I am trained in basic Swedish, Sports and Deep Tissue massage as well as the Hendrickson Method® of orthopedic massage. I also have training in trigger point release and dynamic stretching and mobilization. In any given bodywork session I might use or adapt techniques from any or all of these different modalities.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is what most people think of when they think of a classic western massage (as opposed to an eastern modality like Shiatsu). This is the type of massage you would commonly expect to receive in a spa. It is characterized by long, flowing light strokes (effleurage) and slower, deeper kneading strokes (petrissage). Commonly used for relaxation, Swedish massage also provides the base for other western modalities.

Hendrickson Method®

I have completed a 200-hour course in the Hendrickson Method®, defined by the Hendrickson Method® web site as an "advanced system of orthopedic therapy that brings together a dynamic combination of techniques: massage, mobilization, and neuromuscular re-education, synthesized with Eastern energy practices."

The Hendrickson Method® is based on the teachings of several generations of healers and provides precise, directed treatment for a wide variety of common tissue problems. It is highly efficient and elegant, using the body's own neurology and a knowledge of typical patterns of dysfunction to quickly alleviate pain without causing pain.

Sports Massage

Sports massage focuses more on solving specific problems. It integrates compression, deep transverse (cross-fiber) friction, vibration and stretching techniques to prepare the body for an event or to aid in healing injury.

Deep Tissue

Deep Tissue massage is widely misunderstood. It isn't just hard or painful massage; rather, it is a technique in which the practitioner sinks to a deeper layer of tissue so that the tissue can be stretched. Also integrated with Deep Tissue are facilitated stretches and anchoring and stretching tight tissue.

Properly applied, Deep Tissue massage should not be inordinately painful or leave any bruising behind; "deep" does not mean "painful". Each individual's own pain tolerance is always carefully considered.

Trigger Point

Our muscles often respond to stress or injury by developing tiny areas of exquisite tension. Often these are trigger points which can be painful and prevent a muscle from relaxing or achieving its normal full range of motion. Releasing these trigger points can help bring ease and restore function to sore or injured muscle.

Dynamic Stretching and Mobilization

The human body is a machine made for motion. Too often in modern life our bodies sit idle as we type away on computers, drive automobiles or watch television. Very rarely do any of us run from bears anymore. Yet, many of our systems require movement for proper functioning. Our joints need movement to stay lubricated. Our muscles need movement to maintain strength and flexibility. Typically integrated into a broader massage routine, dynamic stretches and joint mobilization help to bring movement and restore lost flexibility to the body.