Therapeutic Bodywork

What is Therapeutic Bodywork?

Therapeutic bodywork is a blend of therapies used to soothe the nervous system, release tension, address common soft tissue conditions, injuries acute and/or chronic, and limited range of motion. It works to access deep muscle structures, break up scar tissue (both new and old), disengage the fibers from abnormal adhesions, and integrate changes into cranial sacral and myofascial systems.

What is the Difference Between Bodywork and Massage?

What distinguishes bodywork is its holistic perspective on the body. Rather than focusing solely on the area of discomfort, bodyworkers evaluate the entire body to uncover the root cause of the issue. Pain or tension often stems from a different location than where it is experienced. Once the source is identified, therapists select the most effective techniques to promote fascial health and overall balance.

Deep tissue massage is essentially one technique within the broader practice of bodywork. Bodywork is better defined as orthopedic or manual therapy, encompassing a variety of methods aimed at maintaining optimal tissue health. When clients experience pain or dysfunction caused by unhealthy tissue, bodywork practitioners use a combination of techniques, including deep tissue massage, to address the underlying issues and restore balance.

Physical Benefits

Pain Relief

Therapeutic bodywork is highly effective in reducing both acute and chronic pain. Techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy can target specific areas of tension and discomfort. By applying pressure to tight muscles, fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles), or muscle knots, bodywork can break up adhesions, alleviate stiffness, and reduce pain in areas such as the back, neck, shoulders, and joints. Over time, regular bodywork can also help prevent pain flare-ups by addressing the underlying muscular imbalances or tension that contribute to discomfort.

Increased Circulation

Bodywork therapies enhance circulation, which is crucial for the health of tissues and organs. Techniques like Swedish massage or lymphatic drainage massage help to stimulate blood flow, ensuring that oxygen and essential nutrients reach the muscles and organs. Improved circulation also promotes the removal of metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, which can accumulate after physical exertion and contribute to soreness. Enhanced blood flow helps improve overall cardiovascular health and supports the healing process in injured or inflamed tissues.

Muscle Relaxation

One of the primary benefits of therapeutic bodywork is its ability to relax tight and overworked muscles. By targeting areas of chronic tension or muscle spasms, bodywork can reduce stiffness, increase flexibility, and restore the muscles’ natural range of motion. Methods like deep tissue massage, myofascial release, or even acupuncture can break down muscle knots and trigger points, reducing muscle fatigue and helping to prevent further strain. As a result, the muscles become more supple and less prone to discomfort or injury.

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation can result from injury, overuse, or chronic conditions, leading to pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion. Therapeutic bodywork techniques, particularly lymphatic drainage or gentle massage, help stimulate the body’s lymphatic system, which is responsible for clearing waste, toxins, and excess fluid from tissues. By encouraging lymph flow, bodywork helps reduce localized swelling and promote healing by supporting the immune system. It can also improve joint function and mobility by reducing the inflammatory response that often accompanies conditions like arthritis or sports injuries.

Improved Posture

Therapeutic bodywork can address and correct muscular imbalances that lead to poor posture. Many people develop postural issues due to muscle stiffness, weakness, or repetitive strain, such as sitting for extended periods or slouching. By targeting specific muscle groups—such as those in the back, shoulders, and hips—bodywork helps release tightness and increase flexibility, allowing the body to align more naturally. Over time, regular bodywork can help retrain the muscles and fascia to support a more neutral and balanced posture, which in turn reduces strain on the spine and surrounding tissues, preventing discomfort and injury.

  • Tylyn O'Brien, CMT

    She/Her

    Tylyn uses a model of therapeutic bodywork to help clients address common soft tissue conditions, injuries acute and/or chronic, and limited range of motion. She will work with you to identify and treat physical pain caused by injury from lifestyle, accidents, sports, work, postural distortions, and repetitive use syndromes. Treatments involve working with a whole-body approach in mind. She uses a collage of techniques from trigger point therapy, cross-fiber fractioning, myofascial release, craniosacral, and therapeutic stretching.

    Offerings

    30 minutes- $50

    60 minutes- $100

    90 minutes- $150

    120 minutes- $200

  • Eli Pedersen, BCTMB

    They/Them

    Eli typically integrates more than one of these many techniques into a session to meet the needs of the client. They also have an inquisitive and energetic approach to bodywork which helps keep them grounded in their practice. Although a holistic approach to bodywork and aftercare is most recommended, the more specific a complaint the more they enjoy searching for the root of the problem. Eli is very interested in energy healing modalities and wishes to incorporate that into their sessions too.


    Offerings

    60 minutes- $100

    90 minutes- $150


  • Elsie Olin, CMT

    She/Her

    Elsie is skillful at treating the body as a whole and combining multiple modalities to offer healing from different angles, allowing for more individualized and intuitive treatments. She specializes in pre and post-natal massage, headaches and migraines, and trauma-induced stagnations and injuries. Her goal is to offer a safe space for all walks of life to seek healing in both body and mind.

    Offerings

    60 minutes- $100

Therapeutic Bodywork FAQs

  • Yes! A major benefit of therapeutic bodywork is that your appointment is tailored to your unique needs. You will have a short intake with your practitioner during your appointment, where you can specify your goals, such as pain relief, stress reduction, or injury recovery. You can also specify massage techniques that you prefer, such as deep tissue or sports massage.

  • Therapeutic bodywork can be beneficial for people of all ages and activity levels. A good candidate for therapeutic bodywork can include individuals who:

    • Experience chronic pain, muscle tension, or discomfort.

    • Have postural imbalances or mobility issues.

    • Are recovering from injuries or physical strain.

    • Experience stress, anxiety, or emotional tension.

    • Seek relief from headaches or migraines.

    • Are recovering from trauma and looking for somatic support.

    • Want to improve flexibility, circulation, and overall well-being.

    • Are pregnant

    • Are looking to partake in self-care

  • Yes, many pregnant individuals can benefit from therapeutic bodywork, but it's important to approach it with caution. Prenatal bodywork is a specialized form of therapeutic bodywork designed to address the unique needs of pregnant clients. It can help alleviate pregnancy-related discomfort, such as back pain, swelling, and muscle tension, while promoting relaxation. Our practitioners are trained to use appropriate techniques and positioning to ensure comfort and safety throughout the session.

  • After a therapeutic bodywork session, you may experience a range of feelings, depending on the type of work performed and your individual body response. Common sensations include:

    • Relaxation: A sense of calm and reduced stress due to the release of tension in the muscles and nervous system.

    • Increased mobility: Greater flexibility and movement, especially if you have tight muscles or a limited range of motion.

    • Mild soreness: Similar to the feeling after a workout, especially if deep tissue or targeted techniques were used to address muscle tension. This should subside within a day or two.

    • Heightened awareness: A stronger connection to your body, with increased awareness of any areas that might need further attention.

    • Improved mood: Many people feel mentally clearer or emotionally balanced after a session, as therapeutic bodywork can also release emotional tension stored in the body.

    It's important to drink plenty of water after your session to support the body’s detoxification processes and help prevent soreness. If you experience any unusual or persistent discomfort, contact the clinic to discuss your experience.