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DEECOMPRESSION
Therapeutic Massage
“Bodywork”What a term! Bodywork generally refers to any form of touch or conveyance of energy that positively affects the human body. A mind-wrenching array of therapeutic modalities, influenced from both Eastern and Western healing arts, are referenced by this catch-all term. Bodywork can include, but is certainly not limited to: acupressure, acupuncture, therapeutic touch, shiatsu, reiki, craniosacral therapy, zero balancing, reflexology, polarity therapy, movement therapy, and the many forms of therapeutic massage. I have had several clients ask me, "What type of massage is DeeCompression?" In fact, I've been asked that question so many times, that I'm beginning to think I should write something up, trademark it, sell a how-to book, and make a quick million... but really, "DeeCompression" is a play on words, and is simply the name of my business! Clients often e-mail me and ask to schedule a "DeeCompression Session"! As a registered nurse specializing for many years in physical rehabilitation and burn care, I have had the opportunity to directly observe positive patient outcomes resulting from the restorative powers of touch and physical manipulation. I believed in the therapeutic value of directed and specific professional manipulation of joints and muscles, and was frustrated that my many other nursing responsibilities such as medication administration, tube feedings, wound care, and endless chart documentation kept me from spending adequate time providing my patients with direct comfort measures such as joint range of motion exercises, massage, and an undistracted listening ear. I also realized what is obvious to many and completely obscure to others: there is a direct link between the health of the mind/spirit and the health of the body. So, after 17 years in nursing, I decided to enroll in the Virginia School of Massage to learn how to do – professionally – what I had believed in so strongly for all those years. I was delighted to see how in-depth the curriculum was, and participated in months of coursework in anatomy and physiology, in addition to extensive laboratory and clinic practice designed to help the student to master hands-on techniques. I now feel confident that I can be of service to those seeking restorative or preventative care by offering my skills as a practitioner of therapeutic massage, focusing on Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and mysofascial release techniques.
Swedish MassageSwedish massage is what most people think of as a “relaxation massage”. The massage practitioner uses a variety of strokes to first warm the muscles and increase circulation, and then alternates with more specific movements to relax and release areas of tightness as needed. These strokes can be limited to one area if the client requests, but generally a Swedish massage will integrate all areas of the body with strokes that flow first superficially and broadly from the extremities toward the center of the body, and then become more specific and deep as areas of tension are identified. Swedish massage is most often delivered directly to the skin with small amounts of oil or creams. The client’s body is modestly draped with bed linens throughout the massage, and only the areas being directly massaged are exposed at any given time. If the client prefers to remain dressed or simply does not wish to have the oils or creams used, Swedish massage can be done without emollients. Although Swedish massage is usually done on a standard massage table, it can be applied in a chair, recliner, bed, or any other surface that is most comfortable to the client.
Deep Tissue MassageDeep tissue massage takes the Swedish massage literally a level “deeper”. After adequately warming up muscle bundles with broad and superficial strokes, using little or no emollients, areas of tension are worked slowly, deeply and thoroughly with specific and precise strokes which follow muscle fibers from their origins to their insertions – from where they begin to where they end. Clients are asked to identify a “hedonic” level of discomfort – the level at which the muscles being worked “hurt good”. Deep tissue massage may be uncomfortable at some points, but should never be excruciatingly painful! Deep tissue work is especially helpful for clients with persistent areas of muscle tension, spasms, or “knots” related to posture, work requirements, or physical over-activity.
Myofascial Release TechniquesMyofascial release techniques are used to loosen or “release” the fascia, which is the connective tissue that helps to bind and support the muscles (and many other organs and body structures). The best analogy I can give is that of a chicken breast: undoubtedly, you have a some time or another seen the clear-white tough membranous coating that surrounds the flesh of a cut chicken breast – that is the fascia. When the fascia is overly constricted, it can literally bind the muscles too tightly, restricting blood flow and movement at the microscopic level. Myofascial release techniques are extremely slow movements, applied to the skin with no oils or creams, using full hand contact to induce a stretching/sinking action which then helps to loosen the fascia around the muscles being worked. At times, clients may be asked to move their joints in a specific way to add resistance and depth to the stroke being applied. Myofascial release techniques can be especially helpful to clients who find Swedish and deep tissue techniques to be too painful or vigorous, or who wish to have a variety of modalities incorporated into their therapeutic massage experience. Questions?
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