Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage Therapy

Tangible results are usually seen early in treatment. Some people experience incredible pain relief and improved quality of life after only one treatment, but commonly it is reported that after three or four treatments, clients are enjoying decreased physical pain and restriction, substantial reductions in stress symptoms and overall improved function. Many factors are at play when determining how quickly you will see results – including the severity of your injury or condition, your overall health upon beginning treatment, unforeseen life events that may come along to either aid, detract or change your course once we begin treatment and compliance with the self-care programs that are suggested to you along the way.

No. Though my focus is on providing chronic pain relief, I also work with people recovering from acute and sub-acute injuries from either work or play. As well, I help people who are receiving massage therapy as a part of their health care for the maintenance of wellness and stress reduction.

You may book your appointment online! Click the booking button below.

One hour is a common session length, though sessions are available in 30-minute, one-hour, or 1½-hour blocks.

Longer treatments give more time for your body and mind to unwind and allow me plenty of time to thoroughly address the “issues in your tissues.” During shorter sessions, I will be very specific in where I focus your treatment.

At your first appointment, you will be required to complete a health history form. Please arrive 10 minutes early in order to have time to complete this information thoroughly and without being rushed. Or fill out the form online; a link will be emailed to you after you make your appointment so you can complete it ahead of time.

We will then spend about 10 minutes discussing your current symptoms and goals for your massage therapy treatments. Some of the questions that I will ask you during our interview may seem unrelated to massage, however, please realize that the body is complex in its connections and that often something may seem unrelated when in actuality it is connected to the cause of your symptoms.

It is my job to thoroughly assess the puzzle pieces in order to plan your treatments most effectively. It is also my responsibility to modify your treatments in cases of contraindications or safety concerns, so a thorough inventory of your health is crucial in allowing me to provide you with the best care possible.

During our interview, I will also be assessing your posture, the quality of your movements and may perform specific physical tests with you to help me clarify the potential causes of your pain. Please feel free to ask me any questions that you may have during this time.

Depending on the primary techniques that I choose to use, you may or may not need to undress.

For techniques that require the application of oil or lotion, direct skin contact is ideal. You will be asked to undress to your comfort level, and you may choose to wear underwear or not. I will leave the room to give you privacy while you undress, and get on the treatment table, covering yourself with a sheet and blanket. I will then knock before I re-enter the room. I uncover only the area being worked on – your modesty is maintained throughout your treatment.

Make yourself comfortable!

You will relax during most of your treatment on a massage table designed for stability and comfort. I will ensure that you are comfortable and warm throughout your treatment by having pillows, heat and a blanket available. Relaxing music is played to help you unwind and focus on the changes occurring in your body.

It is helpful to focus on your breathing – take nice deep breaths in and out during your session to help your mind and body relax and to oxygenate your body tissues.

If I need you to adjust your position I will either move you (for instance, lift your arm) or will tell you what position I need you to move into (for instance, turning from lying on your front to your back). Let me know at any time if you need to change your position to make yourself more comfortable. Please verbalize to me what is comfortable for you!

Many people just close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s your time, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

Massage techniques for healthy tissue usually feel very good. The normal response is to slow down, breathe deeply and relax.

Working in an area of injury or chronic pain may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens in the first few minutes. I am trained in a multitude of techniques that will work to minimize discomfort and I will work carefully within what feels right to you.

Always tell me if you feel any discomfort so that I can adjust the techniques that I am using. The saying “no pain, no gain” is not precisely true for bodywork! I will ask you for feedback throughout your session to be sure that we are working in a zone of therapeutic tenderness – this sensation is described as “hurts so good” – a level of tenderness that you can breathe through comfortably, and that dissipates rather quickly as we work, essentially easing the initial discomfort.

When people have been living in pain for any length of time, it can be difficult to differentiate these sensations, so I encourage you to listen closely to your body and I will meet you where you are in the process. The most effective and deepest massage works with the body’s natural responses, not against them.

Bodywork can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your body’s systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up from the massage table.

After a session, most people feel relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over months of tension or repetitive activity.

After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity which can last for several days. Since acids and cellular debris are released from your tissues during a massage, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water during the days following your massage.

Following a massage, it is possible to have some soreness for 24-48 hours, similar to the sensation experienced after a good workout. This is a normal response within the body when circulation and resulting detoxification is increased.

You will likely feel subtle shifts occurring over the following days as well. Some examples are:

• Pain relief – less intensity and frequency of the pain in various areas of your body
• Easier mobility when walking and moving in your daily life
• Deeper sleep patterns
• Constipation or other digestive concerns may subside
• Stress, irritability and anxiety levels may lessen
• Energy levels may feel increased

As with exercise, the benefits of massage increase with regular treatments. As your body-mind awareness is enhanced, you may find that you experience deeper relaxation and great gains in overall wellness with each massage therapy session.