Donna Ray LMP

Thoughtful
   I believe that healing takes place on many different levels therefore I employ
    the most appropriate technique depending on each persons circumstances.
    One person may require mostly deep tissue and fascial work to address a tissue
    injury, another who is sensitive to deep pressure may require the gentler
   intuitive approach of Craniosacral Therapy. Another may need the stress
   reducing effects of a relaxation massage. Each session is a problem solving
    opportunity for me and my client. Together we determine the most effective
    healing strategy.

Safe
  Thoughtful use of technique encourages change in the body that feels
    appropriate. While change can be beneficial we are not always ready for it.
    A thorough intake process and communication during sessions is crucial in
    bridging the gap between what I feel as the practitioner and what my clients
    feel before, during, after and between treatments.

Effective
  Understanding how the body reacts to change and to different body work
   techniques is important for a successful outcome. Addressing the link
   between the tissue and the nervous system provides an ultimate
   healing response, as specific tissue techniqes can address mechanical and
   physical restrictions while craniosacral, somatics or neuromuscular
   re-education can address the holding patterns creating dysfunction.
   Increasing my client's awareness about the changes that have occurred is
   key. This can be accomplished by before, during or after treatment. Following
    hands on body work with body mechanic and posture correction provides a more
    lasting change.

Techniques
   Deep Tissue - The term "deep tissue" is used to describe numerous
   massage techniques, including fascial release, myofascial release,
   trigger point therapy and deep frictioning. While the intention of the
   work is usually to work deep into the body's tissues, it can also be
   used to release restricted tissue directly under the skin layer. It can
   be applied agressively or gently depending on the tolerance of the
   client and the outcome desired. Practitioners will use fingers, knuckles,
   elbows and sometimes special trigger point releasing tools.

   Craniosacral Therapy - Accessing the energetic as well as the physical
    components of this therapy, the intent is to remove restrictions occuring
    throughout the body by accessing the natural rythms in bone articulations,
    tissues and fluids. Trauma, illness, age and nutrition are some of the
    factors that can disrupt the optimum flow thus affecting joint articulation,
    and tissue, organ and emotional health.

   Neuromuscular Re-education - This involves any technique where
   the intention is to modify the connection between the brain and the
   tissue. The brain creates habitual postures, contractions/spasms,
   and movements based on repitition or trauma. A successful healing
   outcome depends on getting the brain to reconsider the message
   it is sending to the affected area so that the spasm, or contraction,
   or incorrect posture etc. can be released and a new idea
   introduced.  There are many techniques for this. I use Somatics,
   Neuromuscular Therapy, Strain Counter Strain, Body Mechanics
   and Postural education.

   Aromatherapy - Essential oils, extracted from the leaves, stems
   and flowers of plants have therapeutic properties that will
   elicit an emotional or physical response. Essential oils are complex,
   some containing as many as 300 different chemical compounds. It
   is the synergy of these compounds that give each oil its unique
   fragrance and healing property. I use fine grade oils that have been
   tested free of additives or impurities. They are diffused into the
   air where they can be inhaled or they can be added to massage oil
   to be absorbed into the body through the skin.  In each session
   I use oils that I feel are appropriate to address the emotional,
   spiritual and physical aspects of my clients.  Oils are never
   administered without consent and a knowledge of each clients
   medical and emotional state.

   Swedish Massage - Swedish Massage is characterized by "kneading" the
   muscles; lifting and separating tissue. There are numerous types of
   strokes used in this technique which strive to improve circulation,
   activate sluggish muscles and stimulate the nervous system. I use
   swedish massage in almost all of my sessions interspersed with other
   techniques.

   Sports Massage - Traditionally this type of massage is used before
   of after sporting events.  Before a work out, it stimulates circulation,
   oxygenates the tissues, warms the joints and muscles. After a work
   out it does all of the same things but is very effective at reducing
   the post muscle soreness and at helping the heart, lungs and
   muscles transition to a relaxed state. I use sports massage
   techniques in conjunction with other techniques to improve
   circulation and warm up the tissues.


Thoughtful, Safe & Effective


Thoughtful I believe that healing takes place on many different levels therefore I employ the most appropriate technique depending on each persons circumstances. One person may require mostly deep tissue and fascial work to address a tissue injury, another who is sensitive to deep pressure may require the gentler intuitive approach of Craniosacral Therapy. Another may need the stress reducing effects of a relaxation massage. Each session is a problem solving opportunity for me and my client. Together we determine the most effective healing strategy. Safe Thoughtful use of technique encourages change in the body that feels appropriate. While change can be beneficial we are not always ready for it. A thorough intake process and communication during sessions is crucial in bridging the gap between what I feel as the practitioner and what my clients feel before, during, after and between treatments. Effective Understanding how the body reacts to change and to different body work techniques is important for a successful outcome. Addressing the link between the tissue and the nervous system provides an ultimate healing response, as specific tissue techniqes can address mechanical and physical restrictions while craniosacral, somatics or neuromuscular re-education can address the holding patterns creating dysfunction. Increasing my client's awareness about the changes that have occurred is key. This can be accomplished by before, during or after treatment. Following hands on body work with body mechanic and posture correction provides a more lasting change. Techniques Deep Tissue - The term "deep tissue" is used to describe numerous massage techniques, including fascial release, myofascial release, trigger point therapy and deep frictioning. While the intention of the work is usually to work deep into the body's tissues, it can also be used to release restricted tissue directly under the skin layer. It can be applied agressively or gently depending on the tolerance of the client and the outcome desired. Practitioners will use fingers, knuckles, elbows and sometimes special trigger point releasing tools. Craniosacral Therapy - Accessing the energetic as well as the physical components of this therapy, the intent is to remove restrictions occuring throughout the body by accessing the natural rythms in bone articulations, tissues and fluids. Trauma, illness, age and nutrition are some of the factors that can disrupt the optimum flow thus affecting joint articulation, and tissue, organ and emotional health. Neuromuscular Re-education - This involves any technique where the intention is to modify the connection between the brain and the tissue. The brain creates habitual postures, contractions/spasms, and movements based on repitition or trauma. A successful healing outcome depends on getting the brain to reconsider the message it is sending to the affected area so that the spasm, or contraction, or incorrect posture etc. can be released and a new idea introduced. There are many techniques for this. I use Somatics, Neuromuscular Therapy, Strain Counter Strain, Body Mechanics and Postural education. Aromatherapy - Essential oils, extracted from the leaves, stems and flowers of plants have therapeutic properties that will elicit an emotional or physical response. Essential oils are complex, some containing as many as 300 different chemical compounds. It is the synergy of these compounds that give each oil its unique fragrance and healing property. I use fine grade oils that have been tested free of additives or impurities. They are diffused into the air where they can be inhaled or they can be added to massage oil to be absorbed into the body through the skin. In each session I use oils that I feel are appropriate to address the emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of my clients. Oils are never administered without consent and a knowledge of each clients medical and emotional state. Swedish Massage - Swedish Massage is characterized by "kneading" the muscles; lifting and separating tissue. There are numerous types of strokes used in this technique which strive to improve circulation, activate sluggish muscles and stimulate the nervous system. I use swedish massage in almost all of my sessions interspersed with other techniques. Sports Massage - Traditionally this type of massage is used before of after sporting events. Before a work out, it stimulates circulation, oxygenates the tissues, warms the joints and muscles. After a work out it does all of the same things but is very effective at reducing the post muscle soreness and at helping the heart, lungs and muscles transition to a relaxed state. I use sports massage techniques in conjunction with other techniques to improve circulation and warm up the tissues.