Modalities

Swedish Massage
The most common form of traditional western massage; it has been popular for over 100 years. The focus is on soft tissue manipulation through the use of 5 classic techniques: effleurage (stroking, sliding), petrissage (kneading, compression), tapotement (percussion), friction and vibration. It may also include joint movements and hydrotherapy. Swedish massage promotes relaxation, reduces scar tissue formation and adhesions, improves circulation and supports the normal function of the body to enhance its innate healing capacity.

Myofascial Release
A modality that gently releases restrictions in the connective tissue layer by applying traction to the skin and underlying tissues. It slowly pushes, pulls and stretches fascial tissues, breaks up fascial adhesions, and softens the fascia. The benefits of Myofascial Release include better mobility, improved posture, enhanced cellular nutrition and reduced pain.

Fascia
Elasto-collagenous web of connective tissue the surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, organ and vessel of the body.

Deep Tissue
Involves working slowing through and within the layers of the body to access the deepest layers of muscles and fascia. The intent is to work with the tissues in these layers to relax, lengthen and release holding patters. This is a therapeutic modality and the techniques may cause some discomfort but they should not be painful. The benefits of deep tissue include reduced pain, increased relaxation, improved posture, increased flexibility and fluid movement.

Trigger Point Therapy
A neuromuscular therapy that focuses on relieving myofascial trigger points through compression, stretch, and/or ice and heat. Up to 85% of chronic pain is thought to be associated with myofascial trigger points. The focus of Trigger Point therapy is to reduce pain and increase range of motion and flexibility. It is also important to bring awareness to perpetuating factors and to address musculoskeletal imbalances. It is a very effective technique to break the stress-tension-pain cycle.

Trigger Point
A locally tender spot when active, they refer pain through specific patterns to other areas of the body. It is a hyperirritable node within a palpable taut band of a skeletal muscle.

Muscle Energy Technique (also called PNF – Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)
It uses the nervous system to reset a muscles resting length. It involves a set of techniques that manipulate the proprioceptors of the nervous system and muscular system to facilitate a reflexive change. The focus is on increasing range of motion and muscle relaxation.

Polarity Therapy
This is a form of energy bodywork that works to remove obstructions to the free flow of energy in the body. The foundation of this therapy is that there is a subtle form of energy that permeates all things and that disease is a result of obstruction of that energy. The techniques include pressing, gentle rocking, jostling, and brushing.

Reiki Tummo
A form of energy work, this is an ancient Japanese therapy that works with universal life energy to restore harmony and balance of energy in the body. The focus of this treatment is to restore health and vitality and it promotes deep relaxation and healing.