Services

[Last updated: 2010-04-15]

• Relaxation Massage
  (blends up to three modalities for your well being; may include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue and/or Myofascial Release)
• Orthopedic Massage
  (medical massage for acute or chronic pain and dysfunction)
• Hot Stone Massage Add-On
  (the ultimate in pampered relaxation)
• Aromatherapy Add-On
  (high-quality scented essential oils)
• Take 5 Package Discount
  (save 10%!)
• Massage at Your Location
  (home, office or event)
• Gift Certificates
  (give the gift of health and relaxation)
• Specials
  (discounts and enticements)
• Newsletter (every month or two)
  (articles, news, specials, quotes and more)

Relaxation Massage

A custom stress-relieving massage tailored to your needs and preferences, using one or more of the following modalities:

• Swedish Massage (and/or)
• Deep Tissue Massage (and/or)
• Myofascial Relase

Each modality is described in more detail below:

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is one of the gentlest modalities (approaches and techniques) and is among the most popular Western forms of massage, designed to help you slow down and recharge. Swedish utilizes long, flowing strokes, kneading, light friction, vibration and other techniques to gently stretch and relax the body's muscles, soothe the nervous system, improve circulation (providing oxygen and nutrients and carrying away metabolic waste and toxins) and speed healing. Massage also stimulates the release of endorphins, serotonin, and norepinephrine, bringing you an increased feeling of well being. If you've never had a massage before, Swedish can be a great place to start.

Swedish benefits anyone experiencing stress, general tension, headaches, conditions like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, sports/athletic recovery, weekend over-exertion (playing too hard), those with touch sensitivities, depression, etc., or anyone just looking to indulge in a relaxing treat.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is similar to Swedish Massage, and in fact utilizes many of the same techniques. When problems like chronically tight and overstressed muscles and muscle knots don't release or "let go" with the lighter touch of Swedish, Deep Tissue Massage is used to interrupt the nerve signal from the brain, helping to break the cycle of constant muscle contraction and the cascade of problems that follow. Deep techniques include targeted muscle work, compressions, stretching and multi-directional friction to help break up knots and relieve tightness, stiffness and discomfort. Deep Tissue work is primarily applied to problem areas; it is not a full-body treatment (though firm pressure can be used in general).

In all cases the tissue is first warmed up, then I ease into a trouble area, checking with the client as I go along to make sure I'm not going too deep. Depending on the pressure, your specific issues and your sensitivity to touch, you may (or may not) experience some mild to moderate discomfort or soreness a day or two after, as if you'd had a vigorous workout. You will also feel better! If you've had Swedish Massage elsewhere and found the modality too "light" of touch, either request Swedish Massage with firmer pressure, or try Deep Tissue Massage.

Deep Tissue Massage can benefit anyone experiencing tight muscles and muscle knots, general tension, headaches, back-, hip- or leg-pain, stiffness, cramps and the like, or anyone who prefers deeper pressure in specific areas.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release uses long, very slow strokes to release a connective tissue called fascia (fah-sha) which interlaces and wraps everything in our bodies, including the entire form under our skin. Imagine a tablecloth laid out smooth, then grabbed in the middle ... every part of the cloth is affected and pulls towards the gather. Our bodies can be impacted the same way: injuries, stress, trauma, overuse and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia and it can bond with muscles and bones, causing pulls, pain, resticted movement, restricted circulation and further dysfunction.

This technique can help people suffering from muscle spasms, chronic aches, complex pain complaints, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, stress injuries, headaches, jaw pain, menstrual problems, cerebral palsy and scoliosis. Myofascial Release improves range of motion and flexibility while decreasing pain and tension. Vital nutrients, blood and oxygen flow is increased, rejuvenating muscles and organs throughout the body.

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Orthopedic Massage

What is Orthopedic Massage?

Orthopedic Massage is a form of medical massage that addresses physical problems often accompanied by acute or chronic pain, nagging discomfort and/or limited mobility. Orthopedic Massage focuses on restoring pain free range of motion throughout the body, and integrating complete structural balance. Special attention is given to correct assessment of the problem, proper treatment and client self-care. All work is done without discomfort to the client.

Assessment consists of various range of motion tests to determine which joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments are affecting or being affected by the pain. Very specific treatment follows, different from typical massage. I utilize a myriad of techniques to positively affect the muscles and joints. After the bodywork the client is given carefully selected stretches (for contracted, tight muscles) and strengthening exercises (for weak, overstretched muscles), so they may continue to have lasting benefits, limiting the number of massage sessions needed.

Orthopedic Massage includes several techniques such as Myofascial Release (connective tissue massage), Trigger Point Therapy (areas that radiate or refer pain to another part of the body when pressed), PNF Stretching / Strain Counterstrain, multidirectional friction, compressions, breathing and more. This is a customized health-improving session that can have dramatic results.

Who Benefits from Orthopedic Massage?

Orthopedic Massage can help relieve:

• acute or chronic pain (back, neck, shoulder, hip, etc.)
• postural misalignment (including the hips)
• decreased range of motion
• athletic strain or injury
• frozen shoulders and frozen hips (adhesive capsulitis)
• thoracic outlet syndrome
• rotator cuff injuries
• tendonitis, tendinosis
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• headaches and migraines
• stiffness and tightness
• nerve tingling, numbness
• disc problems (ruptured, herniated, bulging)
• muscle cramps
• repetitive stress injuries

What to Expect

Feel free to call me at 540-660-2752 for a phone consultation regarding your physical issue and any questions you may have.

NOTE: Please come to Orthopedic sessions dressed in a tank top or sports bra (women) and gym shorts (men and women) that allow easy movement.

Your first Orthopedic Massage appointment will consist of a detailed client medical history interview, postural and movement assessments, including range of motion testing to determine structural and functional issues contributing to the pain and restrictions. With this information I customize a treatment protocol designed to mediate your specific symptoms.

Treatment follows while you lie on the massage table, with hands-on manipulation of muscles and connective tissue. I also mobilize affected joints and guide you through specific movements and gentle pain-free stretches, bringing you relief from discomfort and increased range of motion.

At the end of the sesion you will be given stretching and stregthening exercises to maintain your progress once you are home. These will take you 5-10 minutes a day.

Depending on the complexity of your problem, treatment can be completed in as little as 1-3 sessions.

If you're considering Orthopedic Massage and have questions or want to discuss your condition, please don't hesitate to call me at 540-660-2752.

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Hot Stone Massage

What is Hot Stone Massage?

Hot Stone Massage is a deeply relaxing treatment. Offered in 60, 90 and 120 minute sessions, natural hand-selected smooth basalt (volcanic) stones are heated and used two ways: placed in specific spots on the body (along the sides of the spine, the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, etc.) as well as moved smoothly over the body to work the muscles and soft tissues. Heat penetrates the muscles and tendons providing deeper work with less pressure. Due to this fact the massage experience takes on an entirely different feeling than general massage. With client approval, cool stones are also utilized in select areas (the face, behind the neck) to balance the warming effects of the heated stones. Clients have reported "zoning out" during this treatment, which can take you into a dreamlike or deep meditative state.

Who Benefits from Hot Stone Massage?

Similar to Swedish, Hot Stone Massage benefits anyone experiencing stress, general tension, conditions like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, those with PMS or menstrual cramps, depression and more, or anyone just looking to indulge in a relaxing treat.

Note: Not suited for all clients. Avoid Hot Stone Massage if you're 4 months or more pregnant, have cuts/wounds, fever, diabetes, low blood pressure or uncontrolled hypertension, acute inflammation, or anything that makes you unable to properly judge heat or pain (like medications or peripheral neuropathy).

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Aromatherapy Add-On

WebMD says, "Aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, is using a plant's aroma-producing oils (essential oils) to treat disease. Essential oils are taken from a plant's flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance (such as oil, alcohol, or lotion) and then put on the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. You can also massage the oils into the skin or pour them into bath water. Aromatherapy as used today originated in Europe and has been practiced there since the early 1900s."

I keep a selection of high-quality, pure essential oils on hand to help achieve your massage goal. I blend your chosen essential oil (or essential oil mix) into the massage oil or cream I am using. Please ask about the selection on hand. As of this writing I carry:

• Basil, Sweet (Ocimum basilicum)
  Analgesic, anti-depressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic and fever-reducing properties. Helps relieve minor aches and pains, calm an upset stomach and clear your head. NOT for use when pregnant.
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
  Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for at least 4 hours after application.
• Cedarwood, Virginia Red (Juniperus virginiana)
  Antiseptic, anti-fungal, insecticidal, diuretic and expectorant properties. NOT for use when pregnant.
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
  Clary sage means 'clear wisdom' in French and contains phyto-estrogens. It is also highly anti-viral and antiseptic. NOT for use when pregnant.
• Cypress Leaf (Cupressis sempervirens)
  Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for hemorrhoids and swollen ankles. A menstrual regulator and good for for hot flashes and menopausal sypmtoms. Okay for pregnancy after 5 months.
• Eucalyptus Radiata (Eucalyptus radiata)
  Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.
• Fennel, Sweet (Foeniculum vulgare)
  Fennel has a long history of medicinal use; an herb associated with strength, courage and longevity. Roman soldiers chewed on the seeds during long marches to sustain their energy. Good for urinary tract and digestive ailments. NOT for use when pregnant.
• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
  Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming. Good for healing wounds, as an expectorant, and to calm the body, mind and spirit.
• Geranium Rose (Pelargonium asperum roseum)
  Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, calming, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation. Used to balance hormones, as a diuretic and to stop bleeding. Some research says geranium oil is also an adrenal stimulant. Okay for pregnancy after 3 months.
• Hyssop (Hyssopus decumbens)
  Anti-viral and mucolytic (helps break up thick mucous). Useful for viral respiratory infections as well as a natural menopausal remedy. NOT for use when pregnant.
• Lavender, French High Altitude (Lavandula angustifolia)
  Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.
• Lemon, Yellow (Citrus limone)
  Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness. A liver decongestant and regenerator, anti-coagulant. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for at least 4 hours after application.
  
• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
  Anti-inflammatory and sedating. Good for restlessness, anxiety, stress including palpitations. NOT for use when pregnant.
• Orange, Sweet (Citrus sinensis)
  Anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, calming, drying. Can be used for hyper-thyroidism.
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
  Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.
• Peppermint, French (Menthe piperita)
  Anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relieving), anti-spasmodic. Used to relieve sinus headaches, calm an upset stomach or reduce fevers. Studies show it is effective in treating IBS. NOT for use when pregnant.
• Rose Absolute, Turkish (Rosa damascena)
  Anti-depressant, calming, hormone balancer. Rose oil vibrates the highest of all essential oils. Known as an 'adaptogenic' essential oil, substances that normalize body functions, strengthen systems and functions compromised by stress and have a protective effect against a wide variety of environmental and emotional stresses. Rose has a broad spectrum of effects. A precious oil because of its cost.
• Rosemary Verbenon (Rosemarinus officinalis ct. verbenone)
  For respiratory, bladder and kidney infections. Very decongesting, good for asthma, bronchitis, cystitis, sinusitis. NOT for use when pregnant.
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
  Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.
• Thyme, Wild (Thymus serpyllum)
  Antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-infectious, a stimulating effect on the heart, antirheumetic, digestive aid, regulates menstrual flow, expectorant, good for LOW blood pressure. NOT for use when pregnant.

Aromatherapy add-on may be used with any Swedish, Deep Tissue or Hot Stone Massage.

Note: Not suited for all clients. Avoid Aromatherapy if you have respiratory ailments like asthma, allergies or chronic lung disease; skin allergies; or cuts/wounds. Use Aromatherapy carefully if you're pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Because there have been no human studies as to their safety and efficacy when pregnant (who would sign up for such a trial?!), use of essential oils during pregnancy is at your own risk. Essential oils reputed to be safe for pregnancy are: Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose and Tea Tree. (This list is not exhaustive, but reflects my stock on hand.)

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Take 5 Package Discount

Pre-pay for five relaxation massage or hot stone sessions and save 10%. Must be used within 6 months of purchase date. One session may be shared/transferred with prior notice. Cash or check only. Please see Rates and Package Rules.

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Massage at Your Location

At Home • Office or Event • Rates and Service Area • Preparaing Your Location for Massage

At Home

Massage in your home offers benefits like no other location. First you are bestowed the many health-giving gifts of a massage. Now imagine continuing to relax afterwards, perhaps with a cup of tea, curled up with a book, or rejuvenating further with a well-deserved, deeply relaxed nap. If you are recovering from injury, your body will continue to reap the healing rewards while avoiding the jarring discomfort of getting in a car and traveling back home.

I’ll arrive with my massage table, ask a few questions to determine your needs and tailor the massage to your preferences. Be sure to read about preparing your location for a pleasant massage experience, below.

Office or Event

Want to show your employees you appreciate them? Or are you in need of chair massage for an event such as a festival, community gathering, parade, sporting event, conference or trade show? In either case, I offer chair massage either for a pre-arranged fee (e.g., employee appreciation), or by the minute (e.g., if the event is for the general public and they're paying). Please contact me to discuss the specifics. Also, be sure to read about preparing your location for a pleasant massage experience, below.

Rates and Service Area

Please proceed to rates and service area.

Preparing Your Location for Massage

Preparing Your Home • Office • Event

To ensure a pleasant massage experience, please review the following:

Preparing Your Home:

• I'll need an unobstructed space no smaller than 9' wide x 12' long, preferably larger, to be able to move around. If you have more than one room available, choose the one that is in the quietest location.
• The room must be warm enough for you to be comfortable lying still for an hour or more. If you think it might make you uncomfortable, make sure a vent won't be blowing on you.
• If possible, please keep your pets out of the room. Nothing distracts you from a relaxing massage like a cat suddenly jumping on your stomach, or your dog begging for attention.
• … that is, except your family. Be sure to talk with your loved ones — especially children — beforehand so they know not to iterrupt you. If your children are boisterous while they play, you might consider having them play at a friend's house during your massage.
• Turn off the phone or take it out of the room and, if possible, arrange to have someone else answer it (quietly).
• If you have a stereo and some relaxing music you'd like to play during your massage, feel free. If possible, let me know ahead of time so I don't bother carrying my sound system.
• If it's snowed or is freezing out, please make sure you've shoveled and salted the driveway and a clear path to your door. My table is heavy and off-balancing and if you haven't adequately shoveled and salted, I may decline to come in at the last minute. (Which would make us both sad.)

Preparing Your Office:

• I'll need an unobstructed space no smaller than 7' wide x 9' long, preferably larger, to be able to move around the chair (9' x 12' if you're having me bring a table). If you have more than one room available, choose the one that is in the quietest location.
• The room must be warm enough for your employees to be comfortable sitting still for 15 or more minutes. Make sure a vent won't be blowing on the chair/table.
• If possible, please keep other employees out of the room, asking them not to interrupt. This allows the recipient to relax.
• Turn off the phone or take it out of the room and, if possible, arrange to have someone else answer it (quietly).

Preparing Your Event:

Please contact me with your event specifics and I will instruct you on how to prepare to accommodate my presence.

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Please also read about Gift Certificates, Specials and my Periodic Newsletter.