Both techniques work to activate muscles that are weak and to de-activate muscles that are over-used.  Focusing on specific points within the muscles, I “re-set” the muscles so that all work together to improve posture and function, instead of fighting against one another, creating poor posture and imbalance.  Neither technique requires the use of lotion, so it is recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothes, such as gym shorts or yoga pants and a t-shirt.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage uses slow strokes and stretching to lengthen shortened muscles and release “knots”. Deep tissue massage works down through several layers of muscle and connective tissue to release chronic adhesions that create aches and pains. 

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is generally regarded as the most common form of massage. A series of strokes manipulate the muscles and connective tissues of the body to induce relaxation, enhance circulation, and decrease stress. It is a light to medium pressure massage.

Cupping Massage

Cupping Massage is a massage twist on the ancient art of cupping. Instead of the traditional fire cups, plastic cups are used. These erase the need for an open flame and the risk of burning but create the same vacuum effect. Cupping Massage helps release stubborn adhesions between connective tissue and muscle, allowing for increased movement of an area or joint, and greatly increases circulation to the area. Cupping Massage may leave the treated area reddened for a day or more as fresh, oxygenated blood flushes through.  Though you feel a pull when the cups are applied, most clients find this to be a relaxing feeling, not a painful one.  I am able to completely control the amount of pressure and always start low.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is an ancient therapeutic practice that began in China centuries ago. “Gua” means to scrape or rub. “Sha” means reddish skin bumps.  Gua sha helps to release chronic adhesions and is more practical to use than cupping when attempting to affect smaller areas such as the small muscles inbetween the vertebrae of the spine or those of the neck.  During gua sha treatment, I use a specialized tool to rub the skin, working in small sections, until I see the skin redden.  The redness, as in cupping, is due to the rush of fresh blood to the area and the area may stay reddened for a day or more.

Pre- and Post-natal Massage

I perform pre-natal massage throughout all three trimesters.  Massage in the first trimester is not only safe but can be especially supportive during those first transitional months.

Pre-natal Massage focuses on the areas that most affect a woman during her pregnancy. Those areas change depending on the trimester – they can even change on a weekly basis once a woman enters her second trimester – moving from upper to mid back, to mid to low back, to low back, hips, and feet, and sometimes even to forearms and wrists.

Post-natal Massage is similar to pre-natal. Once again, the areas focused on can change.

During all stages, different sizes of cushioning will be used to keep the mother comfortable. When her belly starts to grow, the massage will be performed as she lies on her left side and in a semi-reclining position.  We can also discuss ways to stay comfortable when you are not in the office.

The mother is encouraged to talk to her primary care doctor about the massage care she receives and must inform her massage therapist about any changes in her condition (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, etc.).

Specific treatments are available for, but not limited to, the following:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Scoliosis
Sprains/Strains
Tendonitis
Tension Headaches & Migraines
Whiplash 
Hyperlordosis/kyphosis
Iliotibial Band Contracture
Piriformis Syndrome
Pre- & Post-surgery adhesions/scar tissue