My Philosophy
Movement is, or should be, an important aspect of our daily lives. It is key for maintaining mobility, function, and overall health. And what's more important is how we move. As human beings, we live in a 3 dimensional world. As such, massage, in my opinion, as well as exercise, should include 3 dimensional movements. We move through 3 planes of motion - forward and backward (Sagittal Plane), side to side (Frontal Plane), and Rotational (Transverse Plane). We cannot escape 3D movement. The less we move the more dysfunctional we become. And, if we lose range of motion in one plane - most likely we will lose it in the other two.
During a session, I will move the tissue and/or limb 3 dimensionally while compressing or lifting surrounding areas. This helps to facilitate tissue viscosity which can improve tissue quality, decrease pain, and increase range of motion - especially when doing therapeutic massage. In addition, once muscle tissue and the nervous system have been calmed and movement has been improved or restored, it's important to synch up the neuromuscular connection. After treatment, the tissue should feel freed, less matted down, and the client should feel less pain. Because more movement and extra length has been given to the tissue, it does not mean that the nervous system knows what to do with or can control that newly found movement or range of motion. To restore this connection, the client will perform some type of active movement or isometric hold - in 3 planes of motion. It is important to me that this communication between the muscle and nervous system be reestablished in order to restore stability, mobility, and strength.