Let’s Chat Massage and Fatigue-

We’ve been living through an extraordinary time of uncertainty for ourselves and our loved ones. Even when you are “doing well”- employed, eating well, exercising even at home, there can be a layer of energy drain. There is a level of depletion in the fight or flight, especially when it is prolonged. Understandably, people are finding themselves particularly exhausted and fatigued. The year-plus of chronic stress and trauma can take a massive toll on our health ― it damages the immune system, disrupts our circadian rhythms and makes us seriously fatigued. Our bodies have been through a lot. It’s no wonder we’re so tired. Be patient with yourself and others.

Massage therapy can assist, as it can reduce our fatigue therefore increasing our energy. It can decrease the symptoms that sap our energy, resulting in our feeling better. Massage therapy has been shown to increase circulation, calm the mind, reduce stress, pain and depression, improve sleep and our immunity – all of which make us feel better, more energized and less fatigued! Allow yourself to unwind…

Let’s Chat Massage and the Interconnectedness of the Body- 

It never ceases to astound me how interconnected the body is. Nothing lives in isolation. Every component of our body is connected. During massage, a wide range of subtle yet vital benefits begin to cascade through the body. When one part of the body is favored or protected, the rest of the body is unprotected, & left to fend for itself. It takes on stress, & adapts to what is happening. (Simply put- You injure your left leg but now the right leg must take more weight & stress builds up there- & so on.) Massage therapy manipulates the body’s soft tissues to promote & maintain health. Carefully applied pressures stimulate the nervous system, aids in muscle recovery, stress reduction, detoxifies, aids in lymphatic drainage, helps encourage a healthy circulatory system & So Much More. It supports a more efficient immune system & is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain, & muscle tension. You may also experience better sleep, less anxiety, & better digestion. For athletes or the physically active, massage therapy, especially before & after exercise, allows muscles to be more pliable, reduces muscle spasms, & enables muscle recovery which reduces the risk of injury. Massage can transform body & mind. Let’s get started… allow yourself to unwind… 

Let’s Chat Massage and Cupping- 

A perfect pairing- Like Chocolate & Mousse! Think of cupping as similar to massage in reverse. Combined with my wide gamut of massage modalities it is like synchronized swimming for your health. The ancient practice of cupping is often a relaxing, relieving sensation. It is a treatment of Oriental medicine practiced in China for at least 3,000 years. The cups create a vacuum-like suction that causes micro-trauma to the applied areas. They are typically left on the skin for five to 20 minutes & create distinctive circular-shaped marks. The cupping effect of suction on the skin helps regulate blood flow, promotes healing, reduces inflammation, breaks up stagnation in the body (the main cause of pain) & more. The position of the cups on the skin often aligns with acupoints on a person’s body, central to the practice of acupuncture. 

Types of cupping- 

Moving Cupping- A gentle suction of the cup is applied so that the cup glides over the body. Different sized cups are used which take in the contours of your body. It is used as a precursor to fixed cupping to help stimulate blood flow around the body & to activate the lymph system. 

Fixed Cupping- May be used as a stand-alone treatment or after moving cupping. A slightly strong suction is applied on the cups in key points around your body. The cup will be left on these points for several minutes. This allows the toxins to be ‘extracted’ from your skin & once the suction is released, the toxins can easily flow out of your system through your stool & urine. It aids in nourishing the body, clearing out pathogens, stopping pain, & improving organ function. The amount of time for the cups to be left on is generally from a few minutes to 20 minutes depending on the issue & the constitution of the individual- i.e.- strong cupping (a stronger suction left on for longer time) is a fabulous technique for sudden acute pain or injuries or sharp, medium or strong pain that occurs over a smaller area. 

Flash Cupping- Typically done repeatedly for 2 to 5 minutes for each area. This is a good go-to and typically leaves little to no bruising. 

Stagnation, congestion, and blockage of Qi -or a person’s life force- and also the body’s blood & other vital fluids results in pain, regardless of whether it is caused by injury, overuse, not enough use & so on. Pain is an indication of dis-ease in the body & cupping helps to restore the body’s natural flow of energy, which decreases pain. The negative pressure that suction creates can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow & calm the nervous system, which can help with a number of human ailments. It is also used to relieve back & neck pain, stiff muscles, muscle spasms as well as anxiety, fatigue, rheumatism, sciatica & more. It stretches out the tight muscles and trigger points as well as being able to improve range of motion in your joints and decrease scar tissue from surgery or trauma. It is an amazing complementary therapy for pain relief. Even professional athletes are increasingly using cupping therapy as part of their sports & injury recovery. 

Cupping Therapy is another modality I have added to help my clients achieve homeostatic balance. Additionally, it can aid in removing dependency on medication by strengthening your body internally so that your immune system can tackle illnesses & pain by itself with minimal or no help from external medications. 

I do my best to give awesome care & achieve amazing results for my clients. Who’s ready to say yes… 

Here are the qualifiers- Cupping isn't for everyone. In general, cupping is contraindicated directly on veins, arteries, nerves, skin inflammation (rashes), any skin lesion, body orifices, eyes, lymph nodes, or varicose veins. A no on open wounds, bone fractures, & sites of deep vein thrombosis. It’s a no for people with cancer or organ failure or those with a pacemaker. As well, it can't be used if you have hemophilia, anemia or similar blood disorders, or are on blood thinners. Relative cupping therapy contraindications include acute infection, using anticoagulants, severe chronic disease (such as heart diseases), pregnancy, puerperium, menstruation, recent wet cupping session, recent blood donation, & medical emergencies.

Let’s Chat Massage and Weight Loss-

Let’s chat about your waistline. I know, really, but this time we are chatting about solutions. This is not just regarding bathing suit season, but all year. This is about your long-term health as well as how you feel about yourself. I am adept at a gamut of massage styles & what will be incorporated depends on each individual’s situation. Massage such as deep tissue contributes to improved metabolism & fat reduction. Massage in the area with excess fat accumulation & it will break up the fat stores, making it ready for absorption inside the body.

Weight loss & management can be quite a challenge. Each body is different & identifying the right diet or optimal level of exercise may be harder than expected, often causing frustration & lack of motivation along the way. Getting a professional massage can facilitate your weight loss goals. Extra weight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer & more. You know this. Now let’s do something about it!

Massage encourages lymphatic flow & blood circulation. With oxygen & nutrients sped to your cells, toxins & waste are properly expelled. This then helps to create a correctly functioning digestive system, facilitating the absorption of healthy nutrients. The buildup of toxins are part of what is responsible for fat accumulation. This all aids in weight gain or loss. Lymphatic drainage relaxes the body. For those who are wondering, here’s a brief lymph 101- The lymphatic system is our body's 'sewerage system'. It maintains fluid levels in our body tissues by removing all fluids that leak out of our blood vessels. The lymph fluid drains into the bloodstream. This is a colorless fluid that is made in the body. It surrounds all body tissues.

Massage lowers the cortisol (the “stress hormone”) levels in the blood as well as boosting the metabolism. Yes, it can burn calories. (Sign me up for a multi hour massage please- burn baby burn!) Tension in muscles & nerves are eased & stress reduced. When we are stressed, the levels of the cortisol hormone are high & this not only weakens our immune system, but also slows down metabolism, making really hard to lose weight.

A good deep tissue massage helps relieve the aches & pains in muscles, bones & joints. I will also include joint manipulation techniques when appropriate to get deeper into muscles as well as increase your flexibility over time. The increased mobility will not only allow you to be more active but aid in injury prevention. And let’s face it, when you are invigorated, you will exercise more.

Sleep quality- Getting the proper amount of quality sleep (at least 7-9 hours) every night has a positive impact on the correct regulation of appetite. (Loads of intricacies why. Let’s leave this for another topic.) In addition, research indicates that sleep deprivation affects food preferences: sleep-deprived individuals tend to choose foods that are high in calories & carbohydrates (midnight spaghetti anyone).

Massage increases the levels of serotonin, also known as the “happiness hormone”. When we feel relaxed, serene & happy, it is easier to make healthier life choices such as sticking to a detoxing diet or going regularly to the gym, going for a walk or taking time to meditate. And stay hydrated, both after the treatment & as part of your lifestyle. Keeping your body hydrated will boost circulation & help control the appetite. I start my day with a large glass of lemon water.

Consider a professional massage as a regular reward for showing up for life & doing your best. You are worth it… Whether you are sedentary or active, weight increases can sneak up on you. It is worth incorporating into your regular wellness program. Combined with a balanced whole foods diet & healthy living, & you will soon have a healthy & balanced physique. Who’s ready to say yes…

Here are the qualifiers-
If you have abdominal pain or have medical conditions such as blood clots in the legs or heart, kidney failure, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, endometriosis, or infection, this is not for you.

Let’s Chat Massage and Gua Sha- 

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing method. In Gua sha, a technician scrapes your skin with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue while incorporating pressure, which increases blood flow. The smooth-edged instrument is known as a gua massage tool. It may raise small, red, rash-like dots that show under your skin called petechiae (puh·tee·kee·uh). The pressure begins gently & then is gradually increased within the scope of what the client is comfortable with. 

Additionally, gua sha addresses stagnant energy, called chi, in the body & may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of many conditions associated with chronic pain. Breaking up this energy via the various massage modalities I incorporate, which now includes gua sha, is yet another method to reduce inflammation & promote healing as well as boosting the immune system. 

It is generally performed on a person’s back, piriformis, neck, arms, & legs. A gentle version of it is even used on the face as a facial technique. Gua sha is often used to treat ailments that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis & fibromyalgia, as well as those that trigger muscle & joint pain. There are a myriad of benefits from this modality- back pain, tendon strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, breaking up scar tissue… neck & shoulder pain, recovery from training- weights, marathons, weekend warrior projects & the general pains & strains of life. It also speeds up muscle recovery. And more… discover how it may assist you. 

Please note- you may have some bruising or discoloration of your skin. You could also be sore & tender for a short while after your treatment. 

Here are the qualifiers- 

People who are taking blood thinners or have clotting disorders aren’t good candidates for gua sha. If you bleed easily, have deep vein thrombosis, have an infection, tumor, or wound that has not fully healed this would be a no. If you have medical conditions affecting the skin or veins- no. If you have an implant, such as a pacemaker or internal defibrillator- no. Avoid this technique if you’ve had any surgery in the last six weeks. 

All that being said, this leaves plenty of people out there who could benefit from gua sha. Who is ready to say yes & give it a try? And hey, we can incorporate it into one of your marvelous therapeutic massage sessions & if you feel it is not for you then we don’t. It’s that simple. 

Don’t Settle for Feeling Subpar… Let's Chat! 

Physical ailments keeping you from living your life to the fullest? (This includes lack of sleep.) There are a myriad of reasons of-course, let’s chat solutions. The proper amount of sleep is a critical factor in maintaining your overall health. 

Massage is an excellent way to relax, manage stress & promote better rest- it reduces the stress hormone (cortisol) & increases serotonin & dopamine (a mood stabilizer). Using massage to decrease stress & to promote relaxation may help you sleep better. 

Sleep deprivation can also sabotage your waistline. How lack of sleep affects your ability to lose weight has a lot to do with your nightly hormones- the two hormones that are key in this process are ghrelin & leptin. Ghrelin is the ‘go’ hormone that tells you when to eat, & when you are sleep-deprived, you have more ghrelin. Leptin is the hormone that tells you to stop eating, & when you are sleep deprived, you have less leptin. Ergo- more ghrelin plus less leptin equals weight gain. And your metabolism is slower when you are sleep deprived too.
 
Additionally, massage can help you manage pain & tension caused by stress or injury. Pain & sleep loss can exacerbate one another, leading to a vicious cycle. A lack of sleep may worsen pain, while pain can make it difficult to sleep. Successful treatment of pain may improve sleep. Massage therapy has been shown to be helpful in managing various types of pain, including headaches, neck & back & hip pain, arthritis, pain after surgery or strenuous workouts... and more. 

Here are some examples of massage methods-
 
Swedish- Sometimes referred to as a classic massage, aims to relax the muscles & connective tissues & improve circulation.
 
Manipulation- This approach involves not only rubbing, but also stretching & moving ligaments, tendons, & muscles to improve mobility.
 
Deep Tissue- It works to lengthen muscles & relax deep tissue. It may help manage pain & increase a person’s range of motion. It is excellent for a plethora of injuries, chronic pain, or overall tension & stress relief.
 
Trigger Point- This type of massage focuses on trigger points, which are tense spots in the muscles.
 
We will determine the massage therapy approach that may be most suitable for your specific situation. If you are struggling with pain or sleep issues (pain related or not), or other sleep related issues it may be time to explore some new avenues… What are you waiting for... you are worth it… 

Let’s Chat Massage and Workouts/Exercise– 

Oh the myriad of benefits of exercise– surfing, yoga, strength training, playing sports… from boosting energy & improving your mood, to weight control, better sleep & being more healthy overall to name a few…  Exercise may also simultaneously cause soreness, inflammation, constricted muscles & so much more. My massage therapy is an excellent addition to your regimen. 

It has been shown that individuals who participate in exercise & athletic programs who seek enhanced performance, improved conditioning, injury prevention, faster recovery & assistance in maintaining peek fitness can benefit from massage therapy. 

Massage increases blood flow. When muscles become too constricted, they are not able to receive proper nourishment from the blood, & are therefore not able to function or heal properly. Massage helps bring blood to the entire body. 

My massage has been known to increase range of motion & flexibility. By nature, exercise increases muscle tension, forming adhesions (knots) that cause muscles, fascia, & other tissues to stick together; ergo reduced flexibility & range of motion. I often utilize physical therapy aspects of passive joint mobilization & manipulation with the tissue release which aids in improved range of motion & flexibility. (Increasing over time with more sessions. Analogy– you go to the gym once a month & receive X result. Two times a month & X result & so on.) This also greatly assists with less cramping & less pulls & tears of muscles. By slowly & manually manipulating & stretching the muscles we are promoting & maintaining their elasticity & flexibility. 

Vigorous exercise causes tiny tears in muscle fibers. As the body gets to work repairing the tissues, inflammation occurs. Massage reduces cytokines, which cause inflammation in the body. By doing this, it facilitates similar pain relief as taking an NSAID (i.e. ibuprofen, aspirin), & it is actually good for your muscles in a way that anti-inflammatory drugs are not. (Total wow here!) 

Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the “all is well” system). By causing serotonin & dopamine levels to go up & cortisol levels to go down a deeper sleep may be achieved. This is when your body is able to repair & heal its own tissues. This also enables better mental focus & clarity as you are refreshed! 

Whether you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just embarking on your road to fitness, massage therapy is one tool you can add to your exercise routine to help you train longer & harder, recover more quickly, & get the most out of each workout. Massage combined with your exercise program can take you further faster. 

In conclusion, my clients have consistently found & shared that my style of massage, which may incorporate slow gentle stretching within the massage when warranted, has reduced their pain significantly as well as increasing their range of motion over time. Promoting & maintaining the elasticity & flexibility of your muscles decreases your chance of injury. Their workouts are more beneficial with less negative aftereffects. What are you waiting for… 

Let’s Chat Massage and Sciatica- 

What level of Dantes Inferno are you at? You know, that journey through Hell where there are nine concentric circles & if you reach the center you arrive at Satan himself. With sciatica, that journey can vacillate throughout your day & night. It can last from a few days to weeks. It has the ability to completely debilitate you. The sciatic nerve begins at your lower back & then moves through your hips, buttocks, & down each of your legs. Sciatic pain will usually follow the path of the sciatic nerve. It happens when there’s a problem anywhere along this pathway. 

Common causes of sciatica can include: a ruptured disk, narrowing of the spine canal (called spinal stenosis), or other injuries such as “pulling your back out”. It can also happen due to a condition called piriformis syndrome. Your piriformis muscle extends from your buttocks at the edge of your spine all the way to the top of your thigh. Sometimes this muscle can spasm & trap the sciatic nerve, which is located nearby. Equaling sciatic pain. 

Despite what you may have been told, sciatica can be magnificently relieved without having to resort to surgery or a lifetime of medication. This is made possible by addressing the underlying cause of your sciatica using natural, proven methods such as physical therapy, massage, cupping, stretching, & specific exercises. If you’ve experienced sciatica in the past, you are very likely to suffer from it again unless you address the root cause of the pain. Just because it stops hurting does not mean it will not come back. You want quick relief, which is what I am here for; but we must also consider long-term. We have our immediate results & then we peel off the layers & work into the root to release more & achieve a better homeostasis overall. Without that, you are in a game of chasing your tail. Strengthening, stretching, & improving your mobility while working on lifestyle factors that could be contributing to your sciatica is the next phase of treatment. This is the difference between my methods & what you may have tried before. With my unique background, my proverbial toolbox is vast. This is why so many of my clients find relief. 

Massage therapy is an effective way to alleviate pain. A 2014 study found that deep tissue massage may be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for relieving low back pain, which can be a symptom of sciatica. When it comes to sciatica, massage can help in two ways. Massage’s main benefit is soothing tense muscles. When your muscles are tense, they can put more pressure on your nerves, including your sciatic nerve. Massaging these tense muscles may help to reduce that pressure. Soft tissue massage may also help to increase your pain threshold by stimulating the release of endorphins. Endorphins boost pleasure & relieve pain, causing an increased feeling of well-being. 

What is cupping? Imagine if an octopus tried to give you a massage, kneading & lifting tight muscles. As your body relaxes, circulation is restored, & you can feel space & movement where you once felt tight, stuck, & stiff. 

There are a myriad of ways in which I can assist in pain relief in general as well as sciatica issues. So, if sciatica is stopping you from living your full marvelous life… & you are understandably terrified of surgery, I can help. Give me the opportunity to assist. My job is to do my best to get you everything you need to fix your sciatica so you can get back to doing the things you love. Let’s get started. Who’s ready to say yes… 

Let's Chat Soft and Deep Tissue Massage-

Soft tissue is a gentler technique that uses a variety of strokes, including effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), & friction (circular or cross-fiber strokes). It targets superficial muscles- this is more on the surface. It is often used to relax muscles, reduce stress & improve circulation. It is excellent for those who wish to improve their overall health & well-being. If you are sensitive to pain, this could be more your style.

Deep tissue is a more vigorous technique that uses more intense pressure & slower strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle & connective tissue. It is often used to relieve chronic pain, improve flexibility & break up scar tissue. For people who have chronic pain, limited range of motion, or scar tissue, deep tissue is typically going to be more beneficial. 

Both soft & deep tissue can be advantageous for a variety of conditions, but they are not interchangeable. We will determine the massage therapy approach that will be most suitable for your specific situation.

Your medical history is also going to play a part in determining which modality is most appropriate. Additionally, we will discuss your goals & expectations involving any of the massage methods within my repertoire before creating a custom plan for your specific circumstances. This is a fluid process & subject to change as we move forward & your healing begins. 

Let’s Chat Myofascial Release Massage- 

Myofascial release massage is a gentle, sustained pressure applied to the fascia- the connective tissue that surrounds & supports muscles. The goal is to release tension in the fascia & improve the mobility of muscles & joints. It can be used to improve athletic performance & recovery- pro-athlete or weekend warrior. Surfer, cyclist, runner, yogi, gym-enthusiast… Desk-jockey, mom, retail or restaurant worker… fill in the blank here. Accident recovery too. 

I have a variety of tools** & techniques to achieve our goals & assist you to live your life more fully. Pressure is applied slowly & gradually to not only assess & treat the areas of concern but also to learn what is the right amount of pressure for each client. (And what works for you one week may need to be adjusted the next week/appt.) I have clients with such severe issues such as fibromyalgia, that almost any pressure is too much. We have to start somewhere to get you on the road to recovery. This is a fluid process. **Movable & Flash Cupping are often marvelous modalities incorporated with most of my massage techniques. 

Myofascial release massage can be a relaxing & beneficial experience. It can be done as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies. I often combine joint manipulation & physical therapy techniques when appropriate. We will determine the massage therapy approach that will be most suitable for your specific situation. Who’s ready to say yes… 

Back pain, Neck pain, Shoulder pain, Headaches, Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Plantar fasciitis, Fibromyalgia & more can be alleviated and/or treated. Check out my reviews to see what my clients are saying. 

Let's Chat Swedish Massage- 

Swedish massage uses long, gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, & vibration to relax muscles. It is a safe & effective way to improve circulation, improve range of motion, help injuries heal, & reduce stress. It is the most common type of massage in Western countries. 

This is a bit akin to writing a paper. You go from broad to specific. Fine tune along the way. If you go charging at the area of issue with a battering ram from the start, you are likely to be received with a proverbial slam of the door & the locks bolted. (An example I have heard too often is therapists diving in with their elbows from the get-go. The clients are often quite unhappy when their bodies react with more pain.) Starting with effleurage strokes to warm up the muscles & then using a combination of the other strokes to target the areas of tension is my general rule of thumb. I will adjust the pressure & the type of strokes used to meet the individual needs of the client. 

Swedish massage is a good choice for people of all ages & fitness levels. However, it is important to avoid if you have any open wounds, bruises, rashes, or infections. (*Please see your doctor before arriving with any unidentified rashes or infections. This is not my skill set to identify & treat someone’s unknown rash or infection. And if you have a communicable rash wait until you are fully healed. Example- I have clients with eczema & psoriasis. This is a known issue & non-communicable.) 

The four main strokes used in Swedish massage are: 

• Effleurage: This is a long, gliding stroke that is used to warm up the muscles and to create a sense of relaxation.
• Petrissage: This is a kneading stroke that is used to break up muscle tension and to improve circulation.
• Friction: This is a deep, circular stroke that is used to break down scar tissue and to increase blood flow.
• Tapotement: This is a tapping or drumming stroke that is used to stimulate circulation and to increase energy levels.
• Vibration: This is a shaking or oscillating movement that is used to relax the muscles and to promote a sense of well-being. 

Let’s Chat Abdominal Massage & its Benefits- 

This is a gentle massage of the abdomen using a variety of techniques to relax the muscles, improve circulation, & stimulate the digestive system. This brings more oxygen & nutrients to the organs & tissues. It can reduce symptoms of IBS, menstrual cramps, gas & bloating & more. I regularly incorporate an abdominal massage unless there is a medical reason to exclude it. 

Some Benefits: 

• Improves digestion: It can help to improve digestion by stimulating the movement of food through the digestive tract. For people with constipation, gas, & other digestive problems this is a great relief- literally. 
• Relieves pain & discomfort: It can help to relieve pain & discomfort caused by gas, bloating, menstrual cramps (the muscles in the uterus & surrounding areas relax), & other conditions. I had a regular client arrive just after lunch one day & he says he does not feel so good. Hhmmm… says I. He had gone to a particular fast-food place & now his stomach was revolting & a potential evacuation could ensue. Would you like me to fix it I ask. YES he proclaims. So I work some magic & within short order he is relaxing & the issue subsides. Whew! 
• Improves circulation: It can help to improve circulation in the abdomen, which then brings more oxygen & nutrients to the organs & tissues. Your overall health & well-being will benefit.
• Reduces stress & tension: It can help to reduce stress & tension in the abdomen which then radiates throughout the body. This is your center- the core of your body & hub. This can lead to an improved mood, better sleep, & a more relaxed state of mind.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): It may help to reduce the symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, & diarrhea.

Abdominal massage is not recommended for everyone. Qualifiers- people with certain medical conditions, such as abdominal ulcers, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, should talk to their doctor before getting an abdominal massage. And while it can be good for pregnant women in a variety of ways, massage for said pregnant women is a specialty that I have chosen not to pursue. 

Let’s Chat Trigger Point Massage- 

This type of massage can be very effective in relieving pain & stiffness, & it can also help to improve range of motion. A trigger point is a pressure-sensitive area in the muscle that is frequently linked with pain & stiffness. Trigger points can be extremely painful, limiting your range of motion & making it difficult to do your daily activities. They can also radiate pain to other areas of the body. 

This therapy is often used to treat conditions such as neck, shoulder, back & hip pain (including sciatica), as well as headache pain. It is done by applying pressure to the trigger points with the fingers, thumbs, or elbows. The pressure is held for a period of time, usually 30 to 90 seconds, until the point releases. When appropriate, I have had great results combining this therapy with cupping to move my clients forward faster. I always consider the overall health issues of each client along with their pain threshold to arrive at what modalities are best suited to their individual situations. 

Your muscles need oxygen & other nutrients to heal. When they are rigid from trigger points, the blood flow is restricted. Then said oxygen & nutrients can’t reach the muscle, which translates into irritated & inflamed areas of pain. Often, this pain is felt in other parts of the body as well due to the way that the nervous system is connected. 

Some benefits- better circulation, reduced stress & tension, increased mobility & flexibility, higher energy levels, headache relief, better sleep… 

Some drawbacks- It isn’t effective for everyone or everyone’s cup of tea. Applying pressure on sensitive muscle parts might be painful. Due to the release of pain-inducing chemicals into the circulation, you may experience lethargy for one or two days after treatment while your body processes these compounds. You may also experience discomfort in the treated regions, which may be alleviated with a warm compress. Some clients say they have taken multi-hour naps afterwards. Some then go for multi-hour jogs. 

We will examine your medical conditions & symptoms to thoroughly understand your health, activity, & discomfort. It’s common for seemingly unrelated symptoms to play a part in why this is occurring. For example- how is your posture, do you drive long hours during your week… have you been doing an exercise you do not normally have in your workout routine, have a generally stressful lifestyle… nothing lives in isolation… who’s ready to say yes to living more fully… 

Let’s Massage for Surgery Recovery- 

Massage for surgery recovery is a gentle, specialized form of massage that can help to reduce pain, swelling, & inflammation, improve circulation, prevent scar tissue formation & promote range of motion. It can also help to reduce stress & anxiety, which can be common after surgery. All these fabulous aspects equate to speeding up the healing process. 

The specific type of massage that is best for surgery recovery will vary depending on the type of surgery & your individual needs. 

Some common techniques that are used include: 

• Swedish: Uses light to medium pressure to relax muscles & improve circulation.
• Deep tissue: Uses deeper pressure to target specific muscle groups & release tension.
• Myofascial release: Uses sustained pressure to release tension in the fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles & organs.
• Trigger point: Targets specific trigger points, which are areas of muscle tension that can cause pain in other parts of the body.
• Lymphatic drainage: Uses gentle pressure to help the lymphatic system move fluid & waste products out of the tissues.
• Cupping: The cups create a vacuum-like suction that causes micro-trauma to the applied areas. The cupping effect of suction on the skin helps regulate blood flow, promotes healing, reduces inflammation, breaks up stagnation in the body (the main cause of pain) & more. 
• Gua Sha: A smooth-edged tool scrapes your skin to stimulate microcirculation which increases blood flow. It addresses stagnant energy, called chi, in the body & may be responsible for inflammation- which is the underlying cause of many conditions associated with chronic pain.

It is important to note that massage should not be performed until the incision has fully healed. It is also important to communicate your specific needs & goals with me so we may determine the massage therapy approach that will be most suitable for your specific situation. 

Stay-tuned for further Chats.