Services
Below you will find a list of the different types of bodywork I practice. I will frequently use more than one of these modalities in a session, but the price is always the same regardless of how many types of bodywork I use. It's simply a matter of finding the right combination and style that works best for you.
Swedish Massage
The most common type of massage. It involves kneading, long strokes, and friction techniques to reduce pain and promote relaxation. Ever have someone rub your shoulders? That is one example of a Swedish Massage stroke. Just about everyone has experienced this type of massage in some form and almost every session will include it to some degree.
Deep Tissue Massage
This is another very common massage technique and one I use frequently. It is designed to release tension in the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. Using slow, deep pressure with either knuckles, palms, fingers or elbows, the Deep Tissue therapist can break up scar tissue and soften muscle knots, all of which relieve pain and create greater range of motion.
Sports Massage
This type of massage therapy focuses on muscle groups and injuries related to a particular sport. For example, a runner who jogs 5 miles every morning will have tension in a different set of muscles than a competitive swimmer would. Anyone from a casual weekend golfer to a dedicated marathon runner can benefit from this type of therapy. The type of massage techniques will vary depending on whether the massage is being performed immediately before, during, or after a sporting event, or in between events. I have worked with many different athletes at the University of Maryland in such diverse sports as basketball, soccer, swimming, football, and wrestling. I have also done post-event massage the Columbia Triathlon, Eagleman Triathlon, Marine Corps Marathon, Iron Girl, and the National Marathon in DC.
Pregnancy Massage
The mother-to-be can sometimes experience many adverse changes in her body throughout her pregnancy. Backaches, headaches, edema, cramping and fatigue are just some of the more common complaints. Many of these problems can be alleviated with specific massage and acupressure techniques. It is recommended massage be performed in the 2nd and 3rd trimester only.
Myofascial Release
This is a technique that engages and stretches the connective tissue of the body. It relies less on compression into the muscle and more on a stretching of the fascia that surrounds it. It is less forceful (and sometimes less painful) than deep tissue, but still a potentially powerful way to release contricted motion.
Therapeutic Stretching
Since many pain patterns have been linked to short and contracted muscles, stretching is a valuable tool to getting people out of discomfort. By elongating certain muscles through stretching, we can improve musculo-skeletal alignment, ease pressure on nerves, and reduce discomfort caused by repititive strain or poor posture.
Thai Massage (Nuad Bo-Rarn)
I receive 60 hours of training in this type of bodywork at the International Training Massage School in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This type of massage has a tradition that goes back thousands of years to the ancient temples. It is done on a soft mat on the floor, and the person receiving receiving the massage remains fully clothed. The massage itself consists of thumb and palm pressure on energy lines and points, and a great deal of stretching movements that will be familiar to any Yoga student. Thai Massage is sometimes humorously referred to as "lazy man's Yoga" for this reason, because it is like having a Yoga session done to you instead of you doing it yourself. The end result is both relaxing and energizing at the same time. Thai Massage is only available for 60 minute sessions and longer in order that you may receive the full benefit. (90 minutes is recommended).
On-site Seated massage
For more information on this service, click here.