I have training in several styles of manual therapy.  Part of my skill is in being able to blend these various modalities into a session that best meets your needs.  When you contact me, let me know if there is a particular modality that you feel is right for you, and we can work together to tailor the ideal session.  Some modalities work particularly well together.  For example, a sports massage that includes some lymphatic drainage will improve your circulation and efficiency during your workouts. 

SPECIFIC MODALITIES

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Know variously as Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or Lymphatic Drainage Technique (LDT), this is a manual therapy of the lymphatic system, which regulates the body's immune function.  Lymph is an important substance that circulates around the body and helps move toxins out of muscles and organs and filters them through lymph nodes and finally the heart.  Many things can decrease the circulation of lymph, including recreational drugs, allergies, colds, sedentary lifestyles, and some medications and anesthesia.  

Lymph drainage is provided through very light touch (generally half an ounce of pressure) and slow, rhythmic work.  It is safe for almost all clients, and unlike other modalities, it can be used almost immediately after surgery and also while a client is using a variety of prescription medications.  It is a particularly useful and important manual therapy for those living with chronic illness, those with chronic or acute joint swelling (like 'water on the knee'), and for those who have had some lymph nodes removed due to cancer.  It is also ideal for clients recovering from the flu or other respiratory illnesses.  MLD is very relaxing, so those looking for a restorative session are particularly fond of this style.

I have completed a 145-hour certification in MLD, and am happy to combine a lymph session with a more 'traditional' manual massage if you are curious about it.

ADVANCED NEUROMUSCULAR MASSAGE & T-BAR THERAPY

Neuromuscular massage technique (NMT) is a concentrated, physically intense form of massage therapy.  People who have a lot of muscle spasms or 'knots' generally feel relief and improvement through NMT.  A therapist uses directed pressure (often thumbs, fists, or elbows) to work out the tension and relax the muscle tissue.

T-Bars are small tools used in place of the hand to deliver precise pressure to an area of muscle tissue that is 'stuck' - either to another muscle (as often happens in the shoulder and low back area), or that is not responding appropriately to signals from a nerve or tendon. 

In the hands of an inexperienced therapist, a t-bar can do more harm than good because of how deep into muscle tissue it can penetrate, which is why I completed a 130-hour certification in professional t-bar use.  Note that I will only use tools with my client's informed consent, and recognize that such tools are not universally needed.  If you have any concerns, please be assured that I can achieve NMT depth using my hands only.

SPORTS MASSAGE / ATHLETIC TAPING

Two primary benefits of sports massage are facilitating the healing of minor or major injuries, and increasing range-of-motion of shoulders, hips, and other joints which may become stressed through exercise.  One does not need to be a professional athlete to feel the wear-and-tear of physical activity.  A sports massage once every week or two can decrease recovery time and increase muscle responsiveness.  This style of bodywork is particularly useful for safely regaining muscle stamina after an injury has healed.  I employ RI (reciprocal inhibition), pin-and-stretch, and other athletic rehabilitation techniques often used by physical therapists.

It is not uncommon for a massage therapist to state that they practice sports massage because they include a few leg or hip stretches in their work.  The techniques and benefits of this modality go far beyond that -- don't be fooled by parlor tricks!  I have a 130-hour certification in sports massage, as well as advance training from a medical perspective.  

BODY-STORED TRAUMA RELEASE THERAPY

It is rare that an adult has lived a life untouched by stressful situations.  From fender benders to financial troubles, virtually everyone has experienced a time when they felt they had little or no control over events in their lives.  Many people think the word 'trauma' implies something catastrophic, like domestic violence or PTSD.  I believe this does a grave disservice to us all.  Many people live with the effects of such a loss of control while believing that what happened to them wasn't large enough to qualify as trauma, and so they don't feel entitled to seek help, are ridiculed for not 'getting over it,' or their feelings of anger and helplessness aren't taken seriously by those to whom they do reach out.  

Body-Stored Trauma Release Therapy (BSTRT) is meant to assist those who want a bodywork practitioner who creates an environment of safety, who listens to and respects their boundaries (both verbal and unspoken), who is able to cultivate trust, and who will not shame them for how they feel or what they do (or don't do).  Sometimes it resembles 'typical' bodywork sessions, but it doesn't have to -- it may not even involve actual physical contact between client and therapist. It is a way for you to release from your body sensations that do not serve you.  Think of BSTRT as talk therapy for your body.

In addition to my education at CSHA, I have also completed training in both Reiki and Thai Massage.  I am passionate about bridging the divide between the Western knowledge of micro-anatomy and the Eastern way of seeing the body as a whole. Bringing the best of both approaches to individuals who have been frustrated by the lack of balance exhibited by other health care providers is my greatest joy. Learning new skills and integrating them into my work is a life-long practice.  I am currently furthering my body science knowledge through a three-year Athletic Trainer program and a Complete Decongestive Therapist program.