Bodywork Services

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Therapeutic Massage 

 Therapeutic massage is a general term that describes any type of massage modality that helps relieve pain, reduce stress, and work on a specific problem—such as a frozen shoulder. People tend to assume therapeutic massage means deep tissue massage, and that they will get a very strong massage. But this is not always the case. Deep tissue massage is great at breaking down scar tissue and getting your blood circulating, but it may not be what you need on a particular day. A good therapist will apply the specific techniques and the right amount of pressure to address your need, and sometimes that’s a lighter touch. 

All therapists

Swedish Massage


Swedish massage is now known as “traditional” massage. In the 1820’s a Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrink Ling, developed the first modern method of massage through his study of physiology, gymnastics, and the massage techniques barrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Swedish massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and wellbeing. 

All therapists except Jeremy

Chair Massage


This is usually a short session, for relaxation in any atmosphere. You are fully clothed in a special chair designed to relax you. Because the chair is completely portable, you may see chair massage at the airport or health club. You can also have them come to your office or business to massage the staff or guests at a party. 

Gretchen, and Rebecca

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman’s body and is a time for the body to be nurtures and pampered. This massage not only relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and shift in the center of gravity to the body, but it reduces swelling, soothes the nervous system, acts as a tonic, reduces fatigue, and enhances energy. Gretchen is a certified Pregnancy massage therapist. She will massage from week 3 to birth and is also a doula. 

Because there are two theories on pregnancy massage, Charmain, Sandy, and Sarah will not massage until 12 weeks. 

Couples

YOU MUST BOOK THROUGH OFFICE 518-523-7100 -Our Earth Room downstairs offers a beautiful and spacious room for up to three clients at a time. It's mostly used for couples that would like an intimate massage treatment. When booking online you will need to individually book. So, finding two therapists available at the same time. 

All Therapists except Jeremy

Reflexology


Popularized in the United States by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930’s, this is an acupressure type technique performed on hands and feet and is based on the ancient Oriental theory that meridians lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body. Because each zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet, stimulating that reflex point causes stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline- type deposits and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health. 

Gretchen, Rebecca, Laura, and Sandy

Craniosacral Therapy


Within the craniosacral system is the cerebrospinal fluid that moves in a slight but perceptible tide like manner. Craniosacral therapists assist in facilitating change in areas of restriction where this tide like motion is limited, confined, and immobilized. By using a gentle light touch, this fluid becomes more rhythmic and balanced, and the central nervous system is restored. Craniosacral Therapy is helpful to those with nervous disorders, motor-coordination impairments, attention deficit disorders, insomnia, and other problems. Craniosacral Therapy was originally developed in the early 1900’s by an osteopath named William G. Sutherland and later refined and promoted by Dr. John Upledger. 

Jeremy, Amy and Rebecca can incorporate it into your massage. 

Please book under deep tissue.

Medi Cupping


This is an eastern technique used create a negative pressure allowing fluids & toxins to be eliminated. This process also brings blood flow to the muscle loosening adhesions. The machine can help with IBS, Fibromyalgia, neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, lymphatic drainage, body contouring (break up cellulite), and many more.

Gretchen, Rebecca, Charmain, and Angie 

Manual Cupping

Cupping is a type of alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction is thought to improve the flow of energy in the body and facilitate healing. 

Gretchen, Rebecca, Laura, and Jeremy

Himalayan Salt Massage

Saltability, 100% pure Himalayan crystal salt, considered the purest and most beneficial salt ever discovered on earth, contains 84 naturally occurring minerals and salts. 

Resonating at the Earth’s frequency, Himalayan salt balances and neutralizes the ill effects of the toxic frequencies we live with every day.

Benefits of Himalayan Salt

1. Supports a healthy respiratory system and sinuses.
2. Boosts bone health and prevents muscle cramps.
3. Improves circulation.
4. Improves digestion and reduces acid reflux.
5. Relieves anxiety and addresses insomnia.
6. Provides great alternative to aluminum-based antiperspirant products.
7. Lightly exfoliates the skin and is highly relaxing.
8. Emits negative ions when heated, delivering a myriad of health benefits, from higher mental alertness to protection against germs in the air. 

Charmain, Rebecca, Laura, Angie, Amy and Sandy.

Hot Stone Massage


Developed in the Midwest for use in health spas, this technique uses stones that have been heated. These stones are positioned on the body and some are gently moved about with light pressure being exerted on the warm stones.  

Laura, Angie, Amy, Charmain, Sandy, and Rebecca

Kinesio Taping


The Kinesio Taping Method is designed to facilitate the body's natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body's range of motion. The tape is hypoallergenic, water resistant and can stay on approximately 3-5 days. A treatment can be used for acute, sun acute, rehabilitative and chronic issues. It can be used with other modalities to enhance your results. 

Gretchen, Rebecca, Sarah and Jeremy

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Tools are stainless steel tools to help free adhesions and release stuck fascia. 

Gretchen, Rebecca, Sarah and Jeremy

Myofascial Release Johns Barnes Method

Myofascial Release, or MFR, is a bodywork method that seeks to release the body’s fascial system, allowing the areas that were restricted, for example muscle, nerve, and other body tissue, to resume healthier functioning.
In order to release fascial restrictions, a practitioner uses three main
approaches: structural releases which entail gentle, prolonged stretching and holding of the fascia; rebounding, where the practitioner provides an active rocking to the body, allowing the gains in fascial fluidity to settle; and unwinding, which is body movement that may occur naturally as a part of fascial release.

The fascial system is a tough, three dimensional web of cells that runs from the top of our heads to the tips of our toes. It surrounds and provides structure and support to .... everything! Fascial restrictions are areas where the fascia has become hardened, stuck to itself, or twisted so that it causes pain and discomfort to the surrounding tissues, and does not allow proper gliding. Restrictions can occur as a result of injury, bracing oneself against pain, inflammation, surgery, and chronic poor posture. Trauma and stress can also play a role in developing restrictions due to the conscious or subconscious ways we hold our bodies in response. Fascial restrictions can create enormous pressures within the body and have been measured up to 2000 pounds per square inches. 

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (MFR) Frequently asked questions

Myofascial Release, or MFR, is a bodywork method that seeks to release the body’s fascial system, allowing the areas that were restricted, for example muscle, nerve, and other body tissue, to resume healthier functioning.

What types of conditions may respond well to MFR? Really, just about everything!
• Areas of chronic muscle pain or tension
• Low back pain

• Areas with reduced range of motion, such as neck, shoulders, and hips • Sports and other injuries
• Plantar fasciitis
• Whiplash

• Joint issues/replacements • post-surgery
• Scar reduction
• Pelvic imbalances

• Fibromyalgia • And more...

Fascia...What is it?
The fascial system is a tough, three-dimensional web of cells that runs from the top of our heads to the tips of our toes. It surrounds and provides structure and support to .... everything! Fascia holds our skin onto our bodies, and also dives deep within us to surround every muscle, bone, organ, blood vessel, and nerve. Without fascia, the various tissues inside our body would not glide smoothly with each movement, resulting in extreme wear and tear! Fascia is connected, and pulling one area of the system out of alignment can affect other areas of the body. The thin, tough, opaque layer that surrounds a chicken breast is an example of myo-fascia, that is, the fascia that surrounds an entire muscle. So, you HAVE actually seen it!

What are fascial restrictions?
Fascial restrictions are areas where the fascia has become hardened, stuck to itself, or twisted so that it causes pain and discomfort to the surrounding tissues, and does not allow proper gliding. Restrictions can occur as a result of injury, bracing oneself against pain, inflammation, surgery, and chronic poor posture. Trauma and stress can also play a role in developing restrictions due to the conscious or subconscious ways we hold our bodies in response. Fascial restrictions can create enormous pressures within the body, and have been measured up to 2000 pounds per square inch!

What can I expect during an MFR Session?
Myofascial release is generally given on a massage table, with the client in a reclined position - face up or down, or side-lying. Occasionally, a seated position is needed. Pillows and bolsters are used to make you comfortable. In order to release fascial restrictions, a practitioner uses three main approaches: structural releases which entail gentle, prolonged stretching and holding of the fascia; rebounding, where the practitioner provides an active rocking to the body, allowing the gains in fascial fluidity to settle; and unwinding, which is body movement that may occur naturally as a part of fascial release.

What to wear for MFR:
If possible, wear underwear and loose shorts, or a bathing suit bottom. This clothing should not be tight or restrictive. Your therapist needs to place their hands directly on the skin. Long, skin-tight (Lycra) shorts are difficult to work with. Women may choose to wear a bathing suit top, loose camisole, bra that can open at the back, or simply may choose to be draped by a sheet. Your privacy and comfort are always a priority for the therapist. PS - If you completely forget or are unable to follow the above clothing suggestions, don’t worry! Your therapist is a wizard at comfortably draping your body with a sheet and blanket. You will never feel exposed or uncomfortable during a session.

PLEASE NOTE...It is advisable to skip the use of body lotions/moisturizers on the day of your MFR treatment. This allows the therapist to stretch skin and fascial tissue without slipping.

Your therapist will initially assess your needs by asking for your areas of concern, and the associated history. They will assess your standing posture, and your leg length/pelvic position once you are on the table. They will use these clues to develop where and how to best concentrate the release therapy.

Most importantly, relax! You are a part of the treatment too! Feel free to zone- out, and enjoy the relaxation component of any massage. It is an important part of the therapy - shifting your body into your autonomic nervous system, away from “fight or flight” and into “rest and digest” (and healing, too). Your body needs this! 

Dawn, Gretchen, Rebecca, and Jeremy

NMT


This is a deep stripping technique of the fibrous muscle tissue. NMT works with trigger points in the muscle to release restrictions and bring blood & nutrients to the area. 

Gretchen, and Rebecca

Neuromuscular Therapy


Neuromuscular therapy is a program of recovery from acute and chronic pain syndromes by utilizing specific massage therapy, including the pressure of trigger points, to eliminate the causes of pain patterns. This approach brings about balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It enhances the function of joints, muscles, and movement, and it releases endorphins, the body’s own natural pain killers. 

Gretchen and Rebecca

Sports Massage


This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic Swedish strokes, cross fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization.

Gretchen, Rebecca, Sarah, and Jeremy