Spotswood Trail Offers a Wide Variety of Massage Modalities
Massage Modalities
Swedish Massage
Long, soothing strokes to relieve stress and encourage deep relaxation.
Myofascial Release
Fascia is a sheet of connective tissue fibers, primarily collagen, that forms beneath the skin to attach, stabilize, enclose and separate muscles and internal organs. This slow, gentle technique stretches the body’s connective tissue to relieve muscular tension.
Massage Cupping / Vacuum Cupping / Medi-Cupping / Magnetic Cupping
Massage cupping originated in China. By creating suction and negative pressure, massage cupping loosens fascia and connective tissue, thereby softening tight muscles and loosening adhesions. This process brings in fluids and blood to body tissues, drains excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways, and dispels stagnation. Conditions that respond well to massage cupping include, but are not limited to, fibromyalgia, sciatica, TMJ, arthritis, sluggish colon, IBS, scars, and adhesions. Massage cupping is a gentle, non-invasive technique.
Fibromyalgia Massage
The cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. What is known is the chronic, debilitating pain experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers. By releasing the tight fascia around the muscles, the severity of pain can be reduced. Swedish massage techniques tend to be too superficial; deep tissue massage can create a fibroflare; and myofascial release is effective but can be very painful, especially around the Tender Points. This massage technique blends the best of several techniques while being conscientious about the needs of fibromyalgia sufferers.
Cancer / Oncology / Pre & Post-Mastectomy Massage
Gentle, relaxing bodywork techniques help reconnect the body after invasive techniques. These massage techniques are different than a standard massage. Less pain, more sleep and increased lymphatic flow are some examples of the benefits of this type of massage. Special cushions provide comfort for mastectomy clients. Please note: If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment, you will need a doctor’s release.
Pregnancy Massage
Massage therapy during pregnancy can relieve the discomforts and depression brought on by hormonal changes. Reducing hormones associated with depression is tied to fewer birth and newborn complications. Combining pregnancy massage with prenatal care improves overall health including mood, cardiovascular health, swelling, back and joint pain, and better sleep.
For moms who are past the first trimester, this massage combines several techniques and uses special supports to help promote comfort during the session. Massage during pregnancy helps relieve muscle soreness, allowing mom to experience relaxation.
Specialty Massages
Gina’s Gift: Somatic Healing & Nervous System Balancing
A Somatic Healing and Nervous System Balancing Session helps release trauma that is stored in fascia. These interactive sessions bring your body out of the fight/flight response of the sympathetic nervous system and reset your vagus nerve to the body’s preferred parasympathetic mode of rest/relax. You will also learn various somatic movements and vagus nerve reset techniques.
Pre / Post Tongue-Tie Therapy and Myofunctional Therapy
Preparation for and continued work post tongue-tie procedure. I work with your healthcare provider to help facilitate a quicker and more effective recovery. Tongue-tie therapy incorporates general bodywork, scar tissue release and craniosacral therapy. I work with infants, children and adults.
Myofunctional therapy focuses on exercises for the face, mouth and tongue. The four goals of myofunctional therapy are nasal breathing, closed lips, correct tongue placement and correct swallowing.
Manual Lymphatic / Lymphatic Cupping / Hot Stone Lymphatic Massage
This gentle therapy flushes the lymphatic system, especially after the removal of lymph nodes. Even when only one lymph node is removed, the lymphatic system doesn’t work as efficiently and becomes sluggish. Lymph nodes are an important part of our immune system and filters out infections. Vacuum cupping is also used to help move fluid. This technique uses slow movements and only the pressure of a dime.
This deeper lymphatic therapy uses hot gemstones and flushes the lymphatic system. This type of lymphatic massage reduces swelling in the extremities and relieves that sluggish, achy feeling.
Noninvasive Bodywork
We all lead very busy lives and are always on the go. As a result, our nervous system is usually in the fight-or-flight mode (sympathetic nervous system). We may have a hard time turning off that fight-or-flight mode and going into a more relaxed state (parasympathetic nervous system). These techniques help us to be mindful, pause, take a breath and be still, and allow our bodies to sink into a relaxed state. These therapies are done fully clothed with very light touch.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy uses subtle movements with the spine, skull, cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia to release restrictions and to allow cerebrospinal fluid to flow freely, bringing the central nervous system into a relaxed, parasympathetic state. Craniosacral therapy is effective for migraines, traumatic brain injuries, TMJ disorders, fibromyalgia, PTSD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety and many other conditions. Craniosacral is helpful for infants, children and adults. A softer touch can do so much.
Zen Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork (based on Traditional Chinese Medicine) applying finger pressure to specific points on meridians. Acupressure, kneading, tapping, compression and stretching are incorporated in this form of bodywork to help break up the underlying fascia.
Harmonizing heartfelt care with healing hands.
Unwind.
Relax.
Enjoy.
