Massage and bodywork are often used interchangeably. However, bodywork more accurately describes a wide range of techniques used in conjunction with traditional Swedish massage. Bodywork includes manual touch therapies, energetic techniques and structural therapies.

Below is a description of the specific bodywork techniques David specializes in. These may be used in conjunction with a traditional Swedish massage or on their own.

Deep Tissue
As the name implies, this technique uses deep pressure in various ways to reach the deeper muscle layers. With deep tissue, a firm pressure is applied to the muscles using the thumbs, knuckles, fists and elbows/forearms. This is done along with gentle, relaxing massage to relieve tense, knotted muscles. Deep tissue can leave you somewhat sore after the session. However, this is not always the case. Deep tissue is great for injury recovery, tension caused by repetitive work activities, relieving chronic muscular pain and helping achieve better postural alignment.

Thai Massage
Thai massage is part of Traditional Thai Medicine and is done on its own as an individual treatment. Thai massage incorporates compression, point work, passive stretching and working the energy channels. It is performed with the client fully clothed and lying on a mat on the floor. The therapist applies compression along the broad muscle groups, point work along the energy channels, passive stretching of every joint. The clients body is moved into yoga type positions to provide a deep stretch to overworked and tense muscles.

*It should be noted that David provides Thai massage as a manual therapy and not part of a Traditional Thai Medicine treatment. Traditional Thai Medicine utilizes Thai medical theory to treat a "patient's" illness. Thai massage is the overall bodywork component of Traditional Thai Medicine.

Lymphatic Drainage
With lymphatic drainage gentle, rhythmic strokes are used to assist the lymph vessels in the movement of lymph fluid. The lymphatic system is comprised of a network of delicate lymph vessels that empty into lymph nodes which in turn drain into larger internal nodes before being expelled through the kidneys. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and serves as a waste removal system. Cellular waste, toxins, foreign chemicals and bacteria are all filtered through the lymph vessels. When a part of the body is injured, blood is sent to the effected area for repairs. This creates waste that causes inflammation, pain, tension and soreness. The lymphatic system does not have its own pumping organ and is therefore slow in processing this waste. It is pumped through by compression from the pumping movement of the veins and blood vessels as well as the contraction of muscles. Lymphatic Drainage will assist the lymph system in processing waste, speeding recovery. It can also be used to treat the following:

• Chronic edema in the extremities
• Orthopedic traumas and surgical wounds
• Arthritis
• Pain
• Dermatological conditions such as acne, scars, cellulite, stretch marks and scars
• Tinnitus/Vertigo
• Fractures
• Carpal Tunnel
• Auto-Immune disorders such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Lupus, allergies, eczema etc.
• Lymph drainage can be done as a treatment on its own as well as part of a therapeutic massage treatment. The techniques used in lymphatic drainage are gentle enough for most clients.

Cupping

Using plastic, glass or silicone cups a suction is created to draw the skin, fascia, muscle upward and draw the blood toward the surface. This helps loosen and stretch muscle and fascia. The suction action also moves stagnant fluid and blood trapped in the layers of tissue. Once this fluid is brought toward the surface it will be moved through the lymphatic system and expelled as waste. Cupping is used as part of a therapeutic massage. The cups are placed over effected areas and used to massage the tissue by gliding them over the tissue. Sometimes the cups are left over a troubled area for a short time. Depending on the condition being treated, there may be dark red or purple circles that look similar to bruises. This is normal and the marks will fade within a few days. Cupping is useful in treating the following:

• Cellulite Reduction
• Pain Reduction
• Joint Mobilization
• Lymph Drainage
• Scar Reduction
• Pre- and Post-Operative Therapy to Shorten Recovery Time & Enhance Surgical Results
• Releasing Tight, Contacted Muscle Tissue
• Contouring the Face & Body
• Assisting with Weight Loss Programs
• Athletic Performance Enhancement
• Detoxification – Movement of Stagnation
• Skin Toning and Firming
• Fibromyalgia
• Poor Circulation
• Sciatica
• Insomnia & Anxiety
• Cellulite
• Toxicity
• Asthma & Pneumonia
• TMJ Dysfunction
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Chronic Pain
• Menopause
• Arthritis
• Neuralgia
• Scoliosis
• Lung Inflammation & Congestion
• Migraine, Tension Heachaches, & Sinusitis
• High Blood Pressure / Low Blood Pressure
• Sluggish Colon & IBS
• Stagnant Lymph Edema
• Pre- & Post-Operative Conditions
• Athletic Stress & Injury
• Bursitis, Tendonitis, & Plantar Fasciitis
• Scars & Adhesions
• Spider Veins & Varicosities
• Muscular Aches

Gua Sha

Gua sha is typically performed by rubbing a smooth-edged instrument across the skin surface where a subcutaneous injury or imbalance resides. When treatment is effective, distinctive reddening of the skin, known as sha, is observed. This is a positive response and brings the immediate and lasting benefit of dispelling wind, reducing heat and inflammation, eliminating coldness, and releasing pain from the superficial and deeper levels of the body. Gua sha is used to treat many acute and chronic health problems including colds and flu, fever, headache, indigestion, dizziness, injury, joint pain, fibromyalgia and heat exhaustion. It is also commonly performed to relax tight and aching muscles and to relieve tiredness and fatigue. The stroking action of gua sha to the points and channels can also be practiced as a health enhancement method.