My massage & bodywork has evolved over 25 years of clinical observation and the application of a variety of soft tissue techniques to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. Over those 25 years, I have also studied, explored, and practiced many of the more wholistic, mind/body approaches to treatment. What I’ve discovered allows me to “bridge the gap” and provide the missing link between traditional (clinical) physical therapy and alternative (complimentary) therapies.

MASSAGE THERAPY for relaxation, stress-management, and general muscle relief, is an excellent form of mind/body health maintenance. It relieves tight, sore muscles, prevents injury, aids circulation, reduces pain & fatigue, and promotes an overall sense of well-being.

The term ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE, refers to a more clinical approach to treatment. Often, with specific injuries, surgeries, or chronic musculoskeletal conditions, certain therapeutic techniques and protocols are indicated, or in some cases contraindicated (not advised).

Even DEEP TISSUE WORK can be performed WITHOUT CAUSING PAIN! Over aggressive massage can create soreness, reinforce the protective holding & tightening patterns of muscles (and breath),
and usually does not provide lasting relief.

The following techniques form the foundation of my approach to Therapeutic Bodywork. They are
adaptable to any situation, and are always. . . . .SAFE. . . GENTLE. . . and EFFECTIVE!

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Fascia is a tough connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in a continuous, three dimensional web, from head to toe without interruption. Any disturbance to the fascial system due to injury, stress, (physical or emotional), chronic pain, improper posture, or poor body mechanics, causes fascia to protectively bind down, resulting in abnormal pressure, increased pain, and restricted movement. Because fascial restrictions don’t show up on standard tests like x-rays, CAT scans, EMGs, etc., it often goes undiagnosed in many people experiencing pain and limited motion. With myofascial release, gentle forces are applied to release fascial restrictions. This “letting go” process reprograms and balances the complex neuromyofascial network (nerves, muscles, fascia), and all of its inter-connections,allowing a return to normal movement without triggering the old protective reflex patterns of pain, spasm, and the habitual holding of tension.

* NEUROMUSCULAR * TRIGGER POINT RELEASE
ACUPRESSURE/SHIATSU

Acu-therapy is based on the principle that illness, dis-ease, and chronic pain, can be a result of over stressing the body and its inner balance. Trigger points are areas of condensed tension (energy), linked with the neuromyofascial network, that, when stressed refer pain to other parts of the body. In this combined technique, finger, thumb, and hand pressure is used on a system of points and the associated zones (pathways), to release tension in the muscles and connective tissue, reduce pain, and facilitate the body’s own natural healing processes, working towards a more balanced flow of “energy” through all physiological systems.

CRAINIOSACRAL THERAPY

This very subtle, gentle technique is often used in conjunction with the myofascial release process, especially in the case of chronic headaches. The crainio-sacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The natural flow of this fluid has a distinct rhythm, rate, amplitude, symmetry, and quality. Imbalances or restrictions in this system can result in sensory, motor or neurological disfunction, and pain. By releasing tension around the head and along the spine, the body’s self-correcting mechanism helps restore the natural balance of the “craniosacral rhythm”.

Qi-w.a.v.e. ENERGY WORK

“Qi”= (life energy) w.a.v.e.= (wave. assisted. visualized. effect.)

Science has shown that energy and matter are fundamentally linked, and that mind & body are interconnected. This hands on, light touch technique, is grounded in a Western view of anatomical structure and physiology (the neuromyofascial network), and integrates creative imagery (mind/body awareness), and the Eastern concepts of “Qi”, an interconnected, universal energy field (quantum physics?), and its healing influence in the body. Directed focus and intent, along with intuitive and sensory awareness, allows the therapist to utilize this shared, bio-electric, energy field, for re-distributing and balancing the inner flow of “Qi” in the patient.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION / NEUROMUSCULAR * PNF

(range-of-motion/gentle stretching) * (thai massage) * (acu-yoga)

A hands-on “blending” of myofascial/trigger point/acupressure release with passive, assistive, or active stretching to improve range of motion, flexibility, and proprioceptive movement awareness, aligning body structure with body energy. As soft tissue restrictions are released, the appropriate movement allows the body to “realign” itself. New organization creates new movement patterns, and new movement patterns allow the structural changes to remain in tact.

THE NEXT STEP?

A natural progression in the LIFEWAVES approach to MIND/BODY HEALTH MAINTENANCE,is to support the bodywork with the Relaxation/Breath and Movement Awareness, Therapeutic Exercise, or Integrated Yoga programs described in theYOGA section.

FOR APPOINTMENT INFORMATION, GO TO “LOCATIONS”

Therapuetic Massage & Bodywork

LIFEWAVES Integrated Therapy
North Providence East Greenwich Charlestown Beach
401-782-1900
Lifewaves@cox.net