I have a lot of experience working in the Physical Therapy field, and this has helped my massage skills as it allows me to identify perpetuating factors (ways you may be moving in activities that hurt your body), muscle imbalances (a common one is the front of the legs (quads) being stronger than the back of the legs (glutes and hamstrings). This can lead to sciatica, pain in the front of the hip where it hinges, tightness in the abdomen, etc. My massage approach is definitely self-care and awareness based--I can do what most of the time is more up my ally--gathering information about your body through touch, and seeing where it is weak and where it is stronger through muscle testing and feel. Exploring slow myofascial adjustments to posture (a common one is drawing the shoulder blades in and down, thereby opening up the chest), and talking about small changes during the day that can make a big difference to your pain patterns. I am a big believer of checking out the opposite side of where your pain is. Many times the places that hurt most are the weak, overstretched places and the opposing stronger muscle group must be addressed as well. I believe in sharing stretching and strengthening suggestions for people with chronic issues (after the massage), as well as self-care tips that affect myofascial pain. We can not maintain our pain on the massage table alone. I want to encourage daily habits that will help prevent muscles being thrown out of place, drugs being taken, and surgery being done. Skills___________________________________
Massage Cupping--deep muscle release, lymphatic drainage, soft cupping
facials, or detoxification cupping sessions. Gua Sha--friction massage using smooth stones brushed over the skin to break down adhesions. Kinesio-Taping--supports muscles and encourages them to stay in place! Emotional Acupressure--dealing with the emotional issues in the tissues through accessing specific points/meridians in Chinese Acupressure that correlate to certain emotions (Anxiety, Self-Doubt and Worry, PTSD, Jealousy, Anger, Addiction, etc.) Regular Massage Modalities--Swedish, Myofascial (fave), Neuromuscular, assisted stretching, all the good stuff.
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Chronic stress causes the body to be in constant fight or flight, making things like massage, yoga, and nutrition even more vital to regulate hormones and keep our many systems happy. Existing in our individualistic touch-deprived world can be hard at times. Come let it all go and spend time taking care of you. I am honored to be a witness to your self-healing, it is amazing what our bodies can let go of on the massage table if we use our breath and give it permission to go!
