MAssage

MY CLient-centered approach

As a Massage Practitioner, I believe that our work should always revolve around the client's needs. Every session will be customized to you, and I will do my best to understand your body and fulfill your requirements. Each person's body is unique and tells a different story, and my role is to listen and observe to get a full picture.

ASSESSMENT

Typically, I spend 5-15 minutes on assessment, depending on the individual and their goal. I have worked with a diverse range of people over the years and have found that some are seeking outcomes, while others simply want to relax. Each client will receive the full hour or session length on the table, which means that if you pay for an hour, the total duration of our appointment will be 5-15 minutes longer. As a client, I understand how frustrating it can be when the therapist takes up most of the time with assessment. Based on the person and goal, I may sometimes conduct post-assessment.

During assessment, I will be examining and attempting to address the following areas:

  • Postural asymmetries

  • Hip imbalances (anterior, posterior, lateral tilt, and rotation)

  • Range of motion

  • Gait

  • Hypertonicity (tight tissue), inflamed tissue, and scar tissue

These assessment points, coupled with a thorough health history, are essential for achieving pain-free movement.

General Beliefs/intuitively deep

Fascia surrounds all of our muscles, tendons, ligaments, organs, and more. I aim to impact this fascia (connective tissue) to alleviate muscle pain, enhance range of motion, and promote better posture. I believe in bodywork that addresses the structure as a whole, so you may learn something new during our session.

All of my sessions are technically deep tissue, unless the goal is general relaxation. I apply deep pressure based on what I feel the tissue requires and what the area is indicating.

PIck your own experiencE: Targeted Therapeutic vs. General Full-Body Relaxation

Massage therapy offers a wide range of benefits, and understanding the difference between targeted therapeutic massage and general full-body relaxation massage is key to choosing the right service for your needs. 

Targeted Therapeutic Massage

Focus: This specialized massage is designed to address specific musculoskeletal issues, injuries, or chronic pain conditions with a problem-focused approach aimed at achieving measurable outcomes. Reaching the deepest layers of connective tissue, as required when addressing these issues, necessitates a focused approach rather than a full-body treatment. Therefore, sessions concentrate primarily on the areas most connected to the underlying problem. While acknowledging the interconnectedness of the body, similar to the methods employed by effective bodyworkers and structural integrators/Rolfers, I recommend booking multiple sessions in 2-4 week intervals to facilitate lasting change. 

Techniques: My outcome-based work utilizes a variety of specialized techniques, with neuromuscular techniques and sports massage forming the core of my approach. This often involves a more active role for the client, with periodic muscle activations throughout our sessions. I hold AMTA certification in Sports Massage and possess extensive training in this area, which is described in detail below. Deeper, more specific work typically requires minimal emollient to enhance tissue manipulation and reduce glide. In contrast, relaxation-focused work will utilize more oils or lotions. 

The techniques I may incorporate into our therapeutic sessions include: 

  • Trigger Point Therapy: Identifying and releasing specific hyperirritable points in muscles that refer pain. 

  • Myofascial Release: Addressing restrictions within the fascia (connective tissue) to alleviate pain and improve mobility. 

  • Sports Massage: Tailored to enhance athletic performance, aid in recovery, and prevent injuries (detailed description provided in the “techiques” section of this website). 

  • PNF Stretching: An advanced flexibility technique combining passive stretching with isometric and concentric muscle contractions to achieve greater range of motion than traditional static stretching. A detailed explanation of PNF stretching can be found in the "Techniques" section of this website. 

Benefits:

  • Pain reduction and management 

  • Improved range of motion and flexibility 

  • Accelerated healing from injuries 

  • Reduced muscle tension and stiffness 

  • Correction of postural imbalances 

Ideal for: Individuals with chronic pain, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries, postural problems, or specific musculoskeletal conditions. 

General Full-Body Relaxation Massage

Focus: This type of massage is designed to promote overall relaxation, stress reduction, and a sense of well-being. It's less focused on specific problems and more on creating a calming and soothing experience. 

Techniques: Relaxation massage typically involves gentle, flowing techniques, such as: 

  • Swedish massage and Lomi Lomi: Uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements to improve circulation and relax muscles. 

  • Aromatherapy massage: Incorporates essential oils to enhance relaxation and promote specific therapeutic effects. 

  • Hot Towel massage: Use of hot towels massage weary muscles, increases blood flow, and induce deep relaxation. 

Benefits:

  • Stress and anxiety reduction 

  • Improved circulation 

  • Muscle tension relief 

  • Enhanced mood 

  • Improved sleep quality 

Ideal for: Individuals seeking stress relief, relaxation, and a general sense of well-being. It's a great choice for those who want to unwind and de-stress. 

DRAPING AND PRIVACY

Ensuring the privacy and comfort of my clients is of utmost importance to me, not only for their well-being but also for my own. To maintain a professional and safe environment, I adhere to a strict draping policy, whereby the sheet is always kept draped, covered and tucked around all private areas. Furthermore, when working near areas of privacy, such as the pectorals/breast tissue or the adductors and the groin, I always seek explicit consent and inquire about any boundaries to ensure the utmost level of comfort and privacy for my clients