Forms of Massage

There are many forms of bodywork that exist to benefit both general and specific populations - after all, people have been practicing intentional touch for thousands of years. Below is a list of modalities that I commonly practice and blend together to create an integrated therapeutic massage experience. Though there is no predetermined formula here at Cultivate Wellness, I lean on the contemporary science of anatomy and physiology merged with deep listening to meet individuals where they are in the moment.

• Myofascial Techniques - The body’s vessels, organs, muscles, and chambers are all covered in a connective tissue called fascia. Fascia is organized in a web-like structure that is affected by movement (or lack thereof), hydration, repetition, trauma, humidity, temperature and many other factors. Often fascial folds or layers can become dense, restricted, and adhered, limiting movement and function of the body. Myofascial techniques may include deep tissue techniques or gentler techniques similar to Myofascial Release or DermoNeuroModulation. Deeper methods are often slow and sustained, can be broad or more pin-pointed depending on the area and tissue consistency. Lighter methods can be very effective for more sensitive individuals or areas and involves applying gentle sustained pressure on the superficial layers of tissue. These myofascial techniques aim to disrupt connective tissue restrictions, eliminate pain and restore motion. These techniques are usually performed with little to no oils or lotions allowing for more “tack-and-drag” i.e. mechanical advantage.

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage - Manual Lymphatic Drainage, otherwise known as MLD, is a gentle manual technique that directly works with the lymphatic system to encourage the movement of lymph through the body. It involves light, rhythmic movements, moving in a methodical order and across specific lymphatic regions of the body, in repetitions. MLD may help reduce post-surgical and post-injury swelling and is deeply calming for the nervous system. Learn more on my Lymphatic & Post-Surgical Care page.

• Oncology Massage - Trained oncology massage therapists are capable of treating cancer patients and survivors throughout their treatment process and afterwards to support comfort, stress relief, range of motion, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, and scar tissue mobilization. Pressure, methods, and treatment protocols are particularly and importantly adapted to cancer patients and survivors. Special precautions are made on an individual basis - taking into consideration positioning, ports, post-surgical condition, medication, treatment and surgical side effects (both acute and long-term). The goal is always treating the individual with care and integrity while honoring the body’s healing process and reinforcing the power of intentional, informed touch, during every stage.

• Palliative Massage - Palliative massage is intended to comfort the individual without the intention to fix, heal, or change anything. This approach to touch is deeply important to the ritual and practice of touch to help us care for our loved ones, families, and communities. Palliative massage considers the unique needs of individuals facing chronic and terminal conditions, as well as their caregivers. The focus of this work is presence, connection, and gentle touch. Palliative and caregiving massage is offered in my studio, and I also travel to clients on occasion. Please contact me for more information about palliative care at home or in senior living communities.

• Trigger Point (TrP) - A trigger point is an abnormal biochemical and mechanical area in contracted muscle tissue. There are two types of trigger points latent and active. Active trigger points are places in the body causing immediate discomfort or pain with or without the application of touch. Latent means that there is generally no obvious discomfort until the point is touched. In either case, trigger points initiate referral sensation usually categorized as uncomfortable or painful in another location where pressure is not being applied. Applying a trigger point protocol to trigger points can help alleviate pain in the immediate area and also in the area where referral discomfort is present.

• Deep Tissue Massage - Deep tissue massage is generally categorized by pressure that extends beyond the layers of the epidermis and subcutaneous fat tissue to the muscle below. It is generally performed slowly with minimal to moderate oils and lotions. Deep tissue massage can provide great relief and if performed correctly should not cause pain or bruising.

• Swedish Massage - Swedish massage is generally applied at a light to moderate depth. There are four different strokes: effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading the muscles), friction (circular rubbing motions), and tapotement (fast tapping). Often considered a relaxing massage modality that is a great introductory method applied for clients just starting out with bodywork.

• Thai Yoga Massage - Traditional Thai yoga massage involves no oils or lotions and is performed clothed on a mat on the floor. Developed over 2,000 years ago, Thai Yoga Massage is informed by Thai traditional medicine and the movements commonly follow rhythms and energy lines said to be prevalent in the body. It involves some pressing, pulling, moving and stretching of the body. In my studio, Thai-inspired stretching and assisted movement are woven into massage and movement sessions on the table.

• Want to learn more about the benefits of bodywork? Check out the American Massage Therapy Association’s (AMTA) 25 Reasons to Get a Massage article.