Complementary techniques are often incorporated into a massage session to boost the therapeutic effect. There is no extra fee for these and are only done with your permission.
Fascial Release
A type of soft tissue massage that incorporates stretching and massage of the connective tissue to release adhesions, which may be causing pain and restriction of movement. The pressure can range from a very gentle touch to deeper pressure, but always within your tolerance. It can feel like a burning sensation or sometimes as though a very gentle or deep stretch is taking place. Excellent for releasing back and hip pain and to improve posture.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting thin needles in certain points on the body to manipulate the flow of energy (qi), to balance the body’s energy, stimulate healing, and promote relaxation.
(Please note that Michele is certified to do acupuncture ONLY for Massage related conditions and it is considered to be part of a Massage therapy session; not billed separately)
Acupressure
An ancient Chinese practice, acupressure uses gentle to firm finger pressure to stimulate pressure points and meridians to release muscular tension, promote circulation of blood, and enhance the body’s life force energy ( qi) to aid in healing itself.
Dry Needling
Similar to acupuncture only in that it uses acupuncture needles. These needles are inserted directly into trigger points to stimulate them and cause them to release tension. Great for chronic and hard to treat conditions.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
High frequency ultrasound waves penetrate deep inside the skin and target the affected area that cannot be reached by other methods such as manual therapy. It has been shown to cause increases in tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. The effect of the increase in local blood flow can be used to help reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation, and, according to some studies, promote bone fracture healing.
Cupping
An ancient form of alternative medicine, which involves placing plastic or silicone cups using a suction technique in order to promote increased blood flow, joint movement and relaxation, as well as reduce pain due to myofascial restrictions.
K-Taping
Specially designed tape is used to lift the skin and allow for increased blood flow, to reduce pain and inflammation, relax tired, overused muscles and to support muscles in motion 24/7. Please advise us if you have an allergy to tape.
Joint Moblization
A gentle and safe manual therapy used when joint mobility is limited, by moving joints in specific directions and at different speeds to release painful tension, stiffness, chronic pain, and in some cases to improve the range of motion of a joint