Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage incorporates techniques such as Trigger Point Release and heavy handed, or tool assisted manipulation of muscle tissue in order to access adhesions that exist underneath our superficial muscle bellies. Deep Tissue can help with pain relief and breaking up knots and tensions that build up over time from repetitive physical patterns or past injuries.
Sports Massage
Utilizing techniques similar to those used with deep tissue massage, Sports massage focuses on muscle groups heavily used or strained from specific activities and often incorporates PNF stretching.
PNF and Assisted Stretching
Focused and intentional stretching.
PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) uses isometric contractions and static stretching to improve flexibility.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a slightly lighter modality that utilizes kneading and spreading to warm up fascial trails, help “melt away” or break up built up fascia. Fascia encases all muscles, as well as our organs and is an integral aspect of our body’s daily movement and functioning. As fascia thickens over time from physical stagnation, it can lead to restrictions in our mobility, pain, and injury.
Gua Sha (Muscle Scraping)
Gua Sha is another tool more recently adopted by practitioners in the West. This tool comes in all sorts or shapes and sizes and is a hand held piece of metal, stone or wood which assists in breaking up dense adhesions in the body. While they can be used intensively for deep tissue and fascial work, they can also be used for lighter modalities and often assist in lymphatic drainage.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient practice that has more recently become popular in the United States and other Western countries. The cups act as a vacuum and can be used in various ways to help warm up fascia. Additionally, cupping aids in lymph movement, releases toxins in the body, as well as decompress tight muscles that may have seized up, or are in a constant “defensive state” remaining tight and painful.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage increases the circulation and flow of lymphatic fluids through the system in the body. This increase in lymphatic movement has a variety of benefits including aiding the immune system and lowering inflammation. This work is especially beneficial to those recovering from recent surgery, whether it be cosmetic, gender affirming surgery, or other. MLD can also aid in recovery post trauma, as long as the injury is blunt.
MLD will not be performed near any open wounds, or unhealed incisions. There are a variety of contraindication for MLD, please send an email to discuss if this is a safe treatment for you!
