Services Offered

Massage therapy consists of a variety of techniques.  Every professional massage therapist will trust their own instinct and experience while deciding how to apply the treatment.   Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers to apply pressure, however, some methods will incorporate elbows, forearms, stretching, or natural tools.  As we work together, I will focus on your immediate relaxation, enjoyment and the long term goal of relieving you from future discomfort.  If you have a particular modality that you trust, we can start from there.  Otherwise, I normally apply one of the following massage therapy modalities. If you have any questions about the differences between these treatments, feel free to ask me. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

I can combine a number of modalities within one session. View Rates & Insurance Coverage

Deep Tissue Massage

Through the slow, deep compression along the “belly” of a muscle in therapeutic deep tissue massage, one can obtain muscle relaxation that is otherwise difficult to achieve through stretching or light massage. Muscles become fatigued from overuse and everyday activities, such as sitting, repetitive motions, and mental or nutritional stress.

Fatigue can lead to a state of “rigor,” or chronic, severe tension in the muscle fibers. Rigor causes blood vessels in the muscle to constrict, thereby cutting off the supply of essential nutrients and oxygen to some of the muscle fibers. This causes varying degrees of pain, and an eventual loss of strength and function.

Since all of the muscles in our bodies are connected to other muscles through fascial layers, rigor in one area can greatly affect another area. We usually accumulate rigor over time, often without knowing it until we suddenly injure a muscle that has become compromised.

Deep tissue massage forces the rigor in tight muscles to release, thereby allowing more blood to flow into the area. This increases the supply of nutrients and oxygen needed to begin the healing process. Though it may take some concentration to relax while receiving deep tissue massage, the benefits are long-lasting!

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy is an extremely gentle modality that applies only 5 grams of pressure (the weight of a nickle). CranioSacral Therapy helps to relieve tensions in the nervous system and connective tissue using myofascial and energetic techniques.

I believe every little one deserves the gift of CranioSacral Therapy. Whether or not there is an obvious concern, CranioSacral Therapy has the potential to prevent future problems from arising, such as scoliosis, learning disabilities, ADD, and behavioral difficulties.

Craniosacral Therapy is of particular relevance to infants experiencing colic, sleep disturbances, difficulties in latching on, and to those who have had a challenging birth (C-section, suction, forceps, long labor, etc.).

Chi Nei Tsang Abdominal Massage

Also, know as Taoist Abdominal Massage, the name literally means organ chi transformation.  This form of bodywork is a combination of ancient and new healing techniques that promote emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Chi Nei Tsang serves to increase the chi, or life-force energy, of the internal organs by applying pressure, energy, and massage techniques to the abdominal area. In Chi Nei Tsang, there is a focus on the navel center, where emotions, stress, and tension accumulate. The practitioner works on the abdomen, encouraging the organs to work at their highest efficiency. Chi Nei Tsang addresses the vital bodily systems: digestive, endocrine, integumentary, lymphatic, muscular, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, and urinary. Furthermore, unprocessed emotions stored in the digestive system are a major cause of illness.

Chi Nei Tsang helps to release these stored emotions, thereby affecting a person’s mental and emotional experience. Sessions also include coaching in breathing, nutrition, and self-massage, promoting education, awareness, and self-care.

Consultations in Everyday Ergonomics and Postural Re-Education

Since the start of my massage practice in 2002 a majority of my clients have come in experiencing discomfort related to how we use our bodies every day in our work and home environments.  From sitting at desks to driving in cars, lifting heavy objects and life in general, we unconsciously can set patterns that stay with us and compound throughout our lives. During this consultation I observe how you are using your body connected to chronic pain/tension patterns and make suggestions for changes to your environment, new ways to hold your body related to space and gravity as well as  exercises that may assist in unwinding and re-training.  Cultivating an awareness of how we exist in our bodies sets the path forward for success.

Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery

If you’ve been in a car accident within the last year, you are probably eligible for massages under a Motor Vehicle Accident claim (MVA claim). Massage is integral for relieving symptoms related to whiplash injury, but even if you have not sustained a whiplash injury massage can be very beneficial for relieving any trauma associated with your accident. Massage can be helpful years after an MVA as well, as trauma can be stored in the body causing many other ailments and inexplicable symptoms. When treating trauma associated with a motor vehicle accident, I often integrate various modalities into a session depending on what is needed for relief. This often includes a mixture of Myofascial Release, Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage, and CranioSacral Therapy. I have also completed specific trainings in Whiplash Injury and treating the neck and back. It is extremely important to schedule a bodywork session or series of sessions as soon as possible after your accident to stop potential compensation patterns from arising and to aide muscles in letting go after the initial shock, as long as they aren’t protecting a more serious injury site.