Therapeutic Massage

I handle the issues in your tissues!

Testimonials

My mission is to be your favorite massage therapist in Gainesville Fl.  I believe in life-long learning and in asking questions to get to the root issues.

 

Are you retired?  Maybe sit at a desk for hours at a time for work?  Are you willing to be slightly active throughout a massage therapy session?  I want to help figure out what might be going on with your body, so that you can get back to feeling good.

stress relief massage therapy

MASSAGE THERAPY

I am continually amazed at our body’s innate knowledge and ability to heal itself.  With compassion and honesty, I support each client in learning to listen to their body. Communication with each other and understanding one’s body are essential to rediscovering our natural balance. My intention is to create an open and comfortable space for healing and personal growth.

Massage has been used for centuries to help decrease pain, increase range of motion, and to maintain health.  Healing massage therapy can serve many purposes and the experience is unique for everyone. A session could offer much needed relaxation, be a way of helping your body overcome an injury or chronic health concern, a way of learning to listen to your body, or be a part of your health-maintenance program. Everyone’s needs are different, and I am committed to providing a nurturing and safe environment where every client is able to experience the therapeutic benefits of massage.  

There are multiple modalities and techniques that fall under the heading of massage.  Everything from deep tissue massage to dynamic stretching.  Since every BODY is unique, each massage should be as well.  Because of my training, I pull from a variety of techniques and modalities so that I can create a customized massage that will address the issues or needs that are important for YOU.

INTEGRATIVE MASSAGE THERAPY

Integrative massage therapy is, by definition, a blending of multiple techniques.  Usually my massages are a combination of the following modalities:

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relaxation massage therapy gainesville fl

Swedish or Relaxation Massage (not deep pressure)

  • This is the massage that people usually think of right away.  It is designed to relax the muscles and energize the body to improve health.  Rather than deep pressure, relaxation massage uses movements like long strokes, kneading, vibration, percussion, and tapping / rolling.  Massage oil or lotion is utilized, which helps reduce friction and protects the skin.
  • This type of massage is perfect for relaxing and relieving the stress of everyday life.  Through manipulation of muscles and joints – stress and pain is lessened, and circulation is improved.
  • Swedish massage has also been shown to be good for your heart, to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and to improve the immune system!

Cupping

 Involves lifting of muscle tissue, creating space for lymph / blood flow.  This is an ancient practice incorporating local suction on the skin with the application of heated cups.  Cupping therapy can help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well being.  The cups themselves can be made of silicone, earthenware, bamboo or glass.  This practice dates back to ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern and Egyptian cultures.  

integrative massage therapy gainesville fl

Isometric / Isotonic 'exercise' Massage

Client is active, using about 10% of their strength – In Isometric massage therapy involves contracting a muscle without moving the body part and stretching.  This helps tight muscles learn to relax and for weak muscles to strengthen.  Isometric massage is especially beneficial to those recovery from surgery, having neck/shoulder issues, lower back pain, etc.

Positional Muscle Relaxation Massage

Positional Muscle relaxation is a gentle, non invasive type of bodywork.  It is very effective for those suffering from chronic stress and pain and problems associated with imbalances.  This modality is all about listening to your body and facilitating it’s ability to self-correct.  The body is always trying to protect itself.  It is designed to function well – but sometimes gets into unhealthy habits.  These unhealthy habits or patterns take effort to change.  I will help your body re-learn how best to support itself.  Positional muscle relaxation reduces chronic tension and soothes the joints.  This results in increased flexibility, improved circulation and relaxation.

orthobionomy, spinal touch, massage
Integrative massage therapy gainesville, fl

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue – may be slightly uncomfortable, but not deep enough to make the body tense in reaction.  Deep tissue massage is not just a firmer swedish / relaxation massage.  True deep tissue massage uses very firm pressure and slow strokes designed to reach the deep layers of muscle and fascia.  Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscle.  Deep tissue massage can be very effective in treating sports injuries and back pain.  By getting into the layers of muscle and fascia, the body’s tension is released.  You can expect a sense of relaxation and an increase in blood and lymph circulation.

The integrative massage therapy technique is based on the premise that problems cannot be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach.  Each individual issue of the body can be targeted and addressed in a unique way, bringing the best outcome.  While massage therapy may be a treat, it is most definitely a treatment.  

 

In many cases, an integrative approach is one in which the client takes an active approach, versus a more passive role like would happen in a relaxation massage.  This is exactly why I cultivate a relationship with my clients, so that you feel safe and comfortable. We will discuss your goals and how we can get you to a place where you can reach them.  I am one member of your wellness team, and look forward to partnering with you on this journey!

Benefits of Massage

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related.  And perhaps nothing ages us faster – both internally and externally – than high stress.  Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress.

Massage therapy is an effective tool for managing stress, which translates to:
  • Decreased anxiety.
  • Enhanced sleep quality.
  • Greater energy.
  • Improved concentration.
  • Increased circulation.
  • Reduced fatigue.

Bodywork can help address a number of issues

  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
  • Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
  • Ease medication dependence.
  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
  • Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
  • Increase joint flexibility.
  • Lessen depression and anxiety.
  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
  • Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
  • Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
  • Reduce spasms and cramping.
  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
  • Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
  • Relieve migraine pain.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.

A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.