Postural Massage Therapy

The good news is that in most cases there is nothing "wrong" with your muscles, however achey and sore they may be.  In most cases, they are painful because they are not being used as they were designed to function.  Muscles, fascia, joints and ligaments could be compensating for an imbalance somewhere else.  That's what I'm looking for.  Muscles may be overused, and/or misused, and tight, underused and weak, inflamed, or have scar tissue - conditions which frequently lead to restricted movement and function.  

A word about Trigger Points:

Those hot spots of pain you experience could be "trigger points".  These are small contracted bands, or 'knots' located in strained muscles/tendons, fascia, or ligaments, and are most often the result of small tears in the tissue.  They are highly sensitive, irritable, and often refer pain elsewhere.  When treated properly, and postural corrections/movement patterns are introduced, they can be reduced, or resolved entirely.  

However, they very often return if the repetitive strain which caused them is not identified and managed.  During exercise, you may be trying to strengthen muscles that have trigger points within the tissue, but since the tissue is already contracted, attempts to strengthen the muscle will worsen these spots. 

👉 Similarly, if you strengthen when you're misaligned, you could be strengthening in the position of the misalignment. 👈

Our past emotional traumas can get locked into our muscles and our holding patterns; something I come across regularly.  Research in neuroscience has found that the body and mind are inextricably linked, and not just an idea.  Connecting with your body during massage heightens your ability to discover and release tensions blocked emotions.  

Scar tissue will often directly affect muscle function and subsequently inhibit movement.  Some neurological conditions can also affect muscle function.  Assessing and treating the tissue appropriately can bring about positive changes that promote mobility and relieve pain. 

What to expect in your first session:

After reviewing your pain/injury history, we'll also do a postural assessment together.  Each session will include immediate postural adjustments, exercise instruction, and massage therapy.  Massage facilitates the postural realignment process by relieving pain and softening tissue for ease of movement. 

I'll work with you to balance your therapeutic needs with your need to unwind and recalibrate. As we settle the body, the mind also settles.  I love using heat, essential oils, gua sha, and the best meditative music I can find.  My hands-on tends to be slow and specific.