Massage Modalities List:

Generally speaking, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports & Medical Massage are considered "Western" styles of massage. They are usually performed on a table using oil. I use a hypoallergenic gel instead, which is unscented and water-based. The client wears no clothes and is covered at all times. "Eastern" styles, like Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Tui Na, etc., are traditionally performed with the client in loose comfortable clothing on the floor or a table and no lubricant is used.

Following are brief descriptions of each type (modality) of massage I offer. Click on the title of each massage types that interest you for more details.

Swedish Massage is what most people think of when they think of massage. The massage can be light or deep, depending on your needs and comfort level. The major strokes are long and circular. Swedish Massage is good for reducing muscle aches, improving circulation and reducing stress.

Deep Tissue Massage works to separate the muscle from the connective tissues of the body (the ligaments, tendons and muscle casings, which 'connect' one type of tissue to another). When these structures get sticky and less elastic deep tissue bodywork helps to return these tissues to a supple, fluid condition.

Medical Massage helps reduce pain, increase range of motion (ROM) and can be used to treat a long list of medical problems such as asthma, edema, muscle strain, tendonitis, Fibromyalgia, and many others. Medical Massage targets your particular issue for the bulk of the session. Making sure you're comfortable during the work is important, so we may used several positions during a session, which may include lying on your side, having you sit up, or having you lie down (face down or face up) depending on the work.

Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage. From the second trimester through the first six months after birth, massage can help you deal with the massive changes occurring in and around your body. Low back and shoulder pain, swelling in the lower legs and ankles, stress... massage for these and other issues can help you navigate this transition into motherhood. From the second trimester on, the massage is performed in a side-lying position using lots of pillows. I generally suggest moms-to-be get regular massage and plan on 90-minute sessions.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or MLD is a soft-touch technique used to reduce swelling and move lymphatic fluid in the body. The lymphatic system is your second circulatory system and is an important party of your immune system. (Fun anatomy fact: 5% of your body's fluid is in your blood, 15% is in the lymph system.) But the lymph system moves very slowly and can sometimes benefit from a little help via massage. I'm certified to Level 1 in MLD. Which can be useful for people dealing with headaches, minor swelling, etc.

Sports Massage is used to help athletes achieve their best results while helping them avoid injury. Even if you're not a world-class athlete, you are subjected to the same g-forces, stresses and potential injuries that professionals face. Go to "Sports Massage" page for more information.

Shiatsu is different from the other types of massage listed. Shiatsu is from Japan and is based on Acupuncture but no needles are used. Instead of targeting a specific problem (say Asthma) in Shiatsu the whole body/mind/spirit is considered and treated. By using stretching, compression and fingerpoint work, Shiatsu works to balance the energy flow through your body. Shiatsu is very effective with chronic conditions that don't easily yield to western medicine: menstrual complaints, insomnia, fatigue, etc. Shiatsu can be done on the table or on the floor. The client wears loose-fitting comfortable clothing and no lubricant is used.