Welcome and thank you for your interest in massage therapy!

Massage therapy is an excellent tool that can help prevent pain and injury, whether you are a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or a senior fighting arthritis, massage can help reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and decrease soft tissue restrictions. 

Just as our minds need ways of coping with daily stresses so do our physical bodies. Our bodies carry memories, some physical restrictions from accidents or surgeries, some mental and emotional from trauma or past disease. As a therapeutic practitioner, I aim to help your body continually heal, rejuvenate and thrive.

Types of Massage

Wellness Massage - Wellness massage is just that, it aims to keep you well.  Particularly for those clients that have chronic arthritis or suffer from a condition in which they need continuous bodywork to keep their muscles and joints from creating daily pain. Those who engage in a lot of computer work or suffer from poor postural habits often benefit from massage to help get them back on track.

Swedish Massage – A gentle massage that helps increase circulation and lymph flow, reduce muscle tightness, and decrease stress and tension build-up.  Swedish massage helps to relax and calm the nervous system.  This type of massage is perfect for those that are sensitive to pressure. 

Deep Tissue Massage – Deep tissue works to treat the deeper layers of muscle that may adhere to one another causing pain or discomfort or limited movement.  Deep tissue focuses on releasing “knotted” muscle fibers or muscle groups that may be in spasm by working to soften, lengthen, and stretch rigid muscle groups. 

Sports Massage - Massage for the more athletic/active client that needs work on particular areas or whole muscle groups in order to progress or maintain their sport.

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy – NMT is also referred to as “trigger point therapy" because it focuses on areas of hypersensitivity that can cause discomfort and create dysfunctional pain patterns.  NMT is best used during a series of massage treatments as it can be uncomfortable when addressing multiple trigger points in a single session. 

Cupping Therapy -  Traditionally, cupping has been used across many cultures and has stood the test of time as a valuable tool to promote wellness.  Suction cups are used to create negative pressure and lift connective tissues. This modality is highly effective to release rigid soft tissue, fascia and adhesions from injury or scarring.  Cupping increases circulation by bringing stagnant blood/toxins to the surface of skin and helps stimulate lymph flow/drainage.  Cupping may leave "marks" or "discoloration" on the skin post-treatment as a result of lifting stagnant blood and fluids to the surface.  These marks are not bruises and will begin to fade almost immediately.  

Facial cupping can be used to lift tissues and reduce fine lines, drain excess fluid from the face (reducing puffiness), stimulate sinus drainage, and treat TMJD symptoms by massaging/lifting soft tissues and reducing tension. Marks are not left on the face as the small, gentle cups are in continuous motion.

Abdominal cupping is used to promote healthy digestion by releasing adhesions and stagnation in the bowels, increasing digestive organs/fluids and peristalsis.    

Scar Tissue Massage - Damaged tissue from injury, surgery or other traumas can create scar tissue; this frequently interferes with range of motion, nerve function, and often causes pain or discomfort.  Scar tissue can continue to form for about two years after an injury and it is most effective to work scars within this time period.  

Cancer and Massage - Over the last several years I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients with cancer during and after their treatments, which may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. I always encourage clients to talk to their doctors prior to seeing me for massage.  My goal when treating clients with cancer (or recovering from cancer) is simple - to make them feel better.  Cancer treatments are often very taxing on the body, mind, and spirit and can have lingering effects that disturb normal function. My objective is to help recover, heal, and rejuvenate through touch. This may include working scar tissue and/or other treatment sites that cause restriction or discomfort. Areas of sensitivity, tumors and pain will be avoided. 

In addition, I have also been fortunate to treat the caregivers of family or loved ones struggling with cancer.  I think it is essential when caring for others, you also care for yourself.  Massage is a way to encourage self-care, and work toward balance in your life.  

Prenatal Massage – Prenatal massage is similar to Swedish massage. Sensitive areas of the body will be avoided, as well as acupressure points that are known to trigger labor (there are very few areas and there would have to be prolonged pressure to do anything irregular).  It is an urban legend that prenatal massage causes miscarriage.  Although, miscarriage is unfortunately very common in the first trimester, there is no medical evidence that massage triggers miscarriages. 

As the body grows and it becomes uncomfortable to lie prone, the mom-to-be will be treated in the side-lying or semi-reclined position.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

• Helps neck, back, and thoracic/rib pain
• Reduces swelling
• Improves skin elasticity, reducing stretch marks
• Improves sleep
• Improves digestion
• Decreases stress to mom and baby
• Reduces hip and pelvic pain
• Wonderful for self-care before baby!

*If you have any concerns about whether prenatal massage is appropriate and safe for you, please contact your MD or midwife and discuss it with them prior to making an appointment.