There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, effleurage, petrissage, taponment, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Ask the practitioner about the methods he or she uses.

Structural Integration is unique because it is a holistic and systematic process for achieving optimal somatic structure and function by way of the permanent resolution of somatic fixations. Massage is most frequently aimed at providing relaxation or local (but usually temporary) pain remediation. Yes! Photographs taken of clients years after the Basic Series show that changes were still present and structure often improved.

Your session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. Soft music may be played to help you relax. Every effort will be made to help you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed.

A highly trained professional massage therapist will conduct your session. Each of our therapists has graduated from accredited schools and is Nationally Certified by the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork). Many have attended advanced education in their area of specialty. Therapists are required to attend continuing education each year to maintain their certification. No two massages are exactly alike. Feel free to request a certain technique or modality.

It depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a variety of techniques. Swedish massage is typically used as a baseline, which starts with broad, flowing strokes to relax and calm, irritated or inflamed tissues. As muscles become relaxed, deeper pressure in specific areas may be applied to relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin.

Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.

Most people feel very relaxed. Some people experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days.

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. Click here for more details on the benefits of massage.

There are specific situations where massage and bodywork will not be warranted, including, but not limited to broken bones, recent surgery, inflammation of the skin, varicose veins, open wounds, acute infectious diseases, acute pain, fever and blood clots to name a few. It is important that the client inform the practitioner of their current health status. There will be cases where the practitioner will require a release from the physician prior to the treatment.

Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, we ask you to fill out a health questionnaire. The practitioner will then take the time to review the information with you prior to your session. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session.

Yes, there are many different kinds. The kinds of massage I offer are: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Aromatherapy and Seated. For a description of these, click here for my Services page.