Integrative Bodywork: A Manual Therapy
CranioSacral & Myofascial Therapy
Integrating the parts of the body that feel fragmented and separate from the whole self. It is my belief and experience that in order to heal, all areas need to be worked with. This includes not only the physical, but the mental, emotional, and psychological parts of you. We are energetic beings that at our best are in a light, grounded, strong, clear state with freely flowing energy from head to toe.
Integrative Bodywork is not your typical Swedish style spa massage. My structural and functional approach facilitates change through the use of touch. This is deep work that has varying levels of intensity depending on the techniques utilized. Some tissues tend to unwind themselves with very little effort while others need more coaxing. I am looking to see how the body is working as a unit? Where is there compensation? Are there patterns? Was there an injury leading to this pattern? Your body awareness and feedback helps guide the session.
Many years and many bodies have taught me that the pain is NOT the source of the problem.
The pain is your CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. It is your body’s signal that something needs addressing.
Many people seek Manual Therapy because they are in pain and tend to feel like they have tried everything. Many are exhausted, anxious, depleted and have lost hope. Their pain and anxiety meds have quit working and their pain management doctor isn’t helping. This life-long cycle of requiring more and more drugs has created a dependence that becomes the focus of a person’s life. The physician forgets that this patient is a person and not just the sum of parts.
What to Expect in a Session
Your Integrative Bodywork session will begin with a discussion and an assessment. Most sessions are performed with the client wearing comfortable clothing such as running shorts and a tank top or sports bra or swimsuit. We will discuss what is best for you with the type of therapy we will be doing. Breasts and genitals will always be covered. If a session does require less clothing, I will always drape you. Long compression-type shorts are difficult to work on as they are too slippery. I would prefer that those not be worn during your session.
You will typically lay face up or face down on a massage table fitted with a face cradle. A table warmer, pillows, bolsters, sheets and blankets are also available if we need them. We may need to reposition you a few times depending on what we are doing during your session. I will always explain how or why I am positioning in certain ways. You can always say no!
I encourage you to ask questions and interact during the session as to how you are feeling. It is most important to me that you feel safe and comfortable. An Integrative Bodywork session will consist of CranioSacral and Myofascial techniques. There will always be time at the end of the session for you to integrate the work, ask questions and share your experience.