Karina’s Style of Bodywork
My style blends years of training in various modalities and practical application for an experience unlike any you may have had in the past. It is why what I do is termed “bodywork” and not simply “massage.” In your session, you may request techniques as light or deep as is your preference. My goal is to provide you with bodywork tailor made to fit your body from deep relaxation to specific rehabilitative goals. Should your request be a “therapist’s choice” style of treatment, I will design for you a unique session inspired by my years of experience with respect to your special needs. You may also choose sessions dedicated to or inspired by some of the following modalities:
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymph Drainage Therapy uses gentle manual maneuvers to aid in the recirculation of body fluids. Using this technique, the therapist is able to detect specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of lymph flow anywhere in the body. It is shown that when these actions are accomplished, the results may be: reduction in swelling, detoxification, tissue regeneration, anti-aging effects, relief of chronic pain and allergies, immune system stimulation, alleviation of cellulite and adipose tissue, headache relief and deep relaxation.
Thai Massage
Thai massage, with its roots in yoga, massage and ayurvedic medicine, is a unique and amazing system that combines rhythmic massage, yoga postures, conscious breathing, acupressure, gentle rocking, deep stretching, energy balancing and mindfulness. It releases tension, increases vitality, and creates harmony of body, mind and spirit. Thai massage requires no previous experience with yoga or bodywork. A full session is traditionally performed on the floor with receiver and giver dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. Some Thai maneuvers may also be integrated into your table session to allow for stretching not possible in a traditional table work.
Active Release Technique (ART®)
ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles. A hands-on touch & case-management system, ART allows the practitioner to identify specific lesion areas & treat soft-tissue injuries in shorter sessions. This is an ideal modality for all dysfunctions ranging from recent severe injury or surgery to the chronic, long-standing issues.
Kinesio® Taping
Kinesio® Tape is a uniquely designed, elastic, latex free tape. The various degrees of stretch and direction in which it is applied to the body lifts the skin to create space which in turn provides the body with the opportunity to evacuate excess fluid and stimulate nerve function. This response helps normalize muscular function, reduce swelling, reduce pain, and correct joint misalignment. The tape remains on the skin for 3-5 days and helps to reinforce the treatment from your bodywork session. Kinesio® Taping is used around the world by therapists to treat conditions of the everyday client as well as professional and amateur athletes.
Active Isolated Stretching
Effective stretching is a must for avoiding injury during exercise and relieving tight muscles from exertion such as cleaning the house and yard work. Unfortunately, many stretching routines seem to take too much time and lend little relief to soreness and inflexibility. Based on a simple 2-second stretch, Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) works to restore balance to the body’s musculature via effective stretch for tight muscles while restoring strength to weaker muscle groups. The result; muscles stretched using AIS achieve flexibility faster and maintain the effects of treatment longer. Consistent use of AIS helps prevent trigger points and biomechanical stress, which can relieve tender areas before they become a problem.
Visceral Manipulation
Trauma to the body can impact more than muscle and bone. The viscera (internal organs) can also experience restrictions manifested by impacts, whiplash and scaring from surgical intervention. Just like a snag in a sweater causes an unnatural line of tension in the fabric of the sweater, so may the restriction within the viscera react to cause a line of restriction throughout the body. This may potentially cause restriction elsewhere seemingly unrelated to the area of dysfunction. Visceral Manipulation is based on the specific placement of soft manual forces to encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues. These gentle manipulations can potentially improve the functioning of individual organs, the systems the organs function within, and the structural integrity of the entire body.
Additional information on modalities offered is available upon request.
