Myofascial Therapy

Anna has extensive training in several significant components of Therapeutic Massage. She is particularly intrigued by the fascia tissue in the human body. This tissue is extremely tough and surrounds every muscle, bone, and organ. This is the “glue” that hold everything together. In fact, an injury to one part of the body could result in symptoms in a region of the body. This is due to the inter-related nature of the fascial network — every part of the body is connected to each other in some way. Myofascial Therapy involves releasing tension through manipulating the “deep” fascia. The goal of this type of bodywork is to dissipate muscular tension and rebalance the body. In many cases, Anna will analyze a client’s posture and recommend specific stretches or movements to support the benefits of Myofascial Therapy.

Trigger Point Therapy

This form of Massage is also known Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT). Anna is particularly interested in this aspect of Therapeutic Massage because it provides relief for clients who are suffering from painful, acute spasms in their muscles. The technique involves applying static finger pressure to the affected area, breaking the rhythm of the spasm and diminishing pain.

Structural Integration

Think of Structural Integration as the “big picture” result of Therapeutic Massage. This means that as the soft tissue or fascia is worked on, the body is given space to realign itself in a healthy manner. Often tension, injuries, and physical and emotional trauma are “held” by the soft tissue resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. Structural Integration creates balance and ease of motion in the entire body.

Pregnancy Massage

Anna believes that pregnant women can benefit from deep tissue massage, as long as it is consistent with their needs at a specific phase of the pregnancy. Pregnant women suffer from everyday tensions and pre-existing injury patterns as well as ligament laxity and additional strains from the postural changes that occur during pregnancy. Pregnancy Massage is gentle and safe, and provides relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain — especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.

Pregnancy will guide the appropriate positioning of the client. During the second and third trimester, the client will typically be worked on “side-lying” with bolsters. Anna will frequently use this positioning for all clients, but it’s particularly important during pregnancy when other alternatives are not appropriate. This non-invasive, holistic approach supports the new mother’s physical and emotional well-being.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

• Creates tranquil relaxation and reduces stress.
• Increases blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.
• Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
• Improves post-labor recovery and eases labor pain.
• Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.

Chair Massage

Chair Massage involves the client sitting on a padded seat that allows the Massage Therapist easy access to the client’s back and neck muscles. This safe and easy way to introduce wellness into employees’ lives feels great and provides fast stress relief in the workplace. In fact, studies have shown that Chair Massage enhances creativity, mental clarity, alertness, increases productivity, and supports an overall improved mental state.

Did you know?

• Research indicates that a 15-minute chair massage results in decreased job stress, increased alertness, and increased speed & accuracy on math computations. (1)
• Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better, and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged. (1)
• Stress accounts for $26 billion in medical and disability payments, and $95 billion in lost productivity per year. (2)
• Over 50% of lost work days are stress related, which keeps about one million people per day from attending work. (2)

1. Field, Ironson, Pickens et al. (1996). Massage therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math computations. International Journal of Neuroscience 86, 197-205
2. Occupational Health and Safety News and The National Council on Compensation Insurance (U.S.A.).