Medical & Oncology Massage Associates
Modalities Provided
What you can expect from me as your massage therapist
All massage sessions begin with a discussion of what YOU want to see as result of the massage. We then agree on what needs to be achieved in the session. My massages combine parts of one or more of the modalities I have chosen to specialized in. All my massages include work with the hot stones unless they are medically contraindicated. For example, a client who is working with physical therapy following knee replacement therapy will typically receive scar management, manual lymphatic drainage, and neuromuscular therapy within one session. A cancer patient may receive a variety of treatments depending on where they are in that journey. Are they receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy? Are they healing from surgery? Are they in the hospital? Have they finished all treatment and are regaining strength and range of motion? All sessions offer suggestions for exercise or activity the client can do at home to enhance the work we do in the clinic. I also enjoy sharing educational material with clients so they may better understand why they feel the way they do and how we hope to improve that condition. It gives the client a little control over their own healing.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy is designed to relieve pain and return injured tissues to normal function. This treatment uses a targeted soft tissue manipulation, flexibility stretching, myofascial release, and self-care to correct the causes of muscular pain. Neuromuscular Therapy balances the nervous system with the muscular and skeletal systems to naturally bring the body back into alignment. The targets are postural and muscular imbalances, nerve entrapment, ischemia (reduced blood flow to an area of the body) and muscular trigger points. Trigger points (TrPs) are hyper-sensitive “knots” which develop in injured muscles. They can cause numbness, tingling, muscle stiffness, fatigue and/or weakness. Trigger points can cause pain either at the site of the TrP or refer pain to other parts of the body. Some examples of referred pain include sciatic pain, carpal tunnel symptoms, TMJ Syndrome and headaches.
The general benefits of Neuromuscular treatment include:
- Reduction or elimination of pain
- Greater flexibility and strength
- Increased ease and efficiency of movement
- Balanced musculoskeletal and nervous systems
- Improved posture
- Increased circulation
- Decreased body toxins
- Increased energy and vitality
Scar Management Massage
The Scar Management Massage is a gentle massage that incorporates manipulation of the scar tissue, manual lymphatic drainage techniques and myofascial release of tissue that has been “locked down” by scarring. This treatment facilitates the healing of wounds and minimizes the aesthetic, emotional, and functional impact of scars. Scars, whether they be those from injury, surgery, radiation burns or traumatic burns (chemical or fire related) can drastically change a person’s life. These changes may take the form of lowered self-esteem, altered posture leading to other medical issues, restricted range of motion, and pain all of which impact daily living. As might be expected, earlier intervention with the scar yields results faster, but significant improvement can be made with any scar no matter how old it is.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is performed to control lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the superficial tissues. Secondary lymphedema can be an after effect of surgery, radiation, trauma or infection. MLD is a gentle massage technique which improves the activity of the lymph vessels. MLD re-routes the lymph flow around blocked or compromised areas into more centrally located lymph vessels that eventually drain into the venous system. The lymphatic system is vital in regulating the immune system, which protects the body against infection. MLD transports nutrients to cells and eliminates metabolic wastes, toxins and excess fluids from the body, plus stimulating vital immune defenses.
Swedish
Swedish Massage is the most well-known modality. It uses a variety of strokes, mostly flowing toward the heart, to improve blood flow to the skin and muscles removing muscle tension. Swedish massage provides generalized relaxation, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and enhances one’s overall state of health.
Location
1324 Church St.
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Monday and Thursdays
(By appointment only 8:00 a.m– 5:00 p.m )
UVa Breast Care Center
652 Peter Jefferson Parkway Charlottesville, VA 22911
Tuesdays and Wednesdays (By appointment only 10:00 a.m– 4:00 p.m)
UVa Cancer Center at Pantops
590 Peter Jefferson Parkway
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Fridays
(By appointment only 10:00 a.m– 4:00 p.m)
Fees
-
- $80.00/hour
- $90.00/1.5 hours
(I will try to arrange for free treatment for in-patients)
I accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 434-841-1800