Research shows that massage and related bodywork techniques can release painful muscle tension, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, and reduce mental and physical fatigue. In addition, massage is among the most effective means to combat stress.

Every massage is a unique experience, which allows me to adapt my approach to what that body needs.

Some of the massage techniques I may incorporate into a massage session:

combines a system of long strokes, kneading, friction and vibration on the more superficial layers of muscles. It is used primarily for full body sessions and promotes general relaxation, improves blood circulation and range of motion, and relieves muscle tension.

releases the chronic pain patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It also focuses on the deeper layers of the muscle tissue.

COUNTERSTRAIN

Counterstrain, also known as strain counterstrain, was developed by an osteopathic physician named Dr. Lawrence Jones. It was discovered when Dr Jones had a patient with back pain that he was unable to see right away. Dr Jones positioned him so that he was comfortable, and later discovered the patient was free from pain just from the positioning.

Counterstrain involves passively shortening a muscle to allow it to release. The idea is that when a muscle is in spasm it is shortening, and if you put the muscle in that position, you are giving it what it wants so it can release.

There is a vicious cycle between pain and muscle spasm, in which a spasm can cause pain that can cause more spasm that can cause more pain, etc. A position of passive contraction for a muscle is also a position in which there is minimal pain. This helps break the cycle between pain and muscle spasm.

This is my favorite technique to use when a client has pain from a muscle spasm. It is non-invasive since the muscle is put into a passive position where there is no pain. The shortened position is held for approximately 90 seconds, which allows the muscle to relax.

applies concentrated finger pressure to “trigger points” (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.

SRT is a non-invasive, advanced massage technique that stops involuntary muscle contraction, instantly increases range of motion and dramatically decreases pain. SRT releases involuntary muscle contraction by reprogramming the jammed neurological signals of the muscles to and from the brain. SRT uses the gentle principal of holding the body in a position for 90 seconds to shorten the contracted muscle. The involuntary muscle contraction stops and tissues soften. This therapy was derived from Dr Larry Jones, an Osteopath, who in the 1960’s developed the basis of Counterstrain treatment.

PNF is a combination of passive stretching and isometric contractions to achieve maximum static flexibility. It was originally developed as a form of rehabilitation, and is one of the most effective forms of flexibility training for increasing range of motion.