Immaculate Dissection (ID). Anatomy always informs how I approach the body. Immaculate dissection takes anatomy a step further to explain why anatomy is important--from the perspective of breathing, joint centration, vascular flow, lymphatic flow, nerve entrapments, fascial tensioning, and muscle synergies. ID uses a fundamental set of assessments to quickly identify where the body is lacking stability and offers strategies to resolve biomechanical issues. Immaculate Dissection co-founder Dr Kathy Dooley offers great free learning resources including Anatomy Angel on her blog and a Youtube channel.
Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) is an assessment model that uses manual muscle testing to discern specific compensatory movement patterns. Using the NKT protocol, I find what muscles/fascia are compensating for (and inhibiting) other muscles/fascia. I then utilize soft-tissue techniques to reduce tension in an area followed by movement activation. NKT works to open up motor pathways and allow the body to experience an immediate improvement in strength and range of motion. I prefer not to release muscular tension without first identifying the pattern it is involved in. This creates a quicker and longer-lasting release, and means that you won't be returning with the same knot every time! I will also give you homework that reinforces the work I do in the session. I want to give you tools to do something about your own pain!
Deep Tissue is not just “Swedish with more pressure.” It is a focused, results-oriented technique. I do posture and basic movement assessments to develop a treatment plan. The work itself can be gentle or more firm depending on what layer of tissue I target and what you tolerate. Special attention is given to areas of restriction and "trigger points." I also use muscle energy techniques (MET) to facilitate release, including reciprocal inhibition, post-isometric relaxation, and positional release. Regular Deep Tissue sessions can lead to improved posture & movement, and decreased pain.
Myofascial Techniques. This is a way of thinking about the body as not just mechanical--where muscles, bones, and joints are the body's “pulleys and lever systems"--but instead uses a biotensegrity model of the body (Anatomy Trains)--where the complex interplay of floating compression members (the bones) and tension forces (from muscles and fascia) in the body are what keeps the body balanced and functioning. This modality utilizes a range of touch styles to affect tissue. It can be indirect where I engage with a light touch and follow the tissue as it “unwinds” through its path of ease, and it can be a direct approach where I release tissue toward the vector of resistance. It is helpful in improving range of motion, reducing soft tissue adhesion (ie, scar tissue), and lengthening shortened fascia and muscles. I have taken continuing education in Myofascial techniques from educator Til Luchau of Advanced Myofascial Trainings.
Craniosacral: A subtle, light-touch technique to restore movement to the cranial bones. Because it has an influence on the autonomic nervous system, many people find Craniosacral therapy to be deeply relaxing. This technique is helpful for anyone who has bumped their head, is prone to headaches, has vision issues, sinus congestion, or jaw problems.
Visceral Manipulation (VM). Visceral manipulation gently stimulates the vagus nerve in specific parts of the abdominal region to increase gut motility, reduce bloating, and improve digestion. This work can be important when you have low back pain, are experiencing gut symptoms, or have had surgery in the abdominal region. The vagus nerve connects your brainstem to your digestive system; therefore, VM can help "untie the knots in your stomach" when you've been stressed. Creating space between the stomach and diaphragm often helps with acid reflux symptoms. Working around the uterus can be helpful to reduce scar tissue associated with endometriosis or C-sections.
Chikly Lymphatic Drainage Massage therapists are accustomed to working with the tissues of the body, but it is an entirely different mindset and touch to work with fluid. Healthy tissue depends on sufficient blood to nourish it, and the unencumbered return of (venous) blood and lymph to the heart. Lymphatic drainage therapy stimulates the lymphatic system to increase it's processing and return of lymph into the circulatory system. This can remove fluid pressure that causes pain and limits mobility. It is a great technique to use following surgeries, injuries, old injuries, gut issues, or areas of inflammation. It is gentle and generally very relaxing.
McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release. MSTR uses a specific manual therapy protocol to gently free restrictions caused by scar tissue. Scar tissue may limit the flow of blood and lymph, entrap nerves, restrict joint movement, and create muscular inhibition.
Functional Neurology: Addressing deficits in the vision, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems can have a global impact on the body--including increased strength and flexibility, improved organ function, better balance, and reduced pain. I have taken continuing education from Z-health and Applied Movement Neurology (AMN). This work tends to be more active and interactive, and you will likely see better results with homework drills.
Zen Shiatsu & Tui Na: These two East Asian modalities have given me an appreciation for the complexity and layers with which Chinese medicine views health and the body. Zen Shiatsu is a Japanese acupressure technique that balances channels of deficiency and excess, and Tui Na is a Chinese manual therapy that focuses on restoring movement to areas of "stuck" chi. Within a session, I may work along channels or on points to create a larger body-balancing influence than simply on the particular tissue under my hands. I also use principles of polarity therapy to balance points and channels.
Swedish: The basic massage as known to most people and the foundation for creating a massage with good "flow." Strokes include effleurage, petrissage, compression, vibration, and tapotement, and are often done with lotion or oil. The different strokes offer a varied sensory experience that helps your body "map" itself. Having good body maps is essential to good movement and reduced pain. I often perform Swedish while palpating or to warm up tissue. It is also a great way to improve general circulation in tissues.
Thai Massage is a movement-based modality with its roots in the Ayurvedic tradition of Thailand. In Thai massage, the therapist presses along Sen lines (similar to acupuncture channels), performs compression to warm up muscles, and then takes joints into various movement and stretching positions. It is sometimes called "lazy person's yoga." While I rarely do a full Thai session on a floor mat, I often incorporate stretches and movements into sessions when appropriate.
Reiki and Energy Work.