Massage Therapy & Modalities

Medical Massage ~is bodywork that is performed with a desired clinical outcome of increased Active Range of Motion, decreased pain, or improved function to an area. I do NOT bill insurance companies.

Swedish ~ effleurage, petrissage, and kneading that increase circulation and relaxation. It helps decrease stress. 

Muscle Energy Techniques~ incorporates Active Range of Motion with contraction of the muscle. Isometric and Active Release are the two I use the most to help increase Active Range of Motion.

 Trigger Point Therapy~ Trigger Points are areas of tension that occur in the belly of the muscles. People often refer to them as “knots”. Because of the increased tension in the muscle, circulation moves more slowly. Metabolic waste (what your cells produce when functioning) gets stuck in these areas and irritates the nerves within the muscles. Trigger Points can be caused through injury, posture related, or emotional stress. I use both hands-on steady pressure, movement, and cupping to work on Trigger Points.

 Manual Traction~ Steady gradual pull with support while releasing gradually and gently to either limbs of the body or the cervical region. 

Myofascial Release~ Using first heat to soften the fascia before using slow movements to promote the expanding and broadening of fascia. Myofascial Release also pulls the fascia away from bones and other tissues that it has adhered to creating a free-flowing fascia matrix. This helps to eliminate pain and increase ease and range of motion. Fascia is the connective tissue that connects and covers all muscles, organs, and skeletal structures of the body. Direct myofascial release is sometimes known as deep work. Indirect release applies light pressure and gently stretches the fascia; this allows for increased blood circulation and relief from pain. I use both a hands-on approach as well as Contemporary Cupping Methods to achieve faster level of Myofascial Release.

 Contemporary Cupping~ creates suction and negative pressure to facilitate the release of rigid soft tissue, draining of excess fluid, loosening of adhesions, lifting of connective tissue, and the circulation of blood flow to stagnant tissues and muscles. Also, the pulling effect that negative pressure creates engages the parasympathetic nervous system creating relaxation in the body. When used for Lymphatic drainage the results can be felt immediately with less tightness and burning and usually visually seen the next day. Both Myofascial Release and Lymphatic drainage are greatly enhanced using Cupping Therapy.

 Advanced Cupping~ Focuses on sports and Orthopedic cupping. It encompasses both stationery and cupping with movement and stretching to create greater benefits and results. 

Neuromuscular Cupping~ is the combination of active and passive range of motion techniques with specific cupping placement on Trigger Points. In addition to other cupping techniques one can provide an opportunity for greater healing and much more significant relief from pain. Cupping can work well for Trigger Points by overriding the pain signal by distracting the brain, as well as move the circulation to stop the irritation.

 All the above techniques are used during my massage therapy sessions.  

Other modalities and sessions available: 

 Lymphatic Drainage~ Aims to gently move lymph through the body in areas of swelling, relieving pressure, and enhancing function of the immune system. It can help a faster recover from injury or surgery, decrease swelling and discomfort during pregnancy, and help manage lymphedema. I have had success with several clients that have fallen resulting in increased swelling in their lymphedema legs, be able to get back to a manageable level for them to continue their daily maintenance with their leg pumps. I use a cupping technique for all Lymphatic drainage.  

Pregnancy Massage~ is specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy massage can help with stress relief and decrease discomfort due to their changing body. Cushions are used to get into a comfortable position during the massage. 

Reflexology~ is a type of bodywork that focuses on applying pressure to specific nerve zones in the hands and feet. These nerve zones represent organs, glands, and areas of the body. Reflexology uses compression techniques to stimulate these zones creating homeostasis in the body. Reflexology has been known to be highly effective for high blood pressure, headaches, and depression. 

Hot Stone~ is a style of massage where heated stones are used to deepen relaxation and promote circulation in your muscles. Muscles that are heated release tension and stress much more deeply and quickly that with a traditional massage. It is found to be relaxing, nurturing, and rejuvenating. I use Hot stones at the start of my treatment to create relaxation and soften the fascia before using cupping and deeper hands-on work.  

Energy Work~ is based on the belief that everyone has a “life force energy”, and that the body needs to sustain balance for optimum health. I work directly with your energy field to restore balance and flow to your entire system including your Chakras and organs. Energy work is for relaxation purposes only and not to replace medical diagnosis or treatment. 

Cuppasana~ is the fusion of Yin Yoga and Cupping Therapy. Benefits of Cuppasana are as follows: Promotes mobility and flexibility, relieves pain and tightness, increases circulation, improves lymphatic flow, relaxes the nervous system, decreases painful trigger points, reduces stress and anxiety, and releases fascia, tendon, and ligaments. 

Mindful Escapes~ are mini Yoga Retreats that happen every couple of months for 3-4 hours. Group size is 6-8 women. These mindful escapes focus on fascia health and hydration, emotional balance, and gentle movements. 

Friendscapes~ are Mindful Escapes for 2 ladies.