Your Ideal Therapeutic Massage
With professional training, over 20 years of experience and continuing education, My clinical training encompasses a variety of modalities including, stretching, relaxing Swedish massage, hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, aromatherapy, perinatal massage, geriatric massage, neuromuscular therapy, repetitive use (carpel tunnel) injury massage, lymphatic massage, medical massage, cancer care massage, and foot reflexology. Sessions are tailored to meet your needs and preferences, from gentle and relaxing, to very deep but soothing, and anything in between.
Deep Tissue Work with Hot Stones
Hot stones are not just for light, relaxing spa treatments. Some practitioners, like myself, use the benefits of the heat and weight of stones when working with injuries, muscle tensions, stress and chronic conditions. Instead of using stones in a lovely and relaxing layout formation only, I use stones during increasingly deep massage strokes and as each stone cools slightly will then lay the stone on the muscle body for continued relaxation as I continue treatment with another hot stone.
The stones are made of basalt, which were formed millions of years ago during volcanic eruptions that took place near coastal areas. The stones then washed along a river bottom or ocean shore and were given their ultra smooth surfaces from years of being washed over sand and debris by water currents. Basalt stones are rich in iron and can therefore retain heat for a longer period of time than other stones. Because it can remain warm, it helps the therapist keep the muscles, the skin and the body relaxed enough to allow deeper treatment than the client might otherwise find comfortable.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is not only calming, it improves lymphatic flow for overall health, rejuvenation, and detoxification. This add-on service is administered during the first 5-10 minutes of your massage and supports one of the largest and most important organs of the body—your skin. Dry brushing eliminates accumulated toxins, gently exfoliates, and increases blood and lymph circulation. The brush is also a take away gift for you to continue this treatment at home.
TMJ Massage
If you, like many, suffer from Temporomandibular Joint pain or syndrome, this specialized form of massage should be considered. This work is known to release tension, normalize muscle tone, correct imbalances in your jaw function and relieve pain. Treatment includes external work on neck, shoulders, head, and face. For internal work, the therapist wears disposable gloves and uses one finger to gently apply steady pressure for a few seconds at a time to release tension in muscles that attach on the inside of your jaw. Most clients find this work comfortable and very effective, with most reporting that some amount of relief is immediate. TMJ work is usually incorporated in a broader massage session, as requested.
I have advanced training and certification in massage specifically geared towards pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Beginning around week 20 of your pregnancy you will be able to use specially-designed, high-quality cushions that continue to allow most pregnant women to enjoy treatments belly-down without pressure on abdomen or breasts. With the precautions of avoiding deep pressure on your legs and abdomen you will receive a massage customized to your pressure, pace, and style preferences. For an enlightening article on the many benefits of perinatal massage, click on Benefits of Prenatal Massage.
Special Oils
My base, carrier, oil is a hypoallergenic, unscented Almond Oil with a natural water-dispersant to prevent staining. This non-greasy oil has superior glide, has anti-inflammatory properties which help heal many skin conditions, and antioxidant properties which help protect skin from sun damage. However, there may be occasions when Special Oils or balms are desired. Without additional charge, your massage may include one or more essential oils or balms. These include, but are not limited to, Arnica oil, Tiger Balm, Dr. Bronner's Organic Magic Balm, oil blends for stress, pain, winter blues, anxiety, immune support, etc. Special oils may be warmed, applied topically, or diffused in the room for inhalation. Please discuss your preferences prior to appointment time so any blends may be prepared and ready for use.
In-Home Massage
Postnatal or Post-Operative your needs are covered. I also have experience in and portable equipment to accommodate in-home massage during post surgery recovery and rehabilitation. I have advanced training in medical massage as well as cancer care massage. Massage can be done in seated, reclining, or other positions for clients unable to lay on a massage table. The December 2007 issue of Time magazine publicized a study by the American Medical Association's Archives of Surgery that found that massage, in conjunction with regular pain medication, significantly improved patient pain and anxiety after major surgery. These findings have been verified in a study published in May 2010 by surgeons at the Mayo Clinic that showed patients who received post-operative massage had clinically significant reduction in pain, anxiety, and tension.