therapeutic massage

We take a therapeutic approach to our massage practice, which means listening carefully to the client's concerns and needs and then designing a session to address those needs. We practice a number of different styles (aka modalities) of massage therapy. We find that for most clients, using all of the tools in our kit is better than trying to provide a pure experience of simply one style.

The effects of massage are cumulative. As one area of the body relaxes into a new, healthier pattern, this allows us to work on new details over time. We use Organic Jojoba (certified by MOFGA) from the Maine-based company, Hoba Care, and our linens are washed in unscented laundry detergent, usually from 7th Generation or Charlie's.
​
Here's a listing of the basics of what we offer. If you have any questions about conditions we treat or any contraindications for massage, please reach out to discuss.

deep tissue &
​myofascial release

This form of massage is designed to improve range of motion and restore muscle function. The work itself can be painful at times, but generally results in released muscles and reduced pain overall. The myofascia, or connective tissue, which holds the muscles into a shape, can become bound together and feel sticky. This work helps to unstick patterns from repetitive use or disuse.

---

Craniosacral Therapy

Sean & Chrystina have both been trained in the basic level of CranioSacral Therapy by the Upledger Institute. “CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance . . . Using a soft touch . . . practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.”

---

trigger point therapy

The body contains a host of points that can refer pain to other areas. These odd little points are very useful when, for example, your arm hurts but you can't pinpoint and resolve the issue in the arm itself. Sometimes it's in the shoulder and refers all the way down to the tip of a finger. This is a very effective method to release tension throughout the body including headaches.

abdominal massage

This isn't a modality in itself, but it is something that is somewhat unique to our practice. We have both studied abdominal massage from a number of different sources including Rolfing, Structural Integration and Taoist Chi Nei Tsang. It's often avoided by US massage therapists, but we love it.

---

clothed, Floor-based massage (thai & Shiatsu)

Chrystina's training is closer to Thai and Sean's is closer to Shiatsu. In both forms, however, the client is fully clothed and the work is performed on a mat on the floor. This usually involves a lot of range of motion (moving the limbs and stretching) and compressions on the energy lines of the body. Many people find this work particularly relieving for the hips. ​

---

swedish Massage

Gentle, repetitive strokes, generally with oil or lotion (we use Organic Jojoba by the Maine-based Hoba Care) designed to invite the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest mode) to turn on. Benefits include relaxation, stress relief, and better sleep. This is the basic massage modality upon which most Western massage is based.

Children & elders

We absolutely work with children and elders and understand that the approach can be different. With children under 18, we typically work with the client clothed and ask that the parent be present for the massage. Ask about 30-45 minute sessions! They are not available to book online, but we're happy to accommodate the attention spans and tolerance of folks in these age groups.

sports massage

​This form of massage is used to warm up or cool down the body, often on-site at a race or other event. It is often performed clothed. This category also refers to maintaining the body at peak performance by improving flexibility, preventing injury and increasing circulation (the body's repair system, among other things) for athletes. Techniques used are specific to your biomechanical needs. We can do recovery and maintenance work in our office—just call or book online. Please call to arrange on-site work. 

seated massage

Office work can be stressful and hard on the body, and many workplace are now offering massage as part of their wellness program either as an ongoing program or a one-time treat. Seated massage can offer much needed relief, particularly in the shoulders, neck, head, arms, hands, and back. Please contact us directly to arrange. We can bring the chair to your office, party, event, retreat center or other location. 

intra-oral tmj release

​The jaw or Tempromandibular Joint (TMJ) is often overlooked by massage therapists. If you grind your teeth or you're a clencher, you know how important it is. This work is performed with a gloved hand inside the mouth and works to release those muscles. Many people with dysfunction in the mouth and jaw find this to be incredibly relieving, and it can reduce headaches. 

---

Couples massage

We have two generously sized rooms and two massage therapists, so we will happily see two people at once. We find that the therapeutic work we do is more relaxing and beneficial when you (and we) are focused on the one person on the table, so we don't move the furniture to accommodate a traditional couples massage. If you're looking to be in the same room with your sweetheart, we recommend seeking another practice.