Every massage is specific to each person, and not one will need the same as the next. Some of the modalities and techniques I offer are:
Most sessions are a combination of some or all of these techniques. Scroll down for more information about each one.
Swedish Massage is a relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels, enhanced mental clarity, and greater flexibility.
Deep Tissue is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, lack of movement, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get uncomfortable. Keep in mind that muscle soreness is common after Deep Tissue. This style of bodywork is not meant to hurt the client, there should be minimal pain during the session.
Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy intended to eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and rebalance the body. It does this by using massage techniques to stretch the fascia and release the bonds that exist between the fascia, muscles and bones. Fascia is the connective tissue that connects and covers all muscles, organs, and skeletal structures of the body.
Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These "knots" are built up throughout a person's life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied for a few minutes in order to release your trigger points. This process can be a bit uncomfortable at times, yet the effects can be lasting and profoundly transformative.
Pregnancy Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques specially developed for the expecting mother, Pregnancy Massage helps release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation. Expecting women in all trimesters are able and encouraged to receive massage.
Cupping Therapy is believed to have been used as early as 1,550 B.C. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine view, cupping helps relieve stagnant qi (energy) and blood, and draws impurities to the surface to help them flush out of the body.
From a Western perspective, cupping stimulates blood flow to the localized area of the body and releases tension of the fascia underneath. Cupping has been proven to effectively lessen pain and increase range of motion.
I use silicone cups. These cups are squeezed to create suction, and then placed on the body in specific areas to relieve tension or pain. At first, the cups may feel a bit intense, but after about 60 seconds, that goes away and they can feel quite relaxing. This technique can leave marks on the body that look like bruises. Some leave a pink spot for the day, and others leave a purple or red mark for a couple weeks or more.