When you're injured or in pain, then focused, "treatment-style" bodywork may be called for to relieve pain and discomfort and restore function. Treatment massage usually focuses on a particular problem area, as opposed to a more general "wellness" or "relaxation" massage, which addresses most of the body.

When treating injury or pain, I use a variety of techniques, including deep tissue work, myofascial work, and trigger point therapy, as well as extremely gentle, subtle techniques such as positional release, energy work, lymphatic massage, and working with the muscle reflexes.

I emphasize gentle treatment. With sensitive palpation skills and a slow, patient approach, tight or painful muscles, muscle spasms, and painful “knots” usually resolve without painful, invasive bodywork.

When deep tissue, myofascial, or trigger point therapies are indicated, I work slowly, sensitively, and in close communication with my client to make sure that any discomfort is within a range that is tolerable. With this approach, my clients often find that even these more aggressive therapies are pleasant.

If you are suffering from an acute injury, lymphatic massage can be used the very next day to relieve swelling and hasten recovery.

Whenever possible, I integrate treatment-oriented bodywork with energy work, and also emphasize education about the causes of soft-tissue pain and self-care at home. I also try to incorporate some "relaxation massage" into all treatment sessions whenever possible--because I believe that it's so good for specific healing and general wellness.