My Approach

  • Restorative

    Relaxation is the foundation of massage. It can sometimes be dismissed because it’s not “intense” or “deep” enough. But I would like to challenge that. Your nervous system guards the deeper structures in your body. It’s necessary to soothe that subconscious resistance if I want to work deeper tissues.

    I incorporate relaxation into all of my sessions. I move slowly, allowing the nervous system time to relax before diving into deep tissue work. Complimentary add-ons like hot towels or flower essence oils enhance relaxation. You can even listen to your own music if you want!

  • Therapeutic

    There is a misconception that deep pressure = deep tissue or that pain = gain. But deep tissue just means I’m working the deeper tissues of the body. These are often more sensitive to pressure so true deep tissue work can be more subtle than people expect!

    I do work with deep pressure, especially during Sarga or Thai sessions. But I consider my work to be more myofascial focused than deep tissue focused. That means the intensity of my work comes from fascial release (a grippy, stretchy sensation) rather than from direct, downward pressure.

    Just because I don’t believe in “no pain no gain” doesn’t mean my clients don’t see gains! I am always focused on results and will celebrate both big and small wins with you. Some recent client wins include better sleep, less intense or less frequent back pain, improved mobility, and better performance with athletic activity.

  • Whole-Body

    It’s cliché but true: it’s all connected! We can often get laser focused on our “problem” area and forget it is part of a greater structure. Upper back pain could actually mean tight pecs. Low back pain might be stemming from your adductors! This is why I like to work the full body whenever possible. Where you feel the pain is often the effect, not the cause.

FAQs

Do you offer prenatal massage?

I do not offer Prenatal Massage. My focus is barefoot modalities, which are contraindicated for pregnant people. But I do know a few Prenatal LMT’s and would love to connect you! Please use the contact form to inquire.

What do I wear (or not wear)?

I offer several modalities and the clothing for each is a little different! You can find more info about modalities and what to wear for each here.

That being said, wear whatever you’re most comfortable with. I can always work around it!

Should I Tip?

My Virgo moon likes making things as simple and clear as possible so tips are included in the price :)

How often should I get Bodywork?

This depends on your goals:

Yearly - Not often enough to see lasting results, but great for treating yourself or getting short term pain relief.

Quarterly - May not be often enough to see lasting physical results, but a quarterly massage may help manage the stress or anxiety that can come with the change of seasons.

Monthly - Ideal for maintaining your current level of wellness. Keep stress and tension from building up by setting aside time each month for a physical and mental break.

Every other week - Great for focused work on a specific issue or for managing persistent pain.

Weekly - Full on treatment mode! Not everybody will need massage this often, but if you have a specific issue that needs to be addressed or have chronic pain, this may be a good option.

What should I do before/after massage?

Fascial work is all about rehydrating the tissue, so hydration is a big part of self care before and after a massage. Bring a water bottle with you if you’d like!

I also highly recommend foam rolling, stretching, and finding a movement practice that you enjoy! The more you practice body awareness (which is really just having a relationship and communication with your body) and self care in your daily life, the more results you’ll see with bodywork. If you’re not sure where to start with this, just ask!

Why do you work with your feet?

Two reasons:

1. It’s better for my body.

I don’t have to rely 100% on my wrists anymore! I can also stand upright when using my feet which takes a lot of pressure off my back. And quads. Have you ever held a lunge for 90 min? That’s kiiindd of what I do during a deep tissue massage! Massage is a very physical job and using as many options as possible to deliver pressure (elbows, shins, and knees included) will help me do this job I love for as long as I can.

2. It’s better for your fascia. (But of course there’s always personal preference, so that’s why I still offer Swedish and Deep Tissue!)

This is because fascia has been shown to respond better to broad, slow, sustained pressure. Elbows and thumbs are great for specific work, but for larger muscle groups (like quads!) they could feel pointy and uncomfortable.