Therapeutic Bodywork is the general term that encompasses all bodywork styles from Massage Therapy to Reiki, and includes over 200 modalities. At The Highland Backrub, our commitment is to long-term and ongoing health through Bodywork.
It is important to keep in mind that not all bodywork styles feel the same, and not all bodywork modalities can be captured by the word “massage.” Shiatsu, Craniosacral, Global Somatics, Feldenkrais®, and Myofascial practitioners may not provide typical massage services.
BEFORE YOU SCHEDULE, we recommend that you spend some time looking over the descriptions of the bodywork modalities our current practitioners offer. After you've chosen a modality, please read the BIO of each therapist to determine the modality they practice before scheduling a Therapeutic Bodywork session.
You will not receive a refund if you book online and are not satisfied with the modality you've chosen.
This modality does not focus on or treat acute injuries. If you have an injury, select "Therapeutic Bodywork" or "Shiatsu" or "MFR/CST" when you schedule. Deep Basic Massage is a great choice for someone who likes firm pressure, enjoys kneading, pressure points and compression but does not have any underlying conditions that require treatment.
Deep Basic Massage uses the palms of the hands, fingers, forearms and elbows to gently or deeply massage muscles and fascia. Massage can be powerful in eliminating acute pain symptoms.
We use the term: "Deep Basic Massage" for Massage Therapy.
If you are in extreme pain, it may take up to 3 or 4 sessions to get you to pain-free if you haven’t ever had a massage OR if you have just waited too long to get the care you need. Keep in mind that it can take just as long to heal from pain as it does to develop it.
If you suffer from chronic pain, you may require more than one session each month
to keep you out of pain so that you can truly enjoy your life.
Massage therapy need not be painful and works best when you commit to the health benefits of regular therapy. We recommend getting bodywork every month to keep your muscles and fascia healthy and pliable. You will move better when your fascia is flexible with the expanded blood and lymph flow informing your entire muscle/fascia and nervous system.
Massage Therapy is a non-invasive self-care option that can benefit every body.
Benefits:
Massage can address and/or eliminate symptoms of:
Acute pain
Chronic pain
Injury to muscles, connective tissue and tendons
Poor circulation
Lymphatic sluggishness
Fatigue
Sleeplessness
Anxiety
Lymphatic blockage
Stress symptoms
Poor general health
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork based on the same principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine as acupuncture. There are different forms of Shiatsu but mainly it is the manual manipulation of acupuncture points, including pressing and effleurage, usually with the thumbs. Palm pressure and effleurage, Stretching and Range of Motion Facilitation are also incorporated. Shiatsu is a therapeutic treatment used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal and other physiological conditions as well as Promoting emotional health and well-being,
Developed in Japan, Shiatsu is based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine combined with modern anatomy and physiology. Treatments address symptoms of tension or pain with kneading and various pressure techniques, along with the breath, that are followed by passive stretching and range of motion exercises. Shiatsu therapy can be stimulating or calming, reduces stress, and leaves the client feeling more balanced and alive.
Shiatsu is a therapeutic form of massage that originated in Japan and traditional Chinese medicine, and has been widely practiced around the world since the 1970s. Shiatsu means “finger pressure,” which describes the technique. In shiatsu therapy, pressure with thumbs, hands, elbows, knees or feet is applied to pressure points on the body. This form of massage also focuses on rotating and stretching limbs, joints, and pressure points, or meridians, as they’re called in traditional Chinese medicine.
One of the fundamental concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Qi.
Qi is vital energy in our body that underlies all functioning. Health is present when there is abundant Qi in the meridians and the flow is unobstructed. When Qi becomes out of balance, deficient, or obstructed, symptoms arise. As minor symptoms emerge, such as weekly or daily headaches, digestive difficulties, body aches..., this indicates the imbalance of Qi.
Unaddressed, minor symptoms can progress into a multitude of symptoms as the result of the body developing combined patterns of imbalance (tendonitis, headaches, muscle spasms, poor sleep, mood swings etc.). Shiatsu therapists are trained to recognize these patterns of disharmony and restore the flow of Qi throughout the body, leaving your body more balanced and feeling rejuvenated.
Shiatsu can be used to resolve a wide range of internal, musculoskeletal, and emotional issues. When using a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach, Shiatsu can address these imbalances within our bodies that bring on the many symptoms of discomfort that we may experience. Starting the session with an assessment of the client’s overall health experiences helps locate the root cause or the root imbalance, making it easier to restore harmony to the body. With balance comes the many benefits below. Benefits:
Diminishes, and often eliminates, chronic pain symptoms.
Improves circulation, flexibility, and muscle weakness
Reduces stress and fatigu
Decreases anxiety and depression
Eliminates headaches
Relieves stiffness, tension, body aches, pain, arthritis
Promotes healing of soft tissue injuries
Strengthens immunit
Improves sleep and energy
Improves digestive disorders and dysfunction
Reduces menstrual problems and pre-natal symptoms
Assists with self-healing
Deep Tissue/Sports
Using deep kneading, compression, stretching and other muscle release techniques, deep/sports massage is typically experienced as painful in a 'good' way. The goal is to release difficult or locked muscles to increase range of motion and create freedom. We only recommend Deep Tissue if you can take a lot of pressure or don't mind experiencing the pain that precedes muscle release.
Global Somatics™
The Global Somatics™ Process empowers individuals to activate channels between the physical body and energy field for self-realization, authentic healing and conscious evolution. Suzanne River developed the process by weaving many somatic and energy medicine modalities with the art/discipline of relationship.
The Global Somatics™ Process encourages the happiness and wholeness of the Natural Body. A happy body is a fully alive body that expresses a fully alive unique person. With a happy body, you can allow your personality to express your essential self.
The Global Somatics™ Process Definition and Description:
"Global Somatics™ Process is an initiation into the intimate mystery of the Natural Body." Suzanne River, founder of the Global Somatics™ Process.
The term "Natural Body" describes the perfect structure and functioning of the physical body and subtle energy field. The Natural Body expresses intelligence through vibration, breath, movement, sound and touch. This wisdom connects a person to her/his wholeness and participation in all of Nature.
The Natural Body is a dance between the systems of the physical body and the energy field that permeates and surrounds the body. This dance consists of developing patterns of movement that grow and transform from conception through death. These oving patterns reveal and create dynamics of perception which connect aspects of self- sensation and movement, energy, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, soul, spirit and one’s unique purpose for being here on earth.
The Global Somatics™ Process nurtures embodiment- the life process of actively seeking and openly allowing the body to reveal its consciousness and to reconnect with the energy field. Complete embodiment is a life quest and yet as simple as loving and living fully here and now. Through Global Somatics™ process, harmony and balance may be restored in the physical bodymind. This allows space for and connection to the healing and transformative wholeness that moves within the tissues of the bodymind.
The Global Somatics™ Process is an approach to the nature of bodymind that includes repatterning through resonance, movement education and intentional touch and sound. This ancient and pioneering transformation process celebrates its roots in Dance, Body-Mind Centering (BMC™) Somatic Movement Education, Authentic Movement, Movement Therapy, Contact Improvisation, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Medicine, Voice, The Arts and Ceremony.
Training of a Global Somatics™ Practitioner
A Global Somatics™ Practitioner fulfills an intensive training of 1452 hours. The body of a Global Somatics™ practitioner is a magnificent perceptual instrument capable of conscious resonance and communication from aspects of the energy field and the body’s cells and systems (fluids, fat, fascia, senses, bones, organs, ligaments, muscles, glands and nerves). A Global Somatics™ Practitioner is capable of the continuum of movement from vibration through cellular initiation to full body dancing in space and offers this potential for you.
Description of a Global Somatics™ Session
The Global Somatics™ Process is both educational and therapeutic. The practitioner engages with you in an embodied relationship. Through mutual exploration, s/he offers you personalized attention and creates the exact movement and/or touch explorations to facilitate your embodiment process. Every Global Somatics™ Practitioner is unique and many offer expertise in other somatic modalities.
Restore your well-being with the manipulation of muscles and joints using passive yoga, like stretching and gentle pressure. Sometimes referred to as the "Yoga for lazy people", this session is done on floor mats, while wearing loose comfortable clothing.
MyoFascial Release / Cranio Sacral Therapy
No kneading or pressure is involved in MFR/CST therapies. These modalities are used in tandem to gently but powerfully bring about deep changes in the body without the use of excessive pressure. Our bodies hold on to past traumatic events like accidents or injuries which can become lodged in our tissues, keeping our bodies from moving freely and, often, causing chronic pain symptoms. MFR/CST can unravel the web holding onto these traumas, freeing us up to move on and enjoy our lives again. If you are feeling stuck (mentally, emotionally, or physically), MFR/CST may be just what you need to find your next steps.
Myofascial Release was developed by John Barnes, PT, LMT,
MFR uses extended holds to encourage change in the body. These holds are often not painful and feel like "a good stretch." MFR practitioners hold this good stretch at each resistance barrier, allowing for the tissue to melt and change, and repeating until the targeted area releases.
The time component is what makes Myofascial Release so special. Muscle only takes 20-35s to release; it takes a full 90-120s to extend to the collagenous barrier which gives the structure form; at this barrier, the gentle forces bring more energy to the area allowing it to change phase like ice melting into water, this process takes a minimum of 3-5 minutes; at the 7-8 minute mark, the body reaches resonance with the previously distressed tissue. From here, the body releases it's own anti-inflammatory interleukins which finish the healing process.
Myofascial restrictions and adhesions can hold a tensile strength of over 2,000 pounds per sure inch. These restrictions can lead to pain, dysfunction, and a lack of coordination in the body-- melting them has shown to be beneficial for a myriad of disorders including :
Back Pain
Headaches
Whiplash
Pelvic Pain
Neck Pain
Sports Injuries
Chronic Pain
Disc Problems
Migraines
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Neurological Dysfunction
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Adhesions
Carpal Tunnel
Jaw Pain (TMJ)
Painful Scars
Scoliosis
Infants/Children
Sciatica
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
And Women's Health Issues:
Vulvodynia
Interstitial Cystitis
Mastectomy Pain
Menstrual Problems
Painful Intercourse
Urinary Frequency
Problematic Breast Implant/Reduction Scars
Coccydynia
Endometriosis
Infertility Problems
Urinary Incontinence
Lymphedema
Urinary Urgency
Episiotomy Scars
Pelvic Floor Pain
Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
Craniosacral Therapy was developed by Dr . John Upledger, D.O., O.M.M.
CST evaluates the body's movement in response to the Primary Respiratory Mechanism—often referred to as the Craniosacral Rhythm—which cycles the body through phases of extension and flexion, or expansion and contraction. The Quality, Symmetry, Amplitude, and Rate of movement of all parts of the body in response to the PRM can highlight the areas of the body which lie at the root of dysfunction.
CST practitioners use gentle touch, often less thanbthe weight of a nickel, to induce "still points" to allow the body a moment of reprieve in the face of the dysfunction. We then invite the body to make corrections at the compromised site. This process is repeated until the body can maintain the changes.
Benefits:
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
Migraine Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Colic
Autism
Central Nervous System Disorder
Orthopedic Problems
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Spinal Cord Injuries
Scoliosis
Infantile Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Chronic Fatigue
Emotional Difficulties
Stress and Tension-Related Problems
Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome)
Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Prenatal Massage
Because a woman's pelvic bones become soft during pregnancy, hip, low-back and mid-back pain are common symptoms that are routinely addressed with massage therapy. Through the gentle attention to muscles, fascia and lymph by palpating, kneading and the application of smooth strokes over areas of pain or discomfort, prenatal massage can provide a heightened level of increased well-being, flexibility and pain relief.
Prenatal massage is safe, effective and necessary
for any woman determined to have the best outcome for the birth of her baby.
Benefits:
Reduce or eliminate pain symptoms in back, hips and legs
Reduce or eliminate cramping in calves
Improve over-all circulation
Stimulate organ systems
Reduce sluggishness
Improve sleep
Improve digestion
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese word, meaning universal life force energy. Reiki is an unlimited healing energy that is available in the universe. During a session, the Reiki practitioner simply channels the Reiki healing energy from the universe by placing his/her hands lightly or a few inches above the client’s body (the client does not absorb the practitioner’s energy).
Benefits:
Relaxation
Reduction of pain and stress
Acceleration of healing
Japanese Head Massage
Japanese Head Massage uses palms of the hands and fingers (no oils) to gently stimulate the head, face, neck, and shoulders to assist the body’s secretion of dopamine.
Benefits:
Reduction of weariness of the brain, stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms
Improvement in sleep quality
Improvement in concentration
Relaxation and mood improvement
Reduction of eyestrain, tension headache, and nasal congestion
Reduction of pain or tightness in muscles of the scalp, face, neck, and shoulders
"I have enjoyed and always been impressed by the staff at The Backrub. I've always been welcomed by friendly, relaxed people who are very skilled practitioners. I have only positive feedback to offer!"
This modality does not focus on or treat acute injuries. If you have an injury, select "Therapeutic Bodywork" or "Shiatsu" or "MFR/CST" when you schedule. Deep Basic Massage is a great choice for someone who likes firm pressure, enjoys kneading, pressure points and compression but does not have any underlying conditions that require treatment.
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork based on the same principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine as acupuncture. There are different forms of Shiatsu but mainly it is the manual manipulation of acupuncture points, including pressing and effleurage, usually with the thumbs. Palm pressure and effleurage, Stretching and Range of Motion Facilitation are also incorporated. Shiatsu is a therapeutic treatment used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal and other physiological conditions as well as Promoting emotional health and well-being,
Using deep kneading, compression, stretching and other muscle release techniques, deep/sports massage is typically experienced as painful in a 'good' way. The goal is to release difficult or locked muscles to increase range of motion and create freedom. We only recommend Deep Tissue if you can take a lot of pressure or don't mind experiencing the pain that precedes muscle release.
The Global Somatics™ Process empowers individuals to activate channels between the physical body and energy field for self-realization, authentic healing and conscious evolution. Suzanne River developed the process by weaving many somatic and energy medicine modalities with the art/discipline of relationship.
No kneading or pressure is involved in MFR/CST therapies. These modalities are used in tandem to gently but powerfully bring about deep changes in the body without the use of excessive pressure. Our bodies hold on to past traumatic events like accidents or injuries which can become lodged in our tissues, keeping our bodies from moving freely and, often, causing chronic pain symptoms. MFR/CST can unravel the web holding onto these traumas, freeing us up to move on and enjoy our lives again. If you are feeling stuck (mentally, emotionally, or physically), MFR/CST may be just what you need to find your next steps.
Because a woman's pelvic bones become soft during pregnancy, hip, low-back and mid-back pain are common symptoms that are routinely addressed with massage therapy. Through the gentle attention to muscles, fascia and lymph by palpating, kneading and the application of smooth strokes over areas of pain or discomfort, prenatal massage can provide a heightened level of increased well-being, flexibility and pain relief. 
Reiki is a Japanese word, meaning universal life force energy. Reiki is an unlimited healing energy that is available in the universe. During a session, the Reiki practitioner simply channels the Reiki healing energy from the universe by placing his/her hands lightly or a few inches above the client’s body (the client does not absorb the practitioner’s energy).
Japanese Head Massage uses palms of the hands and fingers (no oils) to gently stimulate the head, face, neck, and shoulders to assist the body’s secretion of dopamine.
