Massage Therapy

Deep Tissue - a strong massage that focuses on reaching deep muscles and fascia. It can be somewhat intense in pressure, but is a great compliment to Trigger Point Therapy.

Sports Massage - Used to treat sore muscles or to work on sports injuries. Using a cross-fiber technique, sports massage helps to break up scar tissue and can accelerate the process of healing pulled muscles.

Pregnancy Massage - relaxing massage for expectant mother after their first trimester, includes lymphatic drainage for swollen hands, feet or ankles if needed.

Trigger Point Therapy/Myotherapy - trigger points are hot spots in the muscle where pain may originate or where pain has been referred. Trigger points can be activated by an injury, by overworking a muscle, from trauma or from stress. Trigger Point/Myotherapy is done by applying pressure directly on the 'hot spot' of the muscle. Trigger Point Therapy has a 95% success rate in healing acute and chronic pain.

For real life client experiences, please check out my case studies.

You can benefit from a combination of these massage techniques especially if you are:

• A computer user (avoid repetitive stress injuries)
  
• Suffering from any chronic pain such as an old injury from an accident
  
• An athlete
  
• Recovering from an illness
  
• Or just plain stressed out
  

Physical Benefits of Massage:

• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
  
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
  
• Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
  
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
  
• Reduces muscle spasms
  
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
  
• Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sports or work
  
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
  
• Reduces blood pressure
  
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches
  
• Strengthens the immune system
  
• Treats musculoskeletal problems
  
• Rehabilitation post operative and after injury

Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy:

• Fosters peace of mind and promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness and well-being
  
• Helps relieve mental stress
  
• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
  
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
  
• Reduces levels of anxiety
  
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection

Source: AMTA

If you have never had a massage before, here is what you can expect. When you arrive for your treatment, I will have my massage table set up with a bottom sheet, top sheet and blanket. When you are ready, you will lie face down in between the sheets, with your head in the cradle. I will leave the room so you can remove your clothes in total privacy. You only need to remove your clothes to your comfort level. I will ask you if you are ready before I re-enter the room. I use an unscented oil and I can do aroma therapy if you like. I will only uncover (drape) the area I'm working on and never expose private areas, or any area you do not want massaged. Before I start I will talk to you about where you need work and adjust the massage according to your needs. When the massage is over, I will leave the room and return when you are dressed, with a glass of water.

Contraindications for Massage:

• Any acute condition - where “acute” generally means, is within 24-48 hours of injury.
  
• Recent surgery
  
• Open wounds
  
• Fever
  
• Pregnancy - any type of deep work is contraindicated in cases of pregnancy.  Light Swedish work can be most beneficial.
  
• Edema
  
• Hematomas
  
• Bone fractures - massage can be of assistance in speeding up healing through increased circulation after the acute stage of any fracture has passes.
  
• Any type of contagious skin fungus  

Source: estofgeorgia.com

Causes for massage termination - I will terminate a massage immediately if the client makes any sexual advances toward me or themselves or if the client makes any sexual request. Even sexual discussion can be cause for termination. Payment will still be expected in full. I only give a professional therapeutic massage and sexual conduct will not be tolerated.