I have been a Licensed massage Therapist since 1989 and a Certified Rolfer since 2001. I have also trained in Myofascial Release and Neuromuscular Therapy, as well as many other massage modalities over the years. I focus on bodywork that helps people quickly heal from acute and chronic pain and injury. I call my unique blend of Rolfing, Myofascial Release, and Neuromuscular Therapy “medical massage.” I am also trained in the application of Kinesiotape, a medical and athletic taping system that helps the body recover from pain, injury, and bruising, while also supporting the muscles and stabilizing joints. Whether we are doing the Rolfing Series, or session work outside of it, my goal is to help you while you’re on AND off my table.
I believe that every person possesses an inner wisdom regarding their body’s needs. It is my practice to trust that intuition and work within that framework. I do this by combining my expertise and experience with your inherent understanding of your own body in a way that will serve you the most. We work together as a team to help you get the most out of your body, so we will discuss your goals to develop a plan of treatment that works best for you.
Over the years I have combined my training and experience in a way that maximize results for each client on my table. My work is considered deep tissue, and to be clear, it’s as deep as your body will LET me go. I never work past your pain threshold, but rather inside it. Yes, even with Rolfing… rumors about Rolfing being incredibly painful are just that … rumors. If you are looking for a relaxing massage, that is not me — but if you contact me I will be happy to refer you to someone that does that.
It is my goal for any bodywork to be the best thing you ever experienced, and I can only do that if my work is effective, and I can only be effective if you give me immediate feedback.
For more information on the things I just mentioned see below.
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Rolfing is named after its founder, Dr. Ida P Rolf. Rolfing is the brand name for Structural Integration and is a form of bodywork that reorganizes (repairs) the connective tissues in the body, called fascia, which permeate the entire body. I think of Rolfing as “corrective massage.”
More than fifty years ago, Dr. Rolf recognized that the body is inherently a system of seamless networks of tissues rather than a collection of separate parts. These connective tissues surround, support and penetrate all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Rolfing works on this web-like complex of connective tissues to release, realign and balance the whole body.
Essentially, the Rolfing process enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, thus enhancing postural efficiency and your freedom of movement. Since Rolfing dramatically alters a person’s posture and structure, it frequently resolves patterns of discomfort and releases tension which eliminates chronic pain. Rolfing aims to restore flexibility, revitalize your energy and leave you feeling more comfortable in your body.
Athletes, dancers, children, business professionals, and people from all walks of life have benefited from Rolfing. People seek Rolfing as a way to ease pain and chronic stress, and improve performance in their professional and daily activities. It’s estimated that more than 1 million people have received Rolfing work.
Research has demonstrated that Rolfing creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement. Research also shows that Rolfing significantly reduces chronic stress and changes the body’s structure. For example, a study showed that Rolfing significantly reduced the spinal curvature of subjects with lordosis (sway back); it also showed that Rolfing enhances neurological functioning.
The term “Rolfing” is the nickname that many clients and practitioners give this work. It is now a registered service mark in 27 countries. There are currently 1660 Certified Rolfers in 41 countries.
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Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater.
Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.
Fascia also plays an important role in the support of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all structures. These structures would not be able to provide the stability without the constant pull of the fascial system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent poles, which cannot support the structure without the constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or body) to remain upright with proper equilibrium.
In the normal healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration. It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction. When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation, however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight, restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just habitual poor posture over time and repetitive stress injuries has a cumulative effects. The changes they cause in the fascial system influence comfort and the functioning of our body. The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability to withstand stress and strain.
The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, through the enhancement of strength, flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.
(Reprinted with permission from the Myofascial Release Treatment Center, Paoli, PA)
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NMT is a thorough program of recovery from acute and chronic pain syndromes which utilizes specific massage therapy, flexibility stretching, and home care to eliminate the causes of most neuromuscular pain patterns. This specific and scientific approach to muscular pain relief will help to bring about balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. NMT enhances the function of joints, muscles and biomechanics (movement) and it releases endorphins, the body’s own natural pain killers. It can be part of a comprehensive program, complementing all other health care modalities.
Neuromuscular Therapy examines six physiological factors that may create or intensify pain patterns. These six factors are: ischemia, trigger points, nerve entrapment/compression, postural distortions, nutrition, emotional well-being.
(Reprinted with permission by Judith DeLany’s NMT Center — link at title)
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Kinesio® Taping is the definitive rehabilitative taping method within the international medical community.
Kinesio® Tex Tape (or Kinesio Tape for short) has the ability to:
• Re-educate the neuromuscular system
• Reduce pain
• Enhance performance
• Prevent injury
• Promote good circulation and healing
With over 35 years of experience, Kinesio® is the only elastic therapeutic tape that you can trust with your health.
Cornerstones of The Kinesio® Taping Method :
- Taping over and around muscles in order to assist and give support or to prevent over-contraction.
- Applying stretch to the tape or to the target area in order to create space under the skin and create the desired effect on the musculature.
- Affecting change in deeper layers of fascia by manipulating the skin and muscle.
- Creating space underneath the skin to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.
- Utilizing a number of corrective techniques to promote correct muscle and joint function
- Pain relief by targeting the pain and the source of the pain
This easy-to-learn technique is not only economical, but also reimbursable through many insurance carriers. Kinesio® Tex Tape is completely latex free, water resistant, and made from the highest quality materials meaning it can be used by patients of every age and condition for 3-5 days per application.
(Taken from kinesiotaping.com — awaiting permission. Link at title)
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