Infant Massage teaching sessions - You should plan on 3-4 sessions that will last approximately 45-60 minutes. The sessions can be done privately or in a small group setting, either at Levana Therapeutic Massage or in your home. Massage strokes will be demonstrated on a baby doll and the baby’s caregiver will repeat the strokes on their baby. It can be fun to include both parents, grandparents, other caregivers and siblings. Sessions will also include educational information about infant development and hot topics of your choice.

Pediatric Massage - Depending on the age of the child and a variety of other factors there is a range of how long a massage will last. Younger children may enjoy massage for 20-30 minutes while older children and teens may prefer 45-60 minutes. All massage is performed with the permission of the child and the parents. It is common for a parent to stay and watch the massage. Children may remain fully clothed if they prefer. In all other cases standard draping procedures are used. There are times when it is appropriate to incorporate sensory stimuli including textures, toys, vibration and stories into the massage. It is also important to provide a massage where the child is comfortable and that may be on a massage table, sitting in a caregiver's lap, or lying on a bean bag chair to name a few.

Swedish Massage uses oil or another type of lubricant to warm up muscle tissue and release tension by using long, slow, and fluid strokes. Once the muscles are adequately warmed up the massage therapist is able to work a little deeper into the muscle to decrease adhesions and increase relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage should not be confused with deep pressure. The goal of deep tissue massage is to address the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue or fascia. It is focused work used for specific overworked and stressed muscles, injuries, and areas of the body that have chronic pain. It can be intense and it not uncommon to have some soreness in the areas massaged following the session.

Myofascial Release is a technique that stretches fascia and releases adhesions with a goal of increasing range of motion and decreasing pain. Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that covers every muscle cell, muscle, organ and bone in the body.
If the fascia is too tight or cannot move smoothly due to repetitive stress, injury, or misaligned posture, the common result is decreased range of motion and pain. This technique manipulates the muscles using a 3 dimensional approach so that the therapist is able to work deeply into the muscle without pushing or pressing into the body.

Orthopedic Massage focuses on dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. These conditions are often the result of an injury or from repetitive stress. It is common for a person to develop compensatory postural patterns following an injury in which some muscles are short and tight while others are long and weak. The massage therapist may use a variety of techniques to assess and manipulate soft tissue. The goal is to look at the underlying cause of the condition. This approach strives to bring the body into balance while improving function and decreasing pain. Some of the common orthopedic conditions that can be successfully treated with massage are thoracic outlet syndrome, nerve compression syndromes, rotator cuff injuries or following rotator cuff surgery, shoulder impingement syndrome, biceps tendinitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dequervain’s tenosynovitis, sciatica, groin pull, hamstring strain, quadriceps strain, scoliosis, shin splints and plantar fasciitis. Please note that you may need a note from your doctor if you have spinal or disc changes. In these cases it is best for the massage therapist to work with your doctor and physical therapist.

Graston Technique® - This modality is used by Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Athletic Trainers, Doctors and Nurses.  The clinician uses patented instruments to assist soft tissue mobilization, locate and treat fascial restrictions due to surgery, injury, repetitive stress patterns, or postural compensations.  The Graston Technique is effective in treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal issues.  Many clients find this modality is most beneficial when used on specific areas of the body 2 times per week for 4 to 6 weeks.

Oncology Massage is a gentle massage that is safe and specific for those currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Sessions tend to be 20-30 minutes. Oncology massage is known to ease or improve the common symptoms related to cancer treatment including pain, depression, anxiety, nausea and fatigue. Please note that you will need a note from your doctor before you receive massage. Home visits are available for this service.

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that means universal life force energy directed by Divine Intelligence. Reiki uses gentle hand placement to guide healing energy into the body. The goal is to support the body in it’s own natural healing process in many areas including physical, emotional and spiritual. It can bring a sense of relaxation, balance and well being to the mind and body.

Integrated Energy Therapy ® (IET) was created by Stevan Thayer.  IET uses gentle hand placements to guide healing energy into the body and to recycle energy that is no longer useful, and to remove blockages.  It can bring balance to our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle technique with powerful results.  It is successful in treating lymphedema and is beneficial for many conditions including orthopedic traumas, arthritis, pregnancy, fractures, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, surgical wounds, lyme disease and many more.  Many people find MLD after plastic surgery helpful in reducing post operative swelling.  These procedures include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), brazilian butt lift (BBL) and breast reduction/lift/augmentation.  MLD increases the amount of lymphatic fluid moving through the body’s lymphatic system.  The results are improved detoxification and purification of the body while giving the immune system a boost.

Fascial Manipulation © Also know as the Stecco Method is a method of manual treatment for muskuloskeletal pain and dysfuntion.  It was developed by Luigi Stecco over the course of his 40 years practicing as a physiotherapist in northern Italy.  His Children Dr. Carla Stecco and Dr. Antonio Stecco have expanded upon his work by conducting multiple research studies into the anatomy and histology of the fascial system.  Treatment involves evalution and manipulation of specific points of fascial tension.  Many of the points identified by Luigi Stecco match up with traditional acupunction points that have been used for hundreds of years.  By releasing key points, pain is reduced or eliminated and normal movement patterns are reestablished.