I operate a little differently than most massage therapists in that I don't have a standard sixty or ninety-minute massage that I do. I believe that you were motivated to come in and part with your hard-earned cash for a reason and that you actually want that issue addressed. I therefore split the time of your massage between your specific complaints to address them as thoroughly as the time allows. If for you that means spending the entire massage on just your shoulders and chest or breaking down the adhesions and scar tissue in one hip, then that's what I do. This means that I do not usually work the full body but that what brought you in the door gets the work that it needs to move towards relief and resolution. It's about creating results that follow you off of the table and out into the world.

As with most massage therapists, I do want you to relax and enjoy your time on my table. However, I am less committed to you drifting peacefully through your massage than I am to your overall health and wellness. While I focus on providing results, I am not here to fix you. I want you to be well, and I expect you to be an active participant in that process. As I notice things in your body I will ask you about them because I want to understand how and why something may be creating areas of tension or pain or decreased range of motion. This approach enables me to better address issues, offer self-care suggestions that might help to improve or prevent them, or provide appropriate referrals for what is out of my scope of practice. I recognize that this level of engagement does not work for everyone. It is, however, my style.


Depth

I work down to the depth where I find the tissue to be responsive. When it ceases to respond, I change pressure or modality. I am capable of doing light work when needed, but the majority of work that I do is quite deep. It is not uncommon for clients to feel sore for the next day or two, as if they have worked out. To the extent that they are hydrated both before and after the massage, this soreness seems to be reduced.

Deep work is sometimes painful. I don't mind hurting you a bit to achieve results as long as it is good, productive pain, but under no circumstances do I wish to injure you. Therefore your ego about how much pressure you can take has no place on my table. I expect open and honest communication from you about pressure or any other concerns you may have regarding the massage.


Breadth

I draw upon my training in Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Fascial Stretching, Skin Rolling, Swedish, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching to tackle specific problems. Those experiencing my work have consistently told me that the blend is both unique and effective. It is frequently intense, but also relaxing.


A Special Few Words for Performers & Athletes

I know you rely on your body to do what you love; I rely on mine in much the same way. If you are actively performing or training, you are likely accustomed to doing so with certain holding patterns of tension. Massage can be highly beneficial in reducing your aches and pains, however sudden over-loosening can cause a loss of coordination and balance due to shifts in your proprioception -- your body's relationship to itself as it exists in and moves through space. I am committed to working with you to find the right balance of work for where you are in your performance or training schedule to help you do your best, as well as to recover from the stresses of doing so.


Credentials

Education: Massage Therapist & Health Educator, National Holistic Institute, Emeryville CA (2004)
Certification: National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCTMB, 2005)
Professional Organization: American Massage Therapy Association (Member since 2004)


About Me

I have a unique relationship to injury and chronic pain. I was born too stretchy -- a rubber band in the shape of a girl. Since I was very young I have been plagued by soft-tissue injuries due to this stretchiness and the inherent instability it causes across the joints. I've blown discs, dislocated shoulders, torn cartilage in my chest and ribs, and had countless subluxations, sprains, and strains. I came to my studies in massage and acupuncture because Western Medicine's offerings of NSAIDS, narcotics, and cortisone injections frequently caused more problems for me than they resolved.

In addition to my massage education I have a B.S. in Plant Biology, a professional background in bookkeeping, an artistic background in lost wax casting, and am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Oriental Medicine. I spend most of what little free time I have cooking and gardening.


Barter & Trade Possibilities

Barter and trade are available on a very limited basis for things that I need and with people whom I feel comfortable. If you have solid, professional experience wrenching on old VW buses (1600 cc upright) and/or old Honda motorcycles, or in masonry, carpentry, electrical, welding, custom cabinetry, concrete countertops or portraiture photography, a trade of services may be negotiable. I am also presently looking for a reliable source of organic, local, pastured eggs from hens raised with love and respect.