Massage & Bodywork for specific issues
Scar Tissue
When tissue is damaged, the body often heals the injury by laying down a lattice, or network, of collagen fibers to act as a substrate as new tissue grows back. The resulting scar tissue is a composite of collagen fibers and new, healthy tissue.
This process is the result of evolutionary biology and makes the new tissue stronger than before to help maintain its integrity should an injury occur again at that location. The trade-off, however, is that the tissue will lose some of its elasticity or functionality or both.
50,000 years ago, the ability of the body to form scar tissue helped keep our ancestors alive. This process is encoded in our DNA and continues to work even though our physical survival may not be at stake.
Once the new tissue has fully formed and the healing process is complete, therapeutic Clinical Deep Tissue massage techniques can be applied to gently break up the network of collagen fibers, leaving only the fully formed and functional healthy tissue. The collagen is reabsorbed and recycled by the body.
Scar tissue can compromise not only the skin but deeper tissues as well like muscles, tendons, ligaments and even organs. Loss of function and/or loss of range of motion may be the result. When this happens, other structures may be called upon to compensate for the decreased functionality. Although this may get you through the short term, it is often not sustainable in the long term.
This process is the result of evolutionary biology and makes the new tissue stronger than before to help maintain its integrity should an injury occur again at that location. The trade-off, however, is that the tissue will lose some of its elasticity or functionality or both.
50,000 years ago, the ability of the body to form scar tissue helped keep our ancestors alive. This process is encoded in our DNA and continues to work even though our physical survival may not be at stake.
Once the new tissue has fully formed and the healing process is complete, therapeutic Clinical Deep Tissue massage techniques can be applied to gently break up the network of collagen fibers, leaving only the fully formed and functional healthy tissue. The collagen is reabsorbed and recycled by the body.
Scar tissue can compromise not only the skin but deeper tissues as well like muscles, tendons, ligaments and even organs. Loss of function and/or loss of range of motion may be the result. When this happens, other structures may be called upon to compensate for the decreased functionality. Although this may get you through the short term, it is often not sustainable in the long term.
Post Cesarean Section Scar Tissue
The effects of a C-section go far beyond the visible scar on the lower abdomen. Many structures and layers of tissue have to be incised to successfully and safely deliver the baby. The multiple layers of scar tissue can cause several types of challenges including loss of sensation, loss of core strength, localized edema, back pain, changes in digestion and elimination, the necessity of another C-section, etc.
For some women, there is also what might be considered emotional scar tissue. Many women look forward to a healthy vaginal delivery and at the last minute something happens which necessitates the C-section. Some of my clients have told me about suppressed negative feelings toward their own body for having “failed” somehow in not being able to deliver their child naturally. In many cases, these women are not given the chance to properly process these emotions because “they have a healthy baby so what is there to complain about?”
So whereas a combination Clinical Deep Tissue and Visceral Manipulation can be applied to address the physical scar tissue, a SomatoEmotional Release session may be able to help the client authentically process and resolve any emotional scar tissue.
Click here to read the testimonials.
For some women, there is also what might be considered emotional scar tissue. Many women look forward to a healthy vaginal delivery and at the last minute something happens which necessitates the C-section. Some of my clients have told me about suppressed negative feelings toward their own body for having “failed” somehow in not being able to deliver their child naturally. In many cases, these women are not given the chance to properly process these emotions because “they have a healthy baby so what is there to complain about?”
So whereas a combination Clinical Deep Tissue and Visceral Manipulation can be applied to address the physical scar tissue, a SomatoEmotional Release session may be able to help the client authentically process and resolve any emotional scar tissue.
Click here to read the testimonials.
Cancer
Although massage won't alter the course of the disease, it can offer many palliative benefits. Many factors will determine the type and duration of the massage such as the client's age, gender, type & stage of the cancer, whether or not the client is currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation and whether or not the client has had any recent surgeries.
Because of the complex nature of the disease, if the client is under the care of an oncologist or other doctor, the massage therapist must first consult with them and get their approval before proceeding with any bodywork. Medical Massage for Cancer Patients is more of an approach to bodywork as opposed to a modality and the research shows that is can reduce anxiety and depression as well as perceived pain.
Because of the complex nature of the disease, if the client is under the care of an oncologist or other doctor, the massage therapist must first consult with them and get their approval before proceeding with any bodywork. Medical Massage for Cancer Patients is more of an approach to bodywork as opposed to a modality and the research shows that is can reduce anxiety and depression as well as perceived pain.
Athletics
Clinical Deep Tissue Massage is especially helpful for athletes of all skill levels. This is because almost every sport (golf, tennis, running, cycling, etc.) requires the athlete to execute repetitive motions with greater than normal force. Over time these actions can create muscle imbalances which can lead to neuro-muscular compensation which can eventually lead to pain. By addressing the root cause of the pain and not just the symptoms, the athlete is able to experience less pain and better performance.
TMJD (Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction)
TMJD can be a very painful issue for people to deal with. Specialized Clinical Deep Tissue Massage techniques can be especially effective to help provide relief. Depending on the situation, these techniques may even be applied intraorally in order to address dysfunction of muscles located in the oral cavity. Some clients have reported drastic reductions in pain and discomfort with the effects lasting for weeks, especially when coupled with TMJD specific self-help techniques given to them after their session.