Massage Marvels Techniques
Cranio-Sacral Therapy
Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a light touch, whole body treatment technique developed by Dr. John Upledger. This technique works with the body’s cranio-sacral system to support and nourish the central nervous system. Attention is given to enhancing circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and encouraging the body’s natural rhythms to improves the body’s ability to heal itself.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation is a manual therapy consisting of gentle, specifically placed manual forces that assess the structural relationships between the viscera (organs), and their fascial or ligamentous attachments to the various systems of the body. Visceral Manipulation assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive, eliminatory, neuroendocrine and lymphatic dysfunction.
Neural Manipulation
Neural Manipulation is a light-touch hands-on treatment that releases local nerve restrictions while at the same time examines the effects these local fixations have on the rest of the body, and by accessing this relationship, changes the more comprehensive(global) dysfunctional patterns. In short, neural manipulation enhances proper functioning of the nervous system.
Applied Postural Mechanics
Applied Postural Mechanics is a set of assessment and treatment tools developed by Darryl Burch that apply pin-point specific soft-tissue releases to bring the body into an archetype of posture and balance. APM techniques have evolved over 40 years from the basis of Muscle Energy Technique concepts. These advanced techniques, many of which focus on the intrinsic muscles of the spine help the body achieve alignment relieving inflammation and compression of surrounding soft tissues such as disks, nerves, and blood vessels. This modality is ideal for someone who’s tried old school chiropractic adjustments with little success (either tensing in anticipation of a crunch or losing their adjustment quickly due to hypermobility). With APM, there are no abrupt thrust manuevers, and your spine isn’t being shoved back in place; the therapist is guiding you in retraining your muscles to relax in very specific areas and as your body is ready, spontaneous alignment results!
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy is a system of massage techniques that were developed in the 1930’s by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. It uses a holistic approach towards healing, emphasizing and stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Neuromuscular therapy also enhances the function of joints and muscles, and accelerates the overall healing process by facilitating the release of endorphins. Experiencing this modality of massage can be very intense due to its deep pointed nature. Neuromuscular therapy is very effective in releasing scar tissue.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a technique used to warm and stretch the connective tissue called fascia. Fascia coats each muscle, muscle fiber, and creates a layer of tissue coating the whole body beneath the skin. Fascia can become tight and bunched up similar to how muscles can feel full of knots. When fascia is not smooth it is like a knit sweater with a snag in it that pulls in places other than only where the snag is felt.
Medical Massage
Medical massage is defined as massage prescribed by a doctor. Treatment is specific to an injury or illness, such as whiplash from a car accident and may employ the use of any of the above mentioned techniques.
Integrative Pelvic Bodywork
Integrative Pelvic Bodywork is an approach to assessing and treating pelvic floor dysfunctions. Sessions begin with dialog regarding consent, concerns, and goals and only proceed further as the patient chooses. Further steps may include myofascial assessment and treatment of the hips, abdomen, and vulva, external and internal vaginal and/or rectal assessment and treatment of pelvic floor muscles, sphincters, and pelvic organs. Instruction and feedback is given regarding pelvic muscle exercises and relaxation techniques. Awareness may also be drawn to breath and pelvic energy flow.
(This service is currently only available to those identifying as their original birth genders. If that’s not you, I can refer you to a practitioner who specializes in working with trans folks.)