Modalities of Massage Therapy  
We offer these massage modalities for the treatment and achievement of a persons physical, functional,and medical goals.  
Myofascial Release Rolfing Sports massage Swedish Massage Neuromuscular Therapy Cranio-Sacral Therapy

 
Therapeutic Massage  
Today more and more people rely on therapeutic massage and bodywork for relaxation, pain relief, health concerns, rehabilitation and general wellness.  
Myofascial Release Back to Top
Myofascial Release provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore range of motion.
The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue).
The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part of the body by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.
Fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the fascial system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent poles, which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time has a cumulative effect. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence the skeletal framework for our posture. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.
The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body movement, through the enhancement of strength, flexibility and postural and movement awareness.
( Reprinted with permission from the Myofascial Release Treatment Center, Paoli, PA)
www.myofascialrelease.com 		 
Rolfing  Back to Top

Rolfing The main focus of the Rolfing Series is to find all the areas where your body is not balanced in gravity and movement, and then to restore this balance systematically over the course of 10-12 sessions. Each session is between 60 and 90 minutes -- generally the latter, and taking place roughly once a week for 10-12 weeks. Every session is designed to build on the previous sessions, and to set up the next sessions because we systematically treat the body based on structure and function in movement and gravity. (This is a HUGE difference from regular massage.)
Although most people think of Rolfing in terms of correcting posture, that’s not all it helps. Over time, the areas of your body that are out of balance cause other areas to overwork. This leads to shortening and tightening of muscles and other soft tissues (fascia, tendons, and ligaments). Rolfing helps eliminate pain (and is especially effective on chronic pain) through this restoration of balance. Although I can't promise specific results, I can promise that your body will be different (and better) in terms of balanced structure. My clients report varying improvement including, increased range of motion, elimination or reduction of chronic pain, increased energy and endurance, and emotional changes (for the better).
In terms of cost, if you have health insurance that covers massage therapy it will most likely cover some of the cost of Rolfing or massage. This will depend on many things and it's a policy by policy issue. If you have recently been in an automobile accident, your PIP will cover massage therapy and Rolfing. In either case you will need a prescription from your physician (Osteopath, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, or other Physician). If you don't have a doctor that will do this, I have several I can refer you to.
Many people believe the myth that Rolfing is painful. Well, it is intense, and can be uncomfortable, but it should never be painful. The Rolfing touch is similar to other deep tissue work, the closest being Myofascial Release. Strategy and results are the key differences between the two. Just like any other bodywork, if any of the work is painful, it is your responsibility to let me know IMMEDIATELY so that I can lighten up, or find a different approach. ROLFING IS NOT AN EXERCISE IN PAIN TOLERANCE!
In order for me to help you determine if Rolfing is right for you, and the right time for you, it's helpful if we can discuss your unique situation in some depth before you decide what to do. Whether or not to receive the Series, as well as the timing in your life for it are both important decisions, and you need to be fully informed so you make the wisest choice for your body. Please feel free to call me on my cell (407-252-3065) anytime, so we can discuss this.

  
Neuromuscular Therapy  

Neuromuscular Therapy is a very specialized form of manual therapy. A therapist trained in NMT is educated in the physiology of the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal system of the human body. The Neuromuscular Therapist also is educated in kinesiology and biomechanics and how to work in a clinical or medical environment.


 
Sports massage Back to Top

Sports Massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries

  
   
Swedish Massage  

Swedish massage therapy utilizes gentle long, flowing strokes, often usually in the direction of the heart. There are six basic strokes: effleurage from the French effleurer, 'to skim over', petrissage from the French pétrir, 'to knead', friction, tapotement, compression, and vibration. Petrissage is a kneading movement with the whole palm or finger tips, using wringing, skin rolling, compression, and/or lifting. Petrissage is usually applied vertically to the muscle tissue. Oil or lotion is applied on the skin to reduce friction and allow smooth strokes. Effleurage consists of long, flowing or gliding strokes, performed with open hands. In many massage sessions, effleurage is used as the initial type of stroking, as it has a calming effect when performed slowly. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks.

  
Cranio-Sacral Therapy  
Craniosacral therapy sometimes referred to as CST or cranial osteopathy, also called the CranioSacral bodywork or therapy is a method of Complementary and alternative medicine used by massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors and osteopaths, who manually apply a subtle movement of the spinal and cranial bones in an attempt to bring the central nervous system into harmony.  
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