- » Injury and Pain Management
- » Sports Massage
- » Prenatal & Postpartum Massage
- » Special Needs
- » Swedish Massage
- » Neuromuscular Therapy
- » Deep Tissue Massage
- » Kinesiotaping
- » Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Using my knowledge of the body as well as personal injuries, I incorporate neuromuscular therapy, sports massage, myofascial, and cupping to assess and work with you in providing relief from pain and steps to recovery from acute injury and chronic pain.
Sports massage enhances performance and prolongs an active lifestyle by helping to prevent injury, reduce pain and swelling, increase flexibility, as well as relax the mind, 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.
Prenatal 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 any pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits include emotional support, relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation. Postpartum massage after giving birth is also important in assisting the body to return to balance, and to assist to the new stresses in life such as nursing, carrying the baby, lack of sleep. (Training in infant massage is also available).
My previous experience working with athletes with physical disabilities (amputation, wheelchair users, etc.) led me into working with children with special needs (CP, autism, etc.) during the past 13 years. Each child's needs are specific and I draw on my basic massage training and years of experience as well as workshops through the Masgutova Method. I also welcome working as a team with your child's other healthcare professionals (PT, OT, MD, etc.) to provide them the best possible care.
Swedish massage the basis of massage therapy and is incorporated into all of my sessions. It is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. The benefits of this type of bodywork include improved circulation, relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, and greater flexibility.
Neuromuscular therapy is a system of massage techniques that were developed in the 1930's by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. It uses a holistic approach towards healing, emphasizing and stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself. Neuromuscular therapy also enhances the function of joints and muscles, and accelerates the overall healing process by facilitating the release of endorphins. I have been trained in the St. John NMT technique.
Deep tissue massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue. It is highly effective for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past injuries/chronic pain. Along with deep tissue massage, I incorporate releasing the fascia using Guasha tools, and address trigger/tender points and adhesions while applying this "firm" touch of massage.
Open communication with your therapist is important during the session (too much or not enough pressure, pain referral, etc.). It is common to feel like you've had a hard work out for a couple of days after a DT session. I suggest drinking plenty of water afterwards to aid in flushing and removing toxins that have been released, as well as gentle stretching/movement (walking, yoga) and Epsom salts baths.
The Kinesio Taping® Method is a definitive rehabilitative taping technique designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, Kinesio® Tex Tape is safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric, and successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions. The Kinesio® Taping Method is a therapeutic taping technique not only offering your patient the support they are looking for, but also rehabilitating the affected condition as well. By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory system, Kinesio® Tex Tape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected.
I have been using KT on young athletes for approximately 10 years, and am now working on my certification. I have used it on clients with sports injuries (ankle, hamstring, shin splints, knee, back, shoulder, etc.), as well as for hammer toes, menstrual cramping, drop foot. The uses are endless!
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy aims to gently and rhythmically move the lymph through the body, especially swollen areas of the body, relieving pressure and enhancing the functioning of the immune system. As both a preventative and remedial technique, LD can be used for a wide range of purposes including faster recovery from injury, reduction of swelling and discomfort from pregnancy, and strengthened resistance to illness.
