Thoughtful
I believe that healing takes place on many different levels and each person's
experience is unique. Utilizing the most appropriate modality in the right way
results in an optimum outcome.
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 or Reiki. 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 therapy, 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 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes The Knots In My Muscles?
A knot in a muscle can occur when some or all of the muscle fibers in that muscle are in a state
of hyper contraction. This can be caused by overworking the muscle (as in repetitive movement
or holding one position for along time), by injury (hyperextension or trauma). Knots can also be
formed by scar tissue or adhesions, in a specific area of the muscle that has been injured to the
point that the soft tissue was torn or cut.
How Can I Get My Muscles To Relax?
Muscle tension can involve a small area of a muscle as in a knot, an entire muscle or many muscles over the entire body including the organs that are made of muscle such as the stomach and small and large intestine. When an entire muscle or groups of muscles are habitually tight it can be from poor posture or body mechanics. Sitting at a computer for long hours without moving the
shoulder and back muscles is a common problem. These muscles have to contract constantly to
support posture and the use of other body areas. If a contraction is held long and often enough then it will become unconscious and a habit. Sometimes, intervention is needed to help our muscles reverse their habitual patterns. Massage, ice and heat are very helpful by relaxing and increasing circulation in the affected area. Getting the muscle moving again is important. Resist the urge to hold postures for too long, roll your shoulders around 2 to 3 times an hour when you are sitting at the computer. Continuing to overwork an injured muscle will lead to more injury. If you have been injured, respect the injury and rest or if needed seek professional help with your rehabilitation. All of our muscle tissue is susceptible to the effects of stress. It is part of the stress response for our muscles to contract, including the stomach and intestines (the stress response also closes the valves in our digestive organs so that more blood can be sent to the contracting muscles needed for movement). Reducing stress is one of the most effective ways of reducing overall muscle tightness. Pick your favorite stress reducer and repeat often. Meditation, long walks on the beach, playing, having fun, listening to music etc. If you suspect that emotional trauma is the cause of or is contributing to your physical discomfort you may want to seek the help of a professional or spiritual counselor or advisor who has the training and tools to help you.
How Many Massages Will It Take For Me To Get Better?
Unfortunately there is no set timeframe. The forces that affect your ability to heal come from many directions. Consider that you spend 60 to 90 minutes in a massage session. That is 60 to 90 minutes of intervention and healing. In your life outside of your session you are spending on the average of 16 hours a day involved in various activities that may be contributing to your injury or discomfort. Hopefully, some of these activities involve relaxation and self care which will increase the affects of your massage therapy session. Reducing the frequency of activities that are contributing to your muscle discomfort is very helpful. The more frequently you receive massage the more healing intervention you receive thus increasing your chances for a speedy recovery. Carrying out the self care advice of your massage practitioner is crucial to making progress.
Easy Tips For Minimizing Muscle And Joint Strain
Our bodies were designed for movement. Scientists believe that the basic fitness level of ancient man (we are talking here about the people who chased down their dinner) was that of a marathon runner! The human body requires movement to maintain its basic structures. Joints require movement to stay lubricated. Muscles require the activity of contracting and relaxing to move nutrients in and waste out. The heart is a muscle as is our small and large intestine and the lining of our blood vessels. They require exercise to stay healthy as well. Our nervous system’s flight or fight response is able to maintain balance and return to a state of relaxation when triggered by exertion; basically we make use of the physiological changes brought on by a stressful event such as increased adrenalin, increased heart rate and the shunting of blood away from the digestive system and into the muscles.
Even though our lifestyles are very different from our ancient ancestors, physiologically our requirement for movement hasn’t changed. This doesn’t mean you need to be a marathon runner to stay healthy. Here are some simple tips to help you maximize your body’s fitness and ability to withstand strain.
Keep moving! Avoid inactivity for longer than 1 hour without getting up and moving around (except of course while sleeping). A major cause of blood clots in the lower legs is sitting for long periods. When your muscles aren’t working they are pooling in their own waste and being deprived of nutrients and oxygen. If you sit at a computer, get up frequently and swing your arms around, move your shoulders up and down, shake out your legs and take a few deep slow breaths.
Keep your muscles in shape! There is a link between chronic pain and tense weak muscles. Also, a major cause of falling in aging adults is muscle weakness and poor balance. Adopt whatever exercise routine is appropriate for your age and fitness level. If you are unsure, consult your physician.
Use reasonable and correct body mechanics. Use your legs! When pushing, pulling, lifting and reaching, keep your legs under you and let them do the work. It is helpful to put one foot in front of the other hip width apart to provide support and so you can push off from the ground.
Keep your upper body moving in the same direction as your lower body. The idea is to lead with your feet. Never plant your feet and then twist your upper body, unless this is done in a controlled way as during an exercise or stretching routine. This is especially important if you are carrying weight. Pick up your feet and step through the movement, no matter how small, always keeping your feet and shoulders going the same direction.
If you need to bend to pick something up, bend at the hips, keep the lower back flat and shoulder blades pulled back and down (as if you were putting them in your back pockets). Carry your load close to your body. If you are sitting and need to reach forward, keep your back straight and hinge at the hip joint.
Remember, you can’t pick up a box, drive a car, or rake the lawn with your head. Many of us hold our heads too far forward during activities, especially at the computer. This causes neck strain and headaches. Consider that the average head weighs about 8 pounds. It is meant to sit evenly on top of your spine. The small muscles in the neck and those that attach the neck to the head aren’t meant to hold heavy weight, they are meant to rotate, flex and extend the neck and head. If your head is too far off of the center of gravity these small muscles are overworked and develop fibrosis and trigger points which degrade the condition of the muscle tissue and refer pain into the head and down to the arms and hands.
Try this simple exercise. It is easy over the course of a day to lose awareness of how our bodies are feeling. One quick way to demonstrate this is, after an hour or so at the computer or working in the yard, stop and close your eyes. You will become instantly aware of how your body is feeling in the moment. Your eyes and other senses use up brain power and when engaged can block conscious sensation from your muscles and other parts of your body. With your eyes still closed, start moving around, adjusting your posture, your position until you feel your muscles relax.
