My definition of bodyworker is one who is trained in therapeutic massage techniques. The use of the word in my practice conveys the combination of the massage therapies I provide: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, and Lymphatic Drainage.

What lead me to this field was the pursuit of my own stress reduction. After my first massage, I realized this was the career for me. I had been looking for a way to give back and be of service: what better way to help others reduce the stress of their busy lives.

The primary benefits of bodywork are:

• Calms the nervous system and increases circulation to include blood and lymphatics.
• Increases awareness of self through touch and creating a dialog between the mind and the body.
• Reduction of stress as the body has an opportunity to relax in a non-chaotic environment.
• Increases range of motion.
• Increases overall sense of well-being.
• Decreases blood pressure.
• Breaks up adhesions in the tissue caused by overuse.
• Relieves soreness, aches and stiffness.
• Enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility.
• Speeds recovery from strenuous activity.
• Improves immune functioning.
• Improves overall performance for sporting events.

Swedish Massage uses long, flowing strokes to relax the body and calm the nervous system. It increases circulation, flexibility, energy flow and releases tension. It promotes easier breathing.

Deep Tissue Massage identifies specific compromised muscles that contribute to an imbalance in posture, gait or mobility. It brings blood supply to the area, breaks up adhesions, and restores balance and integrity to the musculature.

Sports Massage uses specific techniques to flush metabolic wastes from the tissue that have built up from overuse or injury. This massage is useful whether you are preparing for a sporting event or just your routine workouts. It is also helpful if you perform a repetitive activity that stresses particular muscles as in holding a musical instrument or using a computer.

Lymphatic Drainage uses light to deep strokes to activate the lymphatic system. It reroutes lymph rivers to the body to eliminate toxins. It is helpful for those with compromised immune systems due to illness or surgery.