We have touched one another for comfort and healing throughout recorded history. It seems to me that the ways to touch somebody must be limited, but I come across a limitless variety of “techniques”.

Each reveals similarities, differences and new insights. Sometimes the key differences come from culture and philosophy. Frequently, a “new” technique simply results from marketing ingenuity.

Consequently, I have tried to represent my methods and “techniques” as simply as I can.

— MEDICAL MASSAGE
Scientifically based techniques designed to reduce pain and dysfunction.

FOCUS: Establish normal tissue tension, create a positive tissue environment, and balance the function of the muscular, myofascial, nervous and energetic systems of the body.

— SPORTS MASSAGE
Methods that address the needs of the athlete in order to address specific goals before, during, or after athletic training and competition.

FOCUS: Address muscle groups and soft tissues relevant to the athlete’s particular sport in order to help improve fitness, increase performance, and speed recovery.

— THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Touch therapies provided for comfort, relaxation, and stress relief.

FOCUS: Relax the body, calm the mind, and rejuvenate the spirit (i.e., massage generally found in spas and health clubs).

— PERSONAL TRAINING
Fitness assessments, exercise and stretch routines, and personal training plans that complement an integrated and preventative approach to personal wellness.

FOCUS: Improve cardiovascular health, as well as overall body strength, flexibility, and endurance.

When needed or requested, I also conduct functional assessments of your body to help determine areas of imbalance and potential issues. These assessments also allow for objectively measuring improvements.

I offer individual sessions, group clinics, onsite event massage, and corporate seated massage, as well as educational programs in concert with AKS Massage School and other local practitioners.

Learned from Australian osteopaths, acupuncturists, and structural integrators, I offer Bowen Therapy as a safe and effective alternative for the entire family, including:

• Newborns
• Children
• Teenagers
• Expectant mothers
• The elderly

A Bowen session consists of precise movements on muscle, connective tissue and nerve sites. Basically a neuromuscular technique, these soft-tissue movements send signals to the body that break the pain-spasm cycle, relax muscles, soften scar tissue, and improve circulation.

Your body then begins a natural healing and recovery process.

CLICK HERE to learn more about NFM BOWEN THERAPY

Fascia (pronounced "fasha") represents the soft tissue the connects AND separates everything in the body beneath the skin. It provides a continuous sheath of structural support for the skeleton and soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.).

Connective Tissue Massage restores length and flexibility to the fascia. This makes more "space" for muscles, nerves, and fluids, such as blood and lymph. Contemporary research indicates that the connective tissue network represents the "energy network" of more ancient, Oriental techniques.

Connective Tissue Massage goes by many names, including:

• Myofascial Release
• Neuromuscular Therapy
• Rolfing

Connective Tissue Massage is a key component of most Neuromuscular Techniques and Acupressure.

CLICK HERE to learn more about CONNECTIVE TISSUE MASSAGE

Stretching improves flexibility, which represents the ability of muscles and other soft tissues to lengthen and shorten through their intended range of motion (ROM). Stretching helps to maintain or restore your flexibility and range of motion.

I use the following stretching massage techniques:

• Active Isolated Stretching (AIS)
• Fascio-Membranous Release
• Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
• Pilates
• PNF Stretching
• Shiatsu
• Thai Massage

Active movements through a full range of motion help to improve circulation, nourish joints, and free soft-tissue adhesions.

Stretching is a key component of many techniques, including:

• Acupressure
• Myofascial Release
• Neuromuscular Techniques
• Osteopathy
• Sports Massage

CLICK HERE to learn more about STRETCHING TECHNIQUES

The most commonly known form of Western massage in the United States, Swedish Massage consists of a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, percussion and vibration techniques. Also known as "therapeutic massage", it promotes general relaxation, improves blood circulation and range of motion, and relieves tension.

Swedish Massage therapists use oils, lotions, and cremes as an integral part of their sessions, and generally request that clients undress. When undressed, you should always be properly draped with linens and/or towels to respect your comfort and modesty.

I use the Swedish Massage technique:

• As a basis for full-body massage sessions
• When my client's primary goal is relaxation
• To warm the soft tissues in preparation for more specific types of deep-tissue work.

You can typically find Swedish Massage offered in any spa and/or health, fitness, and sports club.

CLICK HERE to learn more about SWEDISH MASSAGE

Trigger Point Therapy focuses on hypersensitive areas in the muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. These sites frequently refer pain to other regions of the body, which can be found in located in most of the current literature.

I practice two forms of Trigger Point Therapy:

• Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
• Periostal Trigger Point Therapy

Popularized in the United States by Dr. Janet Travell (John F. Kennedy's physician), Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy focuses on knots of muscle fibers that are not receiving the proper nerve impulses. It is another key component of most Neuromuscular Techniques.

Very similar to Acupressure, current literature indicates at least an 80% overlap between modern Myofascial Trigger Point sites and traditional Acupressure sites.

Periostal Trigger Point Therapy, or simply Periostal Massage, is a key component of western Medical Massage, practiced mostly in Europe. It focuses on the connective tissue membrane covering the outer surface of bones.

CLICK HERE to learn more about TRIGGER POINT THERAPY