This first visit is our introductory treatment. Time is taken to review the Confidential Medical History provided by the patient in order to ensure a safe treatment environment and best possible outcomes. Unless there are changes to this history in the future, this is the only time we will comprehensively discuss this paperwork.
The massage is tailored to the specific needs of each patient and may contain any combination of the modalities discussed on this page, as well as many others. You can rest assured that I will do my best to communicate effectively since I understand that each patient has different pain thresholds as well as different goals through treatment. Use of a pain scale will help you tell me when we're in your comfort zone. I will gladly co-ordinate my treatments with any other treatment you receive from other health-care professionals (ie: chiropractors, physiotherapisits....).
After the treatment the patient will receive instruction on home care that may be done in order to best maintain and continue the benefits of the massage. If any questions should arise once you're home after the treatment, I am always happy to return phone calls in my free time.
After your initial massage visit, this is available as a follow-up treatment.
50 minutes is a great interval if you're looking for a longer relaxation treatment, or you need full body care for a variety of concerns.
As with the initial visit, this treatment is personally tailored to your needs on that day, and in conjunction with any goals set up in previous visits.
Once you have had your initial visit, this treatment duration is available for follow-up visits.
25 minutes is great if you want to fit a shorter treatment in to a busy day, or if you have only one or two problem areas that need a little attention.
As with the initial visit, this treatment is personally tailored to your needs on that day, and in conjunction with any goals set up in previous visits.
This quick treatment is available to any patient, or as an add-on to any other treatment. I use specialty high quality lotions and gels to treat some of our most used and most neglected body parts.
Based on your choice I will give a quick but comprehensive treatment to your tired feet of your tense hands. This visit is ideal for someone who doesn't have a lot of time to spend, but who needs a quick pick-me-up.
In this specialty service I use high quality blended essential oils along with all natural Jojoba oil to perform a focused treatment for your upper back and neck. I have tailored this treatment as a general stress reduction aid, as well as to help relieve pain from tension headaches. This treatment is an ideal short mental vacation from whatever fills the rest of your day.
I can not guarantee that this will eliminate the headache, especially for those that suffer from recurrent headaches, like migraines. However, this type of massage can be a great way to reduce pain if you find that you respond well to touch when you have a headache. Some patients have found that their headache is gone completely by the end of the massage, or shortly thereafter. It is not recomended for those who suffer from nausea when they have a migraine.
This treatment is available to all patients, regardless of whether you have had an initial 50 minute treatment.
Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. I use only high quality non-staining gel while performing an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of massage are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, and greater flexibility.
A specialized treatment that addresses the jaw and fascial muscles that affect jaw movement, TMJ massage incorporates both internal and external work. This type of massage focuses soley on the jaw in order to reduce pain in that joint, as well as promote natural movement and decrease the "clicking" patients with TMJ issues often experience.
Both swedish massage, myofascial release, and triger point techniques are used externally for muscular tension that may be preventing your jaw from moving correctly. Using sterile treatment procedures I then turn my attention to muscular attachments just inside your cheek, near the hinge joint of your jaw. While this treatment can be painful at times, in my experience, treating contributes greatly to the success of the treatment.
Patients often have an immediate decrease in pain, as well as an improvement in jaw motion, following TMJ massage.
Pregnancy Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques specially developed for the expecting mother, Pregnancy Massage helps release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation.
Following childbirth, Postpartum Massage will focus on helping your body return to equillibrium, as well as addressing new areas of tension as you experience the demands and joys of motherhood. Abdominal massage given during this treatment may help the body more quickly return to it's pre-pregnancy shape.
Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy intended to eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and rebalance the entire body. It does this by using massage techniques to stretch the fascia and release the bonds that exist between the fascia, muscles and bones. Fascia is the connective tissue that connects and covers all muscles, organs, and skeletal structures of the body. Direct myofascial release is sometimes known as deep tissue work. Indirect release applies light pressure and gently stretches the fascia; this allows for increased blood circulation and relief from pain.
Myofascial massage is a technique used to treat injuries and discomfort, reducing pain and increasing range of motion. Myofascial massage differs from other types of massage in that it targets the fascia - the membrane surrounding muscles - rather than the muscle itself. Since fascia completely encases every muscle in the body, imbalances in the fascia can have serious effects on your range of motion and comfort level. While other forms of massage can overlook the fascia, myofascial massage focuses specifically on releasing tension in this important membrane.
Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These "knots" are built up throughout a person's life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques in order to release your trigger points. This process can be quite painful at times, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative.
Deep Tissue Massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. It is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.
Oncology Massage is a special type of massage developed specifically for cancer patients. Cancer patients have unique needs which must be addressed to make sure that a massage is beneficial to their health. I focus my attention on creating a gentle, nurturing environment for you to relax into.