The power of touch has been studied and found to be essential to life itself, but I don’t think we have even begun to scratch the surface of what human touch can do to stimulate our immune system, support us as we heal from trauma, help to reduce chronic pain, and increase range of motion.

Obtaining and maintaining an optimum posture is the key to many people finding the answer to their quest of an increased sense of well-being and stamina as well as lowering the effects of chronic tight muscles. Posture can reveal many things. Among them are where we are restricted in movement, where old injuries may be keeping us from full range of motion and where the fascia is restricted and keeping us in an asymmetrical strained position. In my attempt to assist my clients, I have found that working with the fascia and soft tissue of the body to affect posture is one of the most important elements in helping clients to achieve their goals.

There are many approaches to bodywork, and I use different approaches according to the specific goal and preferences of the client. My techniques include Swedish massage, soft tissue, deep tissue, craniosacral therapy, and myofascial to name a few.  Many clients are stunned to realize that a soft supportive touch over clothing can be more effective at releasing tight and sore muscles than a deep tissue session. And most are pleasantly surprised at how relaxed soft tissue work makes them feel. Although deep tissue work can be the best treatment at times, it is not the only tool in the bodywork toolbox when things get very tight and stuck. This is great news for a vast majority of people who are already dealing with a good load of pain and suffering as deep tissue work may add to their load. The old adage of “no pain, no gain” does not always prove true, especially in those who have pain due to one or more traumas.

No matter what the issue, stroke-related muscle atrophy, numerous concussions, or chronic pain, I always encourage my clients to keep seeking answers to their discomforts. Having suffered for many years with chronic pain before finding relief, I believe there is always hope!

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:

• 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 post-surgery 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 headache pain.