Massage Therapist in Portland, OR
Each massage I give is a collaboration between me and the receiver. Upon arriving at my studio we will discuss your particular needs and goals for your treatment and come up with a plan to best serve your body.
This may include deep tissue massage, Sports massage, Swedish relaxation, cupping, scraping, table Thai, as well as PNF stretching.
I am always happy to share my knowledge of the body and have a discussion about my findings as well as offer feedback and stretches or exercises that will help alleviate symptoms.
Services:
60 min customized
Mobile Massage
Complementary Add-On Services
90 min customized
Guided Meditation
Private Yoga Instruction
Types of Massage
Deep Tissue
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Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue in the body. It involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to target specific areas of tension and pain. This type of massage is often used to treat chronic pain, muscle injuries, and areas of stiffness.
I will use my fingers, palms, elbows, and forearms to manipulate the muscles, breaking up adhesions (knots) and improving circulation.
Sometimes deep tissue massage can be intense or uncomfortable, but I take extra care to check in about pressure and make sure we have not passed any thresholds. There should never be pain during massage.
Trigger Point Therapy
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Trigger point therapy works t release tight knots or bands of muscle that can cause pain, discomfort, and restricted movement. These trigger points can develop from stress, injury, or overuse, and they often refer pain to other areas of the body.
During a session I apply pressure directly to the trigger points using fingers, elbows, or tools. The goal is to release tension and alleviate pain in the affected area as well as any referred pain. This therapy can help improve flexibility, enhance circulation, and promote overall relaxation.
Swedish Relaxation
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Swedish relaxation massage is a therapeutic massage designed to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension. It involves long, flowing strokes, kneading, friction, and gentle stretching of the muscles. I use oil or lotion to help my hands glide comfortably across your skin. This type of massage is great for enhancing overall well-being and reducing stress.
Medical Massage
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Medical massage is a type of therapeutic massage that focuses on addressing specific medical conditions, injuries, or pain. Unlike traditional relaxation massages, medical massage is tailored to your unique health issues. This type of massage is goal oriented with the primary aims being alleviate pain, improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.
Neuromuscular Technique
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Neuromuscular massage is a specialized form of therapeutic massage that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and the muscular system.
Neuromuscular massage can be particularly effective for relieving conditions like headaches, fibromyalgia, and muscle strain, and is often used in rehabilitation settings.
Table Thai
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Table Thai massage is a hybrid form of traditional Thai massage that is performed on a massage table rather than the floor, as is typical in traditional Thai practices. It combines elements of acupressure, stretching, and assisted Yoga postures to promote relaxation, flexibility, and overall well-being.
Key features of table Thai massage include:
Clothing: Clients usually remain fully clothed in comfortable, loose-fitting attire, similar to traditional Thai massage.
Techniques: I use hands, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure and perform stretches, targeting energy lines and muscle groups.
Assisted Stretching: I guide you through various stretches, enhancing flexibility and relieving tension.
Pressure Points: Similar to acupressure, pressure is applied to specific points along the body's energy lines to release blockages and improve energy flow.
Relaxation and Balance: The goal is to achieve a balance of body and mind, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Table Thai massage is suitable for a wide range of clients and can be particularly beneficial for those looking for a deeper stretch and a combination of relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
Myofascial Release
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Myofascial release massage is a therapeutic technique that focuses on relieving tension and tightness in the fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs. This type of massage aims to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall function by applying gentle, sustained pressure to specific areas of restriction.
During a session I may use my hands, elbows, or other tools to apply light pressure and stretch the fascia, helping to break up adhesions and improve blood flow. It's often used to treat conditions like chronic pain, headaches, and postural issues. This approach is generally slow and mindful, emphasizing the body’s natural response to the treatment.
Cupping
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Cupping in massage therapy is a technique that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. It is SUCH a weird sensation the first time, but many people (myself included) LOVE cupping. The suction pulls the skin and underlying tissue into the cup, which can help increase blood flow, promote relaxation, and alleviate muscle tension.
There are a few types of cupping I offer:
Dry Cupping: This involves placing the cups on the skin without any other substances. The suction is created by using a pump.
Moving Cupping: In this variation, the cups are glided over the skin, often with the help of oil, to provide a more dynamic massage-like experience.
Cupping can leave temporary marks or bruises on the skin (generally not painful at all), and these usually fade within a few days. Many people find it beneficial for muscle pain, stress relief, and overall well-being.
I will use my fingers, palms, elbows, and forearms to manipulate the muscles, breaking up adhesions (knots) and improving circulation.
Sometimes deep tissue massage can be intense or uncomfortable, but I take extra care to check in about pressure and make sure we have not passed any thresholds. There should never be pain during massage.
Complementary Add-On Services
Reiki
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Reiki is a form of alternative therapy that originated in Japan. It involves the use of hands-on healing techniques to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. The word "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words: "rei," meaning "universal," and "ki," meaning "life energy."
Reiki can be added on to any massage appointment with me. During a session I work to align myself with the Highest Good for the recipient and channel all the Love I can to help promote healing on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Sometimes light touch is applied to the body to help facilitate energy flow.
Many people report feeling deeply relaxed after a session, experiencing reduced stress and anxiety, relief form physical pain, and enhanced emotional clarity.
Gua Sha
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Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool usually made of jade, quartz, or ceramic. The purpose of Gua Sha is to promote circulation, relieve muscle tension, and encourage lymphatic drainage.
When practicing Gua Sha I apply oil to the skin and then uses the tool to scrape along the surface of the body in long strokes. This can create slight redness, known as "sha," which indicates increased blood flow to the area.
Aromatherapy
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Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These oils are applied topically and can have various effects, such as relaxation (lavendar fields forever), stress relief (Clary Sage!) , and pain management (peppermint) . Together we will choose what scents to use during your session regarding individual needs and preferences.
When practicing Gua Sha I apply oil to the skin and then uses the tool to scrape along the surface of the body in long strokes. This can create slight redness, known as "sha," which indicates increased blood flow to the area.