What to Expect ~~~
Before Your Treatment
When you awake on the day of your treatment, drink up to four 8 ounce glasses of water (not tea or coffee as they contain caffeine which is dehydrating). Juices contain a lot of sugar and require the body to work harder to process the water from the juice. Water is the best beverage.
Do not apply any lotions or creams to your body before your treatment. All treatments are hands on and lubricants cause me to slip off the body.
Since you will experience a body therapy and not a massage, you will be moving around more and participating in the treatment. You may wish to wear a two piece bathing suit or sports bra and shorts.
All treatments are performed on a massage table with pillows and coverings to give you the greatest comfort and feeling of safety.
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First Session
On the first session it is suggested that you schedule one and a half hours.
Every session is uniquely centered around you and your needs. I will take time to get to know you. You will complete a Client Intake form with questions about your current state of health, including questions regarding surgeries, medical conditions and medications you may be taking. I will conduct an assessment of your posture, range of motion and current treatment needs. I will answer your questions. At this point, we will begin individualized treatment designed to restore balance and provide relief to your mind, body and spirit.
Treatment sessions may include: Myofascial Release Therapy, Myofascial Trigger Point, Craniosacral Therapy, Breath Awareness, Soft Tissue Mobilization, and Therapeutic Touch (which is an energy therapy).
Finding the Cause: The cause of pain is sought during treatment. Treating symptoms does not address the cause. Therefore, as an example, you may have low back pain with a cause found in the psoas muscle on the anterior side of the body.
Whether one modality is used throughout your treatment session or a combination of several or all you will find yourself on the path for changes in your body, mind and spirit.
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After Treatment
After the session, I may give you additional exercises and stretches to do on your own to improve the lasting quality of your treatment. Please realize that treatment success is also dependent upon your participation. Several sessions may be necessary to overcome the long standing cause of pain.
Due to the release of toxins and the stretching of the fascia and underlying tissue you could experience therapeutic pain (soreness, achiness, nausea, diarrhea) as your body releases toxins from tissue restrictions and settles into a new more relaxed state. It is vital to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water. By drinking as much as you can within the first hour after treatment (I suggest four 8 oz glasses of water), you will reduce the possibility of soreness, nausea and tiredness.
Emotions are a normal part of our humanity and you may also experience a release of emotions during and after treatment. Allow them to come and play out, suppressing them will hinder your progress.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
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Explanation of Treatments ~~~
Myofascial Release Therapy
What is fascia?
Fascia is an intricate and continuous web, like a spider's web, of microtubules which runs from head to toe without interruption and wraps itself around every muscle, organ, bone and cell of the body. It is composed of two fibers: 1) Collagenous fibers that are very tough and have little stretchability; 2) Elastin fibers which are stretchable (like a rubber band). Fascia has a tensile strength (the maximum stretching force that a material can withstand before breaking) of 2000 psi.
Treatment of Myofascial Restrictions:
Every human being has experienced some degree of trauma, illness, injury, surgery, abuse.and the list goes on. These experiences block the energy flow through the microtubules of the fascial system. Over time, the system shuts down, dehydrates and hardens (like cement) creating abnormal pressures on muscles, nerves, blood vessels, joints, etc. The body loses range of motion, becomes stiff and often must endure each day with unnecessary pain.
The fascial system responds to sustained pressure which is provided by hands-on techniques. After 90 seconds the elastin fibers begin to soften which allows the therapist to go deeper to the collagenous fibers. The position is held for several minutes until the fascia begins to stretch and lengthen allowing the fibers to release their restricttions around muscles, organs, cells, and bones.
Myofascial Release Therapy is a whole body treatment that can restore you to a greater state of balance, ease pain and improve range of motion, bringing to you true enjoyment of life.
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Craniosacral Therapy
The cerebral spinal fluid ebbs and flows from the sacrum (at the end of the spine) to the cranium (skull at the top of the spine) creating a craniosacral rhythm. This rhythm can be felt in any part of the body. The motion of cranial bones is closely connected to subtle movements that involve a network of interrelated tissues and fluids at the core of the body; including cerebrospinal fluid, the central nervous system, the membranes that surround the central nervous system, and the sacrum. A light touch is used to detect this rhythm. Specific techniques are used to make corrections to restrictions.
This therapy can be used with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. It works well with those who are very sensitive to touch. There is little chance for tension and soreness. It is very relaxing, yet powerful.
Craniosacral therapy can release tension and restore balance to the nervous system. It is effective for calming anxiey, improving sleep, digestive problems, menstrual irregularities, depression, headaches and breathing difficulties.
Circulation is improved which boosts the immune system, increases energy and reduces pain.
Other benefits include relief from TMJ, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, sciatica and scoliosis.
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Clinical Swedish
Various styles of Swedish massage may be used alone or with other treatments listed. Circulatory massage is great for soothing and relieving muscle soreness, increasing blood and lymph circulation and for inducing deep relaxation.
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Therapeutic Touch (aka Subtle Energy)
Our bodies have a positive and negative magnetic polarity. Just as the universe is organized in a spectrum of energy levels or planes, so is the human system. Energy interpenetrates our spirit, mind, and body. Subtle Energy is an effective and safe way to discover where energy blockages are in your system, and then to use appropriate techniques to
- remove blockages and detoxify your system
- activate and energize your system
- get you in touch with your body and emotions
Negative mind and thought patterns will often melt away after detoxifying and energizing of the whole system.
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Soft Tissue Mobilization
Joint mobilization, long deep strokes and client participation are used in this technique. The treatment focuses on altering body structure, function and muscle restrictions.
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Breath Awareness
Breath awareness is a re-education of how to breathe from the diaphragm to induce relaxtion. It helps you to take in more oxygen and rid the body of excess carbon dioxide. This brings clarity to thinking and more energy and vitality. Using diphragmatic breathing before bedtime greatly assists you in falling to sleep and staying asleep. Guided imagery and muscle relaxation techniques are also used.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
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Specialty Services ~~~
Pregnancy Treatments and Massage
For this special time of your life, treat yourself and aid your body in preparation for delivery with available treatments and/or massage.
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Infants and Children
Infants respond amazingly well to craniosacral unwinding. Ask me about treatments for your infant to overcome birth trauma.
Children of all ages respond to treatments just as adults do. Ask me how your child may benefit. Children 12 and under usually only need a half hour to forty-five minutes.
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Special Needs Children and Adults
I work with children and adults with special needs. I have experience in working with children and adults who have Muscular Dystrophy and Cerebral Palsy. What is needed most often is a gentle touch to relieve pain and discomfort. I am available to discuss the special needs of your loved one.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
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Service Add-Ons
You may add on any one or more of the following additional services to any treatment for a nominal cost:
Heated Stone Back Massage
Fluid Swedish massage strokes and heated stones are used at the end of any treatment to ease muscle soreness and provide an additional sense of relaxation.
15 minutes - $10.00
Foot Massage
A calming, soothing massage to ease your tired, aching feet at the end of a treatment. Soothing aromatherapy oil and warm towels are applied during the massage.
10 minutes - $8.00
Parafin Hand Wax
Scented parafin wax is applied to your hands and left to soften and soothe in the first 10 minutes of your treatment. - $7.00
Essential Oils
You may choose an essential oil to enhance your treatment. - $5.00
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