Swedish Massage is a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles, combined with active and passive movements of joints to increase general body awareness, relaxation, and blood circulation.  It is often used initially to prepare tissue for deeper work. 

Myofascial release is a therapy which releases restrictions, adhesions and lines of tension in the connective tissue layer.  It targets both deep tissue and superficial fascia.  Connective tissue (fascia) connects every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, and organ in our entire body and can store memory of physical trauma.  Release of fascia allows the client to discharge recurring physical patterns and trauma-based pain.  Both Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation tie in strongly with Myofascial Release. Neuromuscular techniques treat “trigger points” and specific areas of neural activity to break cycles of spasm and pain.  The goal is balance between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system.

Utilizing specific strokes and stretches, the goal is to help obtain maximum performance and physical conditioning to reduce change of injury and pain.  It increases endurance and flexibility both before and after events/workouts.  It often combines classical Swedish with trigger point release, deep tissue or myo-fascial release to reduce soreness.

Massage therapy can be used throughout all stages of pregnancy and can also be very effective during the post-partum period.  It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness.  Massage therapy relieves many of the normal discomforts of pregnancy such as low back pain, hip and pelvic discomfort, leg cramps, headaches, neck pain, and edema. After the baby is born, massage therapy can facilitate the body’s return to its pre-pregnancy state and decrease the muscle pain associated with breastfeeding and the forward-bending posture so common with caring for an infant.  Specific therapeutic manual techniques can also reduce scar tissue formation after a C-section and facilitate healing of soft tissue in the surrounding areas.

Craniosacral Therapy is a specialized fascial technique that works to free the connective tissue surrounding brain, spinal cord, and surrounding membranes and bones, from restrictions. Fascial (connective tissue) restrictions in the central nervous system, and surrounding structures, that develop from injury or compensation, can be at the core of perpetuating pain and misalignment in the body. An important component to healing is our nervous system and how it relays messages from the point of injury/imbalance to the brain. Through gentle manual manipulation of the bony structures that support our nervous system, craniosacral therapy allows the therapist to clear, unravel and rewire in order to optimize this message.  Craniosacral Therapy is gaining acceptance among health professionals worldwide as a successful treatment modality to improve overall body functioning, and for treatment of a wide range of conditions including migraine and tension headaches, ear infections and related conditions, spinal cord injuries, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and post-concussion disorders.

Visceral Manipulation is a specialized form of fascial work, focused on freeing the connective tissue surrounding organs involved in areas of restriction due to injury, trauma, and compensation. The body is designed so that as it moves, the internal organs and structures glide smoothly around one another in a way that does not disrupt form or function. Injury or imbalance can interfere with this harmony when tissue adhesion or abnormal tone occurs, restricting this movement and creating issue for not only the organs, but the muscular, membranous, fascial, and skeletal structures as well. These patterns can eventually lead to chronic pain, postural misalignment, as well as dysfunction of the organ. In visceral manipulation, we approach the organs of the body when they have become bound up structurally, inhibiting their normal function and causing pain, both local and referred.