IASTM/Gua Sha 

This technique originated in Asia and can be seen in many ancient cultures. Its' modern name is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM). This modality involves using a tool made of stone, metal, bone or resin to scrape the skin. The scraping causes a deep friction to the soft tissue allowing the body to release tissue adhesions. The deep friction also opens up blood flow to the surface of the skin allowing the body to more efficiently remove old stagnant and inefficient blood and waste products. The red marks that may be produced are due to a controlled inflammatory response, these marks may last a few days. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine this technique is used to move stagnant blood or old blood that was possibly left behind from an old injury and is no longer efficient at carrying oxygen and nutrients, to the surface where the body can eliminate it properly.

Cupping Therapy 

Cupping therapy is also an ancient technique practiced by many cultures from Asia to Africa to the Middle East and even indigenous people of North and South America. This modality involves using glass, plastic of rubber cups to suction the skin. The suction acts like a deep specific stretch to the tissues. This technique is especially effective for individuals that have tight fascia that restricts mobility and circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs. With the glass cups a flame can be used to warm the air inside the cup and create a vacuum. The suction can produce a hickey, which can last a few minutes or up to 2 weeks, usually these marks are darker in areas where the tissues were restricted or there was a previous injury. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine this technique helps to move stagnant or old blood that was possibly left behind from an old injury and is no longer efficient at carrying oxygen and nutrients, to the surface where the body can eliminate it properly.   

Sports Massage 

Sports massage is a technique that varies depending on the sport and stage a person is in their training for an event. Before an event, the massage sessions will address any discomfort, injury or imbalance in the soft tissue developed from the increase in volume of activity. During an event, the massage focuses on quicker more circulatory techniques to help increase  blood flow to the soft tissues with the goal of reducing the prospect of injury. After an event, less aggressive techniques are applied to help reduce muscle soreness from the event and increase blood flow to possibly strained or overworked musculature. This modality can be very beneficial in helping an athlete, anyone training for an event, or just increasing their physical activities for fun or health purposes. It can be a very effective self care tool.  

Deep Tissue Neuromuscular & Myofascial Techniques 

These techniques are very beneficial for people that are recovering from injuries, live an active lifestyle, or are experiencing discomfort or pain from repetitive movement patters in general.

Deep Tissue massage involves a gradual increase in the pressure applied to the soft tissue, sinking into deeper layers of tissue as the body allows. We patiently feel for changes in the tissues layers as we work our way through possible restrictions, adhesions and/or scar tissue.

Neuromuscular Therapy maintains some of the same principles as Deep Tissue massage but is more specific and detailed in addressing clinical conditions like TMJD, Whiplash, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis or Golfers Elbow, Patellar Tendonitis, IT Band Friction Syndrome, Muscle Sprains and Strains, Plantar Fasciitis and much more.

Myofascial Techniques focus on the fascia, the soft tissue that wraps around all of our muscles, bones and organs. It has been stated that Fascia can put up to 2000 lbs. of pressure per square inch on the tissues it encompasses. If this is true then it is possible that restricted fascia can block vital nutrients from reaching the tissues and cause the body to move and function inefficiently. These techniques gently engage the fascia to promote a release and softening of its hold on the tissues, allowing an increase in circulation and restoring normal range of motion to superficial and deep layers or soft tissue.

Craniosacral Therapy & Visceral Manipulation

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.​ Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
For more information click here.

Visceral Manipulation is used to locate and solve problems throughout the body. It encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your organs, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal system through the connective tissue attachments, and influence general metabolism. Today, a wide variety of healthcare professionals perform Visceral Manipulation. Practitioners include osteopathic physicians, allopathic physicians, doctors of chiropractic, doctors of Oriental medicine, naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists and other licensed body workers. For more information click here.
​

Thai Massage & Watsu

Thai Massage is a traditional modality combining stretches and acupressure. The recipient is fully clothed in loose clothing. The massage is done on a mat on the floor. This technique is beneficial for increasing mobility and relaxation. A usual session can last from 90 minutes to 2 hrs. 

Watsu is a form of aquatic bodywork. It brings the principles of Shiatsu, a traditional Japanese modality, to the pool. It's a gentle technique that allows the body freedom to move without restriction. Allowing the water to provide support as well as a gentle resistance as the therapist moves you through the water, giving the body pain free traction and lengthening. This modality is done in a heated pool to help the muscle and joints be more receptive and relaxed. For more information on Watsu click here.  

We hope to offer this more regularly, but for now the pool is off-site and is only accessible on the weekends. If you have a pool at home and wish to book a session or are interested in being added to our stand-by list please send us a message via email to susan@musclemanipulators.com