Descriptions of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Modalities

Swedish - aids return of venous and lymphatic flow to the heart. Long, fluid strokes-“effleurage”- combined with kneading -“petrissage” are typically used to soothe and relax a client. Intent is to increase circulation and to relieve stress/anxiety by bringing the parasympathetic nervous system into balance.

Deep Tissue - Used to help restore the natural function of a muscle, ligament or tendon. Techniques utilized include, but are not limited to: cross tissue - cross friction - myofascial work - stretching (passive and active) and trigger point work - circular friction - range of motion - structural integration.

Sports Massage -Used pre- and post- athletic event to warm up muscles and increase circulation, and to help to stretch and lengthen muscles afterwards. It is also used as an aid to prevent injury during training, incorporating such techniques as joint work and range of motion exercises and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) - supported assisted stretching and tense and release actions are also used. This type of massage is typically deeper work that focuses on maximizing your body’s potential.

Hot Stone Therapy* - The use of hot stones throughout a full body massage. Stones are placed on various places on the body and used with strokes (in hands of the therapist). Clients must be in good health (certain conditions such as diabetes are contraindicated) and are encouraged to drink plenty of water before and after the massage. A heated massage! ($100 for 1 1/4 hours).

Acupressure/Shiatsu - An ancient Chinese method of finger pressure along the meridians or channels of the body. Pressure is applied - and may be sustained - to acupuncture points in order to release excess Chi or to bring energy to certain areas of the body. This is a blend of bodywork & energy work. Acupressure vs. Shiatsu - Shiatsu is typically done on a mat (clothing on) and incorporates stretching, palm pressure and exercises.


Traditional Thailand Massage * - is an ancient form of bodywork that utilizes deep rhythmic compressions, assisted stretching, assisted and sustained yoga postures to induce a deep sense of openness, peace, and relaxation. At the core, Thai Massage is an energy based system of bodywork that tonifies and clears channels to allow the receiver optimum health and attitude. The effects of Thai massage are cumulative, and tend to last for many days following a session.
 

About the practitioner: Rick Haesche is a Connecticut State Licensed Massage Therapist and registered THAI Practitioner. He was introduced to Thai Massage at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 1994, and shortly after that he began formal study with Maxine Shapiro in Newton, MA. In 1997 he traveled to Chiang Mai Thailand to study, practice and receive Traditional Thai Massage. In 2006 Rick completed a rigorous 40 hour Advanced Thai Massage Class with Pierce Salguero of Tao Mountain Thai Massage School. Currently he is in full time a private practice at Sacred Rivers Yoga in Glastonbury Connecticut, and teaches Thai Massage at massage schools, yoga studios, and spas throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. Rick Haesche is an NCBTMB approved provider for Continuing Education.

Reiki *- Reiki is a method of relaxation and stress reduction that has a side benefit of healing. The client lies on a massage table fully dressed while the therapist balances the nervous system of the subtle body and the chakra system. The therapist works on or above the body, channeling universal energy to flow easily throughout the body. Reiki is especially effective when used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.

Hypnotherapy - is a powerful tool for change. You are always in control; you can hear and remember everything that happens while you are “under”. You decide on the changes that you want to make in your life; the therapist merely facilitates your communication with your own subconscious. Hypnotherapy is often used for weight loss and smoking cessation, but it can also be used to manage pain, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, or even to visualize the shrinking of cancerous tumors. Past life regression can also be a very effective healing technique. We often come into this life carrying subconscious memories of traumas in past lives. Bringing theses memories to light can often heal the trauma.

Cranial Sacral Therapy * - is a potent tool using the functions of the cranial sacral system. It is an effective form of bodywork and of Neuromuscular Therapy which uses gentle movements to unlock tension and relieve paizn. It does not involve rapid adjustments, painful contortions, or deep muscle probing. The cranial bones, designed for movement, are connected to the sacrum by a continuous membrane system of connective tissue that houses the brain and spinal cord. The spinal fluid is pumped through the membranes, creating a rhythm which can be monitored and balanced. The rhythm, or cranial sacral pulse, is similar to the heartbeat. The whole body expands and contracts with this rhythm. The core of your being, motor function, learning patterns, emotions, and ways of perceiving the world are affected by the balance of your cranial sacral system. As your cranial sacral system comes into balance, you will usually feel a release of accumulated stress, and a general sense of well-being. Cranial sacral therapy can be an effective aid in shifting emotional holding patterns and draining stress in the nervous system. Clients often experience relief from headaches and other problems located in the head, jaw, neck, pelvis and diaphragm. (Cost $75 for 1 hour)
©January 1995, 2001 Glenn R. Heminover, Jr.

Prenatal or Pregnancy Massage - Therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience. Pregnant women lie on their sides to be massaged and pillows are used to prop and support the mother-to-be.
In addition to the fact that massage during pregnancy feels good, there are many other benefits for mother and baby. Studies have shown that massage can actually reduce stress hormones in the body. Touch is vital to the mother’s physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image. It can also assist in maintaining proper posture, preparing muscles for childbirth, reduce swelling in hands and feet, lessen sciatic pain, and relieve headache and sinus congestion.
©Kelly Lott, RMT from: http://pregnancytoday.com

Lypossage* - is a specific blend of massage modalities that derive from physical therapy, including deep lymphatic drainage and deep tissue release.  Lypossage cleanses the body of stagnant, stalled lymphatic fluid that can create the lumps and bulges we know as figure imbalance.  The deeper Lypossage strokes break up adhesions under the skin that can contribute to the dimpled, eneven appearance of cellulite.  Lypossage also tones the muscles, lifting and firming sagging tissue. © 2010 Lypossage Esthetiques from http://lypossage.net

Shamanic Healing Massage - is a phrase pioneered by Mary Ann Demko incorporating her years of healing experience in both the physical and non-physical realms or levels. Each session varies, depending on where the client is on a given day and moment. Sessions may include any of the following; energy healing and balancing, chakra work, sacred ceremony, smudging, sound healing, guided imagery, meditation, channeling, discussion, working with power animals, teachers, angels, guides and plant spirits. There may be aspects of soul retrieval and extractions as well as dream work. Mary Ann's intent is to lovingly invite each client to experience their own true divine nature and to assist in empowering others through presence, awareness and impeccability. Pricing is on a sliding scale. Please reach Mary Ann directly at 860.647.0423.

Myofascial Release – Fascia is the connective tissue that provides support and protection for muscles within the human body. Often times, due to trauma, overuse, disease, or inactivity, this fascia becomes restricted causing pain, muscle tightness, and diminished blood flow. Myofascial release is a therapy used to help release these tissues through gentle, hands-on, sustained pressure.

Lymphatic Drainage is a form of gentle massage intended to encourage the natural circulation of lymph (fluid in the cells of skeletal muscular tissues) through the body. Lymphatic Drainage uses a specific amount of pressure and a rhythmic circular motion to stimulate lymph flow.

Orthopedic Massage focuses on treating painful conditions which affect the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues of the body, using a range of techniques adapted to the individual needs of each client. Orthopedic massage can be recommended by a physician to treat a specific condition, such as tight or shortened muscles and tendons, and to decompress joints.

Sound Therapy - Energy is not only pattern, it is vibration that has structure.  Everything in and around our bodies resonates to sound.   Sound vibration is the primary mover for change, effectively shifting an individuals vibrational level back to a less chaotic and natural rhythm.  While our bodies are largely comprised of water and crystal, water being liquid crystal, both water and crystal vibrationally respond to frequencies.  We all hold within our bones, blood, organs, emotional and etheric bodies, the harmonious vibrational memory that is the organizational patterning for perfect health.  Our body's intelligence knows and remembers perfect health.  Each specific musical tone and vibration of the bowls awakens and stimulate the chakras, organs, tissues, bones and cells of the body to remember this patterning for perfect health, thus allowing the body to come into full alignment, to promote healing on all levels.  Bowls have long been shown to lower blood pressure, releasing pain and stress thereby creating a sense of well-being, feelings of vitality,happiness, confidence along with more energy and clarity of thought.  (Cost:  $75.00 for 1 hour)  (Special: $5.00 off 1st session)(March Special:  Buy 3, get one $15.00 off)  Priscilla Gale:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Practitioners

Scott Sweet is a Connecticut State Licensed Massage Therapist who graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in 2000 and is a Professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). He is also certified in Orthopedic Massage by the Orthopedic Massage Education and Research Institute (OMERI).

“I strongly believe that the greatest benefits are achieved when clients take an active role in their own healing process. I encourage clients to pay special attention to how incorrect posture and repetitive stress affects their overall health, and to focus on exercise, proper nutrition, postural and behavior modification. For each massage session I assess the client’s unique needs and use the most beneficial blend of the following techniques: Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue Massage, Orthopedic Massage, and Stretching. My massage approach integrates various techniques to remedy:

Muscular pain and tension, Repetitive-motion injuries, Tension and anxiety brought on by stress, Range-of-motion problems and Postural imbalances.”

Jill Cole is a Reiki Master and Rising Star Practitioner. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and worked in this field for a number of years. Jill lives in Connecticut with husband and three children. She is amazed at the healings people receive through energy work,. Now more than ever it is important to clear yourself of toxic energy, with the stresses that many are experiencing right now this helps to alleviate negative energy so people can be at their best and feel more at peace.

Mary Ann Demko is a nationally certified, licensed massage therapist, shamanic healer and energy therapist. Her practice began 12+ years ago and has included diverse training, travels and experience. Her clients range from 9 to 90+, weekend athletes, triathletes, those recovering from injury, surgery and those that simply are looking to renew and replenish. Mary Ann takes great joy in sharing her experience and the wisdom that has been shared with her. Most importantly, Mary Ann looks to support the path of those that come to her by helping to uncover their own innate wisdom, thus facilitating healing and well being at a deep level. Mary Ann's sessions consist of traditional therapeutic massage techniques with a unique opportunity to explore shamanic healing and ceremony within the sessions, as well as, energy healing and body centered awareness. She also brings her love and curiosity of the human body, mind and spirit through a deeply felt heart centered awareness.      

Marybeth Keenar is a nutritional biochemist that has studied Traditional Asian Medicine in Europe, Asia and the USA . Marybeth blends her knowledge of modern nutrition with the 3,000 year old healing modality of Asian Medicine to create personalized wellness programs that help clients address root causes of imbalances and move toward wellness. Since Asian Medicine looks at the whole person-body and mind- once the root cause is found, many seemingly unconnected health issues are resolved. Marybeth offers nutritional therapy, herbal therapy, acupressure, massage therapy, Qi Qong, and hypnotherapy in her practice. Marybeth uses her many modalities to help with pain relief, and has much success with TMJ, sciatica, sinus issues, hip and shoulder pain.

Lani Dove Roth is a state licensed, nationally certified massage therapist, and an active member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Lani specializes in Traditional Thai Massage, for which she is Level I Certified and continuing to study and develop within that modality. She also offers Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, has training in Myofascial Release and Pregnancy Massage, and is a Certified Yoga Instructor. Massage and Yoga have always gone hand-in-hand for Lani, as she began her Yoga Teacher Training at the same time as Massage Training. She will help to design a plan that will assist in mobility, strength training, and increased physical performance, all according to your own personal wellness goals.

Carol Persell will integrate your session to help you destress and take your aches away, or help you to lose inches and reshape your body.  Carol is a Reiki Master, massage therapist, lypotherapist, energy/vibrational healer, and holistic health practitioner.  She is a graduate from the Connecticut Center of Massage Therapy and attended school in New York at the Hudson Valley School of Massage.  Carol also completed the lypossage therapy training certification as well as being certified by the Global College of Natural Medicine as a holistic health practitioner.  Carol volunteers for dog rescue and resides with her two rescur miniature pinchers.

Techniques include:  Swedish and Sport Massage, Deep Tissue, Geriatric, Cranial Sacral, Myofascial Release, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Reiki, Energy Healing, Lypossage, Lymphatic Drainage, and Nutritional and Weight Loss Counseling. 

Colleen Ginelewicz has been a licensed massage therapist since 2004. Her “specialties” are pregnancy, hot stone, Swedish and deep tissue. Four years ago she added esthetics to her resume.  She would love to help recommend products and discuss your skin care concerns.  Colleen has also practiced yoga since her early teens, when one of her “hippy”  P E teachers gave names to the poses she’d been doing since childhood. Thirty years later she is quick to recommend the proper asana(s) to ease your muscular discomfort and skeletal misalignment. She is currently working on her Hatha Yoga Teacher Training through the Temple of Kriya Yoga.  With all the hats she wears her favorite one is mother. She delights in learning the important things in life from her daughter.

Barbara Fasulo has been teaching and training in various holistic modalities for many years, inspired by a series of injuries and illnesses she was experiencing. She is a graduate of the following programs: Yoga Instructor (graduate of Sacred Rivers Yoga), Registered Hypnotist (CT#317), Reiki Master Teacher, Energy Therapist (graduate of Connecticut Healing Institute), Graduate of Saint Francis Hospital Clinical Pastoral Care Program. Barbara has provided consulting services to Saint Francis Hospital since 2005. She uses her training and experience to support others in their journey to wellness and balance body, mind, and spirit.

Priscilla Gale is a life-long spiritual seeker, devoted to a life of learning, having studied multiple spiritual paths and healing modalities in the service of mankind, and the planet.  She is a Reiki Master/Teacher of Usui-Tibetan Enhanced Reiki, Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher, Shamballa Reiki Master/Teacher and Blue Moon Isis Master/Teacher.  She has her Masters Certification in Himalayan Singing Bowls. In addition she is a Crystal Singing Bowl  Practitioner, Reconnective Healing Practitioner, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Magnified Healing Level III Practitioner and a Bars Practitioner.