes confused with pressure point massage, this involves deactivating trigger points that may cause local pain or refer pain and other sensations, such as headaches, in other parts of the body. Manual pressure, vibration, injection, or other treatment is applied to these points to relieve myofascial pain. Trigger points were first discovered and mapped by Janet G. Travell (president Kennedy's physician) and David Simons. Trigger points have been photomicrographed and measured electrically. and in 2007 a paper was presented showing images of Trigger Points using MRI. These points relate to dysfunction in the myoneural junction, also called neuromuscular junction (NMJ), in muscle, and therefore this modality is different from reflexology, acupressure and pressure point massage. |
| Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and equilibrioception (sense of balance). Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling. |
| Reflexology is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health. |
Traditional Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy that incorporates acupressure along energetic meridians and stretching. It is often performed with the client fully clothed and can be performed on a table or mat. Shiatsu ("shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure) that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating, and grasping.
On-site Corporate Chair Massage
Chair massage sessions are typically 15 minutes in length and focus on the back, shoulders, neck and arms. The employee remains fully clothed and oil or lotion is not necessary. Your employee will return to work feeling energized, refreshed and at their best to meet the daily challenges ahead. Call for rates and availability.
*Definitions from Wikipedia
