Short descriptions of some of the modalities I draw from:

Myofascial Release:

Fascia is connective tissue, the intricate web that provides support and protection for most structures within the human body, including muscle, arteries, organs, bones, etc. I believe that many of our problems/pains lie here, not in the muscles. This soft tissue can become restricted due to inactivity, overuse, poor postural habits, trauma, injury, or infectious agents, etc. Fascial restrictions most always result in pain, muscle tension, and corresponding diminished blood flow and trigger points. Fascia is what shapes our body, what gives our muscles the room to move and the stability they need. Fascial work seeks to establish musculoskeletal homeostasis (balance) in the body and is one of the main components of orthopaedic massage. 

Shiatsu:

is a Japanese form of bodywork and energywork. It translates to "finger pressure" and uses a number of compression techniques, rocking and stretches which are meant to stimulate and balance the meridians (energychannels) of the body to achieve balance. I find Shiatsu stimulating and extremely relaxing at once. I offer a shiatcu full body session addressing all the meridians in the body. The work incorporates rocking and finger pressure techniques that feel great.

Aquatic Bodywork:
We let the water helps us, support us, keep us ever so slightly moving at all times. Undulating and floating. We understand stillness and movement as a continuous flow, an ongoing cycle. The client is supported on flotation cushions or simply held by me. Aquatic sessions include passive bodywork as well as active movement in an environment that allows for ease of motion and freedom not possible on land. This wok is soothing to the soul, calms the mind and frees the body. I am inspired by Watsu and took continuing education with James Orsi (www.innerwave.net)

Trigger Point Therapy:

A trigger point is a tight and 'conjested' area within muscle tissue ( a taut band) that causes pain in other parts of the body. Each trigger point has a typical referral pattern. For example, a trigger point in the Sterno Cleido Mastoid muscle (front of the neck) could be felt as a headache or pain against the side of the head. The pain could be sharp and intense or a dull ache. Trigger point therapy is very specific work and is easily painful. With a gentle and slow approach, the trigger points can be released effectively and the person feels the positive effects right away. Trigger points are ischemic tissues (compression causes poor oxygenation) and by releasing the tension in those points, blood flow can be reinstated and with it the proper function of the muscle at large.

Orthopedic Massage:

Orthopedic massage is a type of massage therapy that is focused on treating painful musculoskeletal conditions which affect the soft tissues of the body. We seek re-organization and normalization of the body to achieve proper alignment and a pain free ease of movement. Orthopaedic massage draws from various modalities to achieve long lasting results. Such modalities are Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Structural integration, Trigger Point Work, stretching and strengthening exercises, and more. Orthopaedic Massage works on specific goals, which is also relaxing, if you think about how much better you can breathe, sleep and move about when the pain or tightness has eased or subsided. I took continuing education with James Waslaski (www.orthomassage.net)