Over the years, I have received training in a wide variety of mainstream and alternative modalities that can help people live a healthier life, with less pain and fatigue and more energy and independence.
During my initial consultation with you, I will talk with you about the presenting problem, and the possible root causes of that problem. I will then recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Massage
“Massage” is a blanket term that refers to any form of body work that uses pressure, motion, or vibration. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I have received extensive training in a number of light touch and deep tissue approaches to traditional massage, some of which are described below. When performing traditional massage, my usual approach is to use the lowest level of pressure needed to adequately address a patient’s pain. Sometimes this means incorporating some of the advanced techniques described below into the session. Since I avoid heavy pressure whenever I can, you can potentially leave my office with less residual pain from the treatment itself.
Sports Massage
Sports Massage is a form of Swedish massage that is popular with athletes. It focuses on increasing blood and lymphatic fluid flow, increasing range of motion for various joints, and addressing pain at trigger points that can be irritated during exercise. I have used restorative Sports Massage techniques with many adolescents and adults who have suffered sports injury, helping them to recover more quickly and with less pain.
CranioSacral Therapy
Developed in the 1980s after extensive research, CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is an alternative therapy that uses extremely soft touch (generally less than five grams, or the weight of a nickel) to bring balance to the body’s craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that protect the brain and spinal cord. I have received extensive training in the technique and have been using it with patients for XX years. They find that over time, CranioSacral Therapy can bring lasting relief from chronic pain and fatigue caused by spinal and skeletal problems, accidents, post-traumatic stress, and fibromyalgia.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release (MFR) targets fascia, a thin connective tissue that surrounds our muscles, and can become restricted for a number of reasons. I use moderate pressure with my knuckles, elbows, or other tools to slowly stretch the fascia until “release” occurs and the painful imbalance is corrected. In XX years of providing Myofascial Release, my patients have found it to be more effective than deep tissue massage, with less residual pain during and after the treatment.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Points are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that, when irritated or knotted, cause pain to radiate out to a wider area of the body. When compressed with a finger, these points can feel tender, painful, or twitchy. I have training in several approaches to trigger points, and many patients have seen significant pain reduction after a combination of deep pressure, lighter compression, and vibration.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese treatment in which the skin is scraped with a spoon or other hard object to produce light bruising, which increases blood flow to rid an area of toxins and other unhealthy elements. While some practitioners treat large areas of the body with relatively heavy scraping, I generally use a lighter-touch approach on small problem areas where increased blood flow can benefit the patient.
Reiki
Developed in Japan in the 1920s, Reiki is a healing modality and spiritual practice that is based on a ki, an energetic force found in all living beings. Using specific movements of the palms of the hand, Reiki practitioners transfer ki to people experiencing physical and emotional distress. I became a Certified Reiki Practitioner in YEAR, and use it in combination with other modalities to improve energetic balance and overall health.
QiGong
Chinese for “life energy cultivation,” QiGong is a practice that helps people align body, breath, and mind to improve health and enhance practices such as meditation and martial arts. Using practices such as slow, flowing movement and deep, rhythmic breathing, QiGong helps to improve blood and oxygen flow throughout the body and promotes relaxation, joint mobility, and consciousness. I have been a Certified QiGong instructor for since YEAR.
Aroma Touch Technique
The Aroma Touch Technique combines hand techniques with essential oils to address four systemic constants that are at the root of many of our problems: stress, immunity, the inflammatory response, and autonomic imbalance. My patients have found that this technique helps with problems ranging from chronic pain to recovery from injuries to fibromyalgia.
Massage Cupping
Cupping has been around for 3,500 years and was used in ancient cultures around the world. As the name suggests, cups made of glass, bamboo, or earthenware are placed on the skin to create suction and increase blood flow to the location. Cupping has been used to address a wide variety of diseases, and there is some scientific evidence that it can be helpful when combined with other modalities.
Esalen Massage
Similar to Swedish Massage, Esalen is known for its long, flowing strokes over the whole body and the deep connection between practitioner and client. It strives to unify one’s form, energy, structure, and soul. I use the five classic Swedish strokes in Esalen massage—effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber), and vibration or shaking. Ongoing sessions of Esalen Massage can help chronic problems such as arthritis.