Incorporating Swedish, Oriental, Russian, Breast Massage* upon request, and other techniques, a one hour massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins (enhancing medical treatment). Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.
Research verifies that:
Office workers massaged regularly are more alert, perform better and are less stressed than those who are not massaged.
Massage therapy decreases anxiety, tension, depression, and pain, thereby speeding recovery from surgery.
Premature infants who are massaged gained more weight and fare better than those who are not.
Hyperactive children and teenagers show less erratic behavior and improved self-image after massage therapy.
* Constriction of breast tissue from wearing a bra reduces lymph flow and prevents natural flexibility of the supportive tissues. Breast massage is especially beneficial for constriction release and pain reduction, relief of swelling, and general relaxation.
These techniques are used in general relaxation massage. They are different methods of manipulating soft tissue in order to relieve muscle tightness and reduce stress.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a very specialized form of deep tissue manual therapy involving specific muscles and/or muscle groups and their attachments.The intent is to break the stress/pain cycle, restore healthy nerve function and blood circulation to the affected area, including re-education through postural adjustment, stretching and strengthening.
The Myokinesthetic System is a method of "resetting" the body to alleviate and eliminate pain and/or numbness, restore range of motion, and improve posture. Working with the soft-tissue muscular system, and within a client’s range of motion, this therapy stimulates the nervous system through movement and gentle stretches while pressing on specific muscles in order to retrain them and alleviate the cause of pain.
Short, frequent treatments, usually 15-20 minutes three or four times a week, are recommended at first in order to hold the treatment. Once or twice a week to follow up and maintain balance is also recommended. Suggested exercises can be done at home to improve and enhance treatment.
For more information see www.myokinesthetic.com.
Geriatric massage addresses the psychological and physiological aspects of aging as well as its associated diseases. I use a variety of techniques suited to the needs of the individual.
Geriatric massage is indicated for preventative wellness care in aging. Geriatric massage relaxes muscles, connective tissues, and nerves, increases circulation and flexibility, relieves arthritis pain and stiffness. It is a gentle and effective way to improve the spirit and overall health.
Depending on individual tolerance, a thirty-minute to one-hour massage includes the legs and feet, arms and hands, back and shoulders, and can be done fully clothed, and on a bed in the home.
Prenatal massage is beneficial to women in the second trimester through postpartum. The massage is done primarily side-lying, taking particular care to accommodate the expectant mother's physiology. In addition to relieving discomfort, swelling, and stress, pregnancy massage reduces varicose vein development and blood pressure. Pregnancy massage improves flexibility during childbirth and facilitates all physiological processes.
Infant massage is a simple routine that takes less than a half hour to learn. When used daily, infants experience improved digestion, sleep, mood, and immune function. Infant massage can reduce or eliminate colic. When making your appointment for a prenatal massage, please indicate whether or not you would like me to include infant massage training.
The lymph system carries toxins and wastes from the body, relying on body movement for lymph circulation. Immobility due to recuperation from surgery, convalescence, or illness can create a sluggish immune system. Lymph drainage massage stimulates the flow of lymph, and facilitates delivery of fresh fluids to the tissues along with removal of wastes. It is ideal for post-surgery, post-illness, chronic sinus problems, and geriatric clients.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, the practitioner releases restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. For more information visit the Upledger Institute website.
Take a break during or at the end of your day for a fully-clothed, relaxing 15- or 30-minute chair massage!
Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relieves strain on the neck and provides a gentle respite for eyes. Even 15 minutes of massage to the neck, back, arms and hands can increase circulation, lower blood pressure, returning energy levels and helping to keep the body injury free. Chair massage, along with stretching and strengthening exercises, can relieve chronic neck and shoulder pain, stress headaches, and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
According to David Palmer, co-developer of the first massage chair and founder of the TouchPro Institute in San Francisco, most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome.