Modalities

Myofascial Massage & Cupping

Throughout our body and in multiple layers (like hundreds,) there is a matrix of tissue called fascia (pronounced FAH-szha) or connective tissue. Sometimes it has to be addressed just as specifically as our muscles do (more so for some folks.) Some specialists even consider our bones to be fascia - that's a deeper discussion.

If sometimes you feel "stuck" or "sticky" it may be your body telling you that your fascia and/or muscles are dehydrated or may be just a little eschemic (lack of blood flow.) This work can help get that blood flow into all those little nooks and crannies and warm the tissue so that more specific work can be done to the muscles to increase quality and range of motion.

You'll feel a lot more broad pressure, firm gripping, torquing and manipulation of groups of muscles rather than singular muscle. It's also used as a warming technique before even more specific neuromuscular work can be done to create what we call "solation" which is that promotion of blood flow and softening of the tissues.

Occasionally Cupping is done to help hydrate tissues and generate more blood flow to the body. The marks that can be left behind are not bruises. The cupping I do is with movement, not the stationary positioned variation.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are highly irritable localized spot of exquisite tenderness in a nodule in a palpable taut band of muscle tissue similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the muscles 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 and even injuries. During a session, focused slow pressure paired with guided breath-work is applied through a variety of techniques order to release your trigger points. This process can be uncomfortable at times, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative. Communication is vital in this type of work. The discomfort should never be more than "hurt so good" or a 5 on a 1-10 pain scale. The saying, "No pain, no gain" is not allowed in my treatment room!

Spontaneous Muscle Release Tech.

December 2019: I just took the first module for the SMRT bodywork. I will be implementing it into my practice and as I learn more of the modules addressing each area of the body, I'll incorporate those too. This modality is extremely relaxing and non-invasive and weaves beautifully into the effective work I already do.

Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique (SMRT) SMRT is a positional release modality that interrupts pain signals in the body, painlessly resolves trigger points, has an incredibly calming effect on the nervous system, and is highly stimulating to the lymphatic system. By working with all tissues in any given area, SMRT easily and quickly allows the tissues to balance and the joints to realign effortlessly, re-establishing correct posture. All of this is done quickly, with almost no pain to the client, and in a way that is tremendously easy on your body. Because we have disrupted the pain loops, settled the parasympathetic nervous system, created almost no additional pain, and brought the area back to homeostasis, the results of an SMRT treatment last. 

To read more about this Technique and the benefits it has, click here: http://efullcircle.com/benefits/ 

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he served as professor of biomechanics. Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams – about the weight of a nickel – practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. (site: https://www.upledger.com/therapies/index.php) 

CST can be a treatment in and of itself or incorporated into tissue work. Let's talk about it and  make sure you get the session that suits you best.

Neural Reset Therapy® (NRT)

I have had the upper body portion of this training and have been integrating it into my practice beautifully. It's non-invasive and doesn't use lotion to get the job done. Here's a link to share more about this great work which is similar to Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and assisted passive stretching. Tapping and jostling are involved to speak more clearly to the nervous system. Ask me more when we meet.

http://www.neuralreset.net/NRT-For-The-Therapist.html

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, 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 too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the hydrating of tissues and promotion of blood flow.

Deep Tissue does NOT necessarily mean hard pressure. If I feel I need to get down the the bottom layers of tissue, I'll go in one layer at a time and work WITH your nervous system to make sure we release those tensions affectively. (If you just like hard pressure because you think that's what you need and like the pain that comes with it, you'll need to look for a therapist who just does hard elbow work. The words "no pain - no gain" are not allowed in my treatment room.)

Sports Massage

Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in athletics. Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term. Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains and swelling in the body, relax the mind, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates. Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body's natural immune function.
 

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work that cleanses and balances the energy system in the body. As a result, the body's natural self-healing mechanisms strengthen, helping to establish optimum health. During a session, I work directly with your energy field to remove blockages, and restore your vital life force energy. Reiki utilizes a gentle laying on of hands to conduct the necessary energy force between us. The benefits of Reiki range from the release of habitual mental/emotional stress to alleviating chronic pain. On occasion you may have images or sensations that can help you find balance.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is a very 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 its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility. Swedish Massage is the base from which ALL bodywork originates. Do not underestimate the power of the Swedish Session and it's positive affects on the whole body.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Unless your doctor has permitted, I generally do not work with expecting mothers until after the first trimester. 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. I have tons of bolsters and pillows to help you find comfort! I don't have to work the belly if it is not desired, but I can teach mom and dad how to do so at home. :)
I do NOT administer techniques to induce labor. 

Cold Stone Migraine Treatment

Nobody likes headache pain - specially me! Let me help you slay that headache before it launches into a full blown migraine monster. A combination of aromatherapy, heat treatment to the feet, massage and the specific application of marble cold stones to the face, head and neck will bring you relief. A 10 minute relaxation period at the end helps bring it all together. Depending on the severity and type of headache you have, we can add Reiki or guided imagery during this rest time as long as your nervous system can handle it. Nobody deserves to be in pain!

The Extremity Remedy

The Extremity Remedy is perfect for the person who doesn't really like the whole clothes-off thing, can't get full body massages due to medical reasons, or can't lay face down. Perhaps the extremities are your favorite areas to get massage!

The Extremity Remedy is a shorter session that just attends to the feet, hands and head (the extremities!) Special creams are used for maximum attention, and relaxation is still achieved. No clothing is removed except shoes, sleeves rolled up, and access to the neck and head. 

If you don't like oils and creams at all and only have a half hour - try the "Attitude Adjustment!"

The Attitude Adjustment

Sometimes a quick session is the best medicine, but you don't have lots of time nor do you want to feel slimy afterwords. The attitude adjustment is what you need! I'll use techniques like compression, jostling, tapotement (rhythmic cupping and tapping,) assisted stretching, passive SMRT work, PNF, and perhaps a little scalp work to get you through the day.
Great for lunch hours!

Teaching Twosomes

Massage and Wellness begins at home. Are you coping with a tissue issue? Do you want to show your kids the importance of therapeutic touch? Let me help you and another person(s) in your life help each other. I can show you how to bring massage into your home and overcome those hurdles that keep you from doing so like accidental pinching, fingernail jabbing, too hard/soft pressure, too tired, timing, special needs and the list goes on. This 2 hour session includes and exchange between you and your partner and some work from me as well. As always, each session is taylor-made to your needs. Let me show you how to bring wellness home!

Chair Massage

Chair massage is a popular way of relieving stress and releasing tension right in your home or workplace. You receive your massage in a specialized ergonomic chair. In addition to the usual health benefits of massage, another benefit of chair massage is that it is done over the clothing. With seated massage, you can avoid the discomfort and awkwardness that you may feel in disrobing for a traditional massage. Also, chair massage sessions are usually shorter than traditional massage, making it convenient enough to fit into your busy schedule.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work that cleanses and balances the energy system in the body. As a result, the body's natural self-healing mechanisms strengthen, helping to establish optimum health. During a session, I work directly with your energy field to remove blockages, detoxify your system, and restore your vital life force energy. Reiki utilizes a gentle laying on of hands to conduct the necessary energy force between us. The benefits of Reiki range from the release of habitual mental/emotional stress to alleviating chronic pain.