massage-therapy-paula-maybeeMassage Therapy

Healing Touch plays a very vital role in our lives. With it humans thrive and without it at a very basic level they do not.

Massage provides many health benefits not only to the body, but also to the mind and spirit.  Whether you just want to relax or do more focused work on some areas of your body, there are several modalities of Massage that are available. Some approach Massage from an Eastern philosophy such as Thai, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Ayurvedic, Tui Na, Polarity, Qi Gong and more. And some from a Western philosophy such as Swedish, Craniosacral, Trigger Point, Lymphatic, Deep Tissue and Structural Integration.

Whatever the modality, all provide great benefits to wellness. Finding the modality or combination of modalities that fits you and your lifestyle best will bring you the greatest results.

What Massage Can Do For You

These are just some of the many Benefits

  • Increases Systemic Circulation Which Aids In Faster and Better Recovery from Injuries and Surgeries
  • Boosts Immune System By Stimulating Lymph Flow, The Bodies Natural Defense System
  • Reduces Stress & Fatigue
  • Relieves Migraine Pain
  • Reduces Edema
  • Decreases Pain from Arthritis
  • Lubricates Joints and Increases Range Of Motion
  • Assists With Preparation and Recovery From Workouts
  • Decreases Symptoms Of Depression
  • Improves Sleep Patterns
  • Improves Digestive Function
  • Connects your Mind, Body & Spirit
  • Provides An Enhanced Sense Of Well-Being By Bringing the Body Back To Balance

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes depending on the type of massage, you may experience some discomfort because your muscles are not used to being manipulated in such a manner, but you should never be in severe pain. If you are having any discomfort during your session it is very important that you tell the Massage Therapist. They should also be checking in with you during the session to make sure you are ok with how the Massage is going and if there is any adjustment to that needs to happen. If the Massage Therapist does not listen to you and make adjustments to ease your discomfort, you have every right to stop the session. It is your body. Do not be afraid to speak up and take care of yourself if the Therapist is not. Then go find one who will listen to you. There are many great Massage Therapists out there.
For most Massage Therapies, you are asked to partially or fully undress. Although you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times, some clients are comfortable completely nude, while others are not. It is up to the client to decide how much they wish to undress according to their own comfort level.

If you are more comfortable staying clothed, please wear thin, loose clothing such as yoga gear. Your clothing will act as the draping. Of course if you would like to be draped with blankets and sheets they will already be on the massage table for you to lie under.

The Therapist will not be in the room while you are dressing or undressing and getting on and off the table unless assistance is required for medical reasons.

Yes, there are contraindications to Massage. If you have chosen a well educated Massage Therapist, they will know when it would not be appropriate to give a Massage.

General contraindications include:

  • Fever
  • Systemic Contagious or Infections Diseases including the Common Cold
  • Open Sores (whole body)
  • Rashes (whole body)
  • Fractures or other Acute Trauma
  • Severe Unstable Hypertension
  • Infections
  • Immediately after Surgery
  • Immediately after Consumption of Alcohol
  • Immediately after Consumption of Recreational Drugs

Local Contraindications include:

  • Acute flare up of Inflammatory Conditions
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Aneurism
  • Frostbite
  • Local Contagious or Irritable Skin Conditions
  • Local Open Sores or Wounds
  • Recent Burns
  • Varicose Veins
  • Gout
It is important to drink at least 8oz of water before and after your Massage to ensure your body and muscles are able to fully receive the benefits of the work.

Unhealthy muscle tissue is tight and tough which doesn’t allow for good blood flow. With decreased blood flow metabolic wastes will begin to build up. In unhealthy muscle tissue your body will begin to form fibrous adhesions in the muscle and connective tissue. It is these adhesions along with metabolic waste buildup that can cause some discomfort when receiving Massage.

During your Massage the Therapist works on the areas that need to get the blood flowing again. As that happens your blood will again start delivering oxygen and fluids to the muscle tissue. Any amount of water that is transferred to the muscle is removed from your bloodstream effectively causing the percentage of water in your blood stream to decrease = dehydration. At the same time your muscles are releasing the built up of metabolic wastes into your bloodstream. In severe cases clients can even become nauseated or feel light headed.

“It is through our hands that we speak to the child. That we communicate. Touch is the child’s first language, understanding comes long after feeling.”

 – Frederick Leboyer

Infant Massage

pregnant-womenAt 8 weeks in utero an infant develops it’s sense of touch.  They move their bodies against themselves and their parents. A stroke on a hand touching a mother’s abdomen, a baby’s movement against itself in the womb, these are the first massages we all receive.

Infant Massage is a centuries old tradition of providing nurturing touch as a way of initially communicating and bonding with your child to foster trust, respect, and understanding.

I always encourage Parents and Caregivers to use nurturing touch with their child as soon as they are born. In healthy full term infants Massage routines can be practiced on a daily basis. Taking an Infant Massage class at around 3 weeks of age is ideal. The strokes and styles of infant massage are easier to grasp and retain when demonstrated by experienced instructors. Pressure, rate, rhythm, the length of the massage, respect, bonding, why baby cries, baby’s body language, positioning of the baby, specific techniques to help relieve colic, constipation and other digestion discomforts, relaxation and parent empowerment are some of the skills and topics that you will learn.

*Specialized Massage Techniques can be used with infants born prematurely or with special needs to help them thrive and arrive home sooner. These techniques should be taught to the parents as soon as possible when it is medically safe for the infant to receive Massage.

Children who learn healthy views of touch and are provided with positive tactile experience by their caregivers are more likely to grow up to be adults with healthy self-esteem, a sense of appropriate boundaries and long-lasting intimate relationships.

Pediatric Massage

For Children from 1-18 years of age

Just as adults do, children experience many situations that cause their bodies to exhibit symptoms from Stress, Trauma, Injury, Fatigue, Pain, Fear, Depression and Anxiety to name a few.

Whether you are a relatively healthy child, or one who has been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition, hospitalized, or require 24 hour specialized care, Pediatric Massage Therapy can provide you with many benefits:

General Benefits

  • Increases Systemic Circulation Which Aids in Faster and Better Recovery from Injuries and Surgeries
  • Boosts Immune System By Stimulating Lymph Flow, The Bodies Natural Defense System
  • Reduces Stress & Fatigue
  • Relieves Migraine Pain
  • Reduces Edema
  • Improves Long-Range Cognitive and Emotional Development
  • Lubricates Joints and Increases Range Of Motion
  • Assists With Preparation and Recovery From Workouts
  • Decreases Symptoms of Depression
  • Improves Sleep Patterns
  • Improves Digestive Function
  • Connects your Mind, Body & Spirit
  • Provides An Enhanced Sense of Well-Being by Bringing the Body Back to Balance and Improving All of your Body System Functions

Benefits for Specific Diagnoses

The Following Benefits Have All Been Documented in Research Findings:

ADD/ADHD
  • May Help Improve Behaviors
  • May Help Sooth, Calm, and Relax to Decrease Anxiety
  • May Help To Improve Focus and Concentration
Asthma
  • Improves Peak Air Flow
  • Decreases Anxiety and Stress Hormone Levels
  • Reduces Hospitalizations
Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Decreases Aversion to Touch and Increases Ability to Focus
  • May Provide Relaxation, Stress Reduction and Calm Muscle Spasms
  • May Promote More On-task and Social Relatedness Behavior During Play
  • Helps to Become More Accustomed to Tactile Stimulation and Aides in Body Awareness
  • Decreases Issues with Sleeping
Burn Treatment
  • Reduces Anticipatory Anxiety Prior To Debridement
Cancer
  • Decreases Pain
  • Decreases Depression
  • Increases the Levels of (Feel-Good) Neurotransmitters such as Serotonin and Dopamine
  • Increases the Levels of Oxytocin (Nurturing Hormone)
  • Decreases the Levels of Cortisol (Stress Hormone)
Cerebral Palsy
  • Provides Gentle Nurturing Touch which can Stimulate Cranial Areas Helping the Muscles to Release
  • Passive Range of Motion Movements can Assist in Maintaining and Increasing Flexibility, Provide Movement in the Joints and Prevent Contractures of the Muscles
  • May Help with Increase in Circulation for Paralyzed Limbs
  • May be Helpful in Decreasing Tone in Spastic Muscles, Relieving Tension and Spasms, and Improving Blood Circulation and Digestion
Cystic Fibrosis
  • Decreases Anxiety, Eases Breathing & Improves Overall Pulmonary Function
Diabetes
  • Improved Mean Glucose Levels
  • Improved Compliance with Insulin and Food Regulation
  • Reduced Parent Anxiety
  • Overall Symptomatic Improvement
Down Syndrome
  • May Improve Muscle Tone
  • May Increase Performance on Motor Tasks
  • May Provide Relief from Constipation
HIV
  • Facilitates Release of Serotonin
  • Increases Natural Killer Cells
  • Decreases Anxiety and Depression
  • Increases Weight Gain
  • Facilitates Improved Performance on The Brazelton Newborn Scale
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (Mild to Moderate)
  • Decreases Anxiety
  • Decreases Cortisol Levels
  • May Decrease Pain
Leukemia
  • Increases White Blood Cell and Neutrophil Counts
Muscular Dystrophy
  • May Delay Onset of Contractures
  • Relaxes Muscles
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Decreases Anxiety
Pre-Mature Infants
  • Increases Weight Gain on Average by 53%
  • Boosts Development of Circulatory, Muscular, and Neurological Systems
  • Increases Intimacy and Communication Between Parent and Infant
  • Promotes Impression of Positive Nurturing Touch
  • Decreases Fear of Touch in Parent and Infant
  • Aids in Anxiety of Invasive Procedures

* Today, neonatal touch therapy is used in about 40 percent of neonatal intensive care units nationwide and results in a savings of about $10,000 per infant — $4.7 billion annually nationwide — by shortening hospital stays by nearly a week for premature babies.

Spina Bifida
  • May Help to Increase Perception of a Positive Body Image
  • Aids in Prevents Paralyzed Areas from Atrophy by Providing Stimulation
  • May Help to Decrease Scar Tissue

Frequently Asked Questions

A CPMT is a Massage Therapist who has received several hours advanced training to provide massage to children with a variety of health care needs. The training includes a variety of massage techniques for working with healthy children, as well as children with various physical, developmental, emotional, and mental challenges.
A CEIM is an individual who has received several hours of advanced training to educate parents and caregivers on how to Massage their children.  Although anyone can take this training, most CEIM’s are usually individuals in the health care field such as Massage Therapist, Physical Therapists, Doulas, Midwives, and Nurses.
No. It is very important that you are present during every session because you will get to see what I am doing, you can ask questions, learn ways that you can help your child, and actually participate in the healing process.
For children under the age of 18 is necessary for you to be present near the child during the session.  If the child wishes to be alone in the treatment room, you are welcome to sit just outside so that you may still hear what is happening in the session and if the child should need you, you will be able to attend to them immediately.
I always encourage Parents and Caregivers to use Nurturing Touch with the child as soon as they are born. However, because Infant Massage itself is composed of specific techniques I would suggest, generally speaking, using the three-week old starting period to enroll in a class for full term healthy children.

*Specialized massage techniques can be used from birth with babies born prematurely or with other special needs to help them thrive and arrive home sooner. These techniques should be taught to the parents and caregivers by a Licensed Massage Therapist certified in Infant/Pediatric Massage to ensure the best treatment results for the child.

3 weeks to pre-crawling is ideal for full term healthy infants.
A baby’s sense of smell is very strong.  Using any fragrance near a baby before at least one year of age is not recommended as it can interfere with the bonding process.  The baby will be searching for the parent’s natural smell to identify with them.  Essential oils can certainly be added in later as the child grows.  However, due to the extreme sensitivities of children and the fact that individual reactions will vary, it is advisable to consult with your health care provider and a knowledgeable essential oils distributor to determine what is right for your child.
Appoint times for children tend to be shorter than that of adults. Typically for healthy children a massage session will be:

Infant to Early Childhood (5 and under) – Usually 15-20 min
Late Childhood (6-12) – Usually 30 min.
Adolescent thru Teens (13-18) – Usually 60 min.

*Children with Special Needs appointment times will vary depending on the diagnoses of the child and will be discussed with the parent to provide the best outcome possible.

* Expect an additional 20 minutes for the first appointment to ask and answer any additional questions, fill out and go over forms, and allow us to get to know each other.

*Your first appointment fee will consist of a Consultation fee and Massage Therapy session fee. Subsequent appointments will be charged for a Massage Therapy session only.

**Just because an appointment is 15 minutes doesn’t mean your 5 year old will want to have massage or be touched for 15 minutes. I do a pretty good job keeping kids interested, but the moment your child wants to stop or falls asleep, the massage portion of the session is over. I want your child to enjoy massage, so when the child is done, I am done.  I will make the best use of the time that is left considering you are paying for the entire session.

shutterstock_103942829Hospice & Palliative Care Massage Therapy

Hospice is a concept of care. It is about providing comfort and dignity for anyone at any age during a serious illness or the end of life.

There is usually a team providing this care consisting of several Therapists (i.e. Massage Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist), Nurses, Doctors, Clergy, Home Health Aids, Counselors, and Social -Workers who work together for a patient who has been diagnosed with an illness that leaves them with 6 months to a year to live. Providing the best quality of life during this time is their goal.

While there are In-Patient Hospice Facilities, the majority of Hospice Care is provided in a Patient’s Home, Hospital, or Skilled Care Facility.

Palliative Care is any Non-Invasive Holistic Treatment provided by Therapists, Doctors, and Nurses to address the symptoms the patient is experiencing to bring them as much pain relief, and comfort as possible.

Hospice Massage is the practice of Therapeutic Massage, Compassionate Touch and Bodywork techniques that give the patient a non-pharmacological alternative to help reduce pain, fear, anxiety, and possibly medications, while increasing comfort, relaxation and peace to enhance the quality of life for the ill and the dying.

Compassionate touch is more than a set of Bodywork Techniques. It is about giving attention with intention; a comprehensive approach of Focused Touch and Sensitive Massage with specialized Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills.

We are there to hold space for the patient and to connect with them on a deep level so that they may feel safe and comforted. The Massage is not intended to cure the illness, but rather to bring about emotional and spiritual healing through the power of Compassionate Touch.

The strongest thing in the world is TENDERNESS. “People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel”

– Maya Angelou

geriatric-massage-therapyGeriatric Massage Therapy

Geriatric Massage is in essence the same as any regular type of Massage Therapy with the difference being the specialized knowledge and application of the Massage Therapist.

Seniors have many levels of development or decline from healthy, to fragile, which can change very rapidly.  Being able to work within those various levels of health with compassion and understanding is extremely important.

A good Massage Therapist should know how to adapt Massage techniques to fit their Senior Clientele along with an understanding of the specific physical, mental & emotional challenges they face and the medications associated with them in order for them to receive the most beneficial treatment for their Mind, Body & Spirit.

Research continues to show that Massage Therapy can ease symptoms and improve the lives of seniors dealing with many health issues such as:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Arthritis
  • Balance & Proprioception
  • COPD
  • Cancer
  • Dementia
  • Edema
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Fractured Bone Recovery
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Heart Attack
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Polymyalgia
  • Skin Health
  • Strains & Sprains
  • Stroke
  • Surgery Recovery

 

As a Certified Geriatric Massage Therapist one of my goals is to provide healing touch for my clients. The other is to educate them about what massage can do for their body. Whether you are robust, age appropriate or frail, everyone and every day is unique.

Seniors, who regularly receive massage either as a relaxation session or a specific therapeutic one will tend to stay healthy longer, are able to be more active and have a greater overall quality of life.

What Massage Can Do For You

These are just some of the many Benefits:

  • Provides Nurturing Touch
  • Increases Systemic Circulation For Faster Healing, Which Aids In Faster and Better Recovery from Injuries, Illness, and Surgeries
  • Boosts Immune System By Stimulating Lymph Flow, The Bodies Natural Defense System
  • Reduces Edema
  • Lubricates Joints and Increases Range Of Motion
  • Reduces Stress & Fatigue Decreases Pain from Arthritis Assists With Preparation and Recovery From Workout Decreases Symptoms Of Depression Improves Sleep Patterns Improves Digestive Function Connects your Mind, Body & Spirit Provides An Enhanced Sense of Well-Being by Bringing the Body Back to Balance and Improving All of your Body System Functions

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes depending on the type of massage, you may experience some discomfort because your muscles are not used to being manipulated in such a manner, but you should never be in severe pain. If you are having any discomfort during your session it is very important that you tell the Massage Therapist. They should also be checking in with you during the session to make sure you are ok with how the Massage is going and if there is any adjustment to that needs to happen. If the Massage Therapist does not listen to you and make adjustments to ease your discomfort, you have every right to stop the session. It is your body. Do not be afraid to speak up and take care of yourself if the Therapist is not. Then go find one who will listen to you. There are many great Massage Therapists out there.
For most Massage Therapies, you are asked to partially or fully undress. Although you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times, some clients are comfortable completely nude, while others are not. It is up to the client to decide how much they wish to undress according to their own comfort level.

If you are more comfortable staying clothed, please wear thin, loose clothing such as yoga gear. Your clothing will act as the draping. Of course if you would like to be draped with blankets and sheets they will already be on the massage table for you to lie under.

The Therapist will not be in the room while you are dressing or undressing and getting on and off the table unless assistance is required for medical reasons.

Yes, there are contraindications to Massage. If you have chosen a well educated Massage Therapist, they will know when it would not be appropriate to give a Massage.

General contraindications include:

  • Fever
  • Systemic Contagious or Infections Diseases including the Common Cold
  • Open Sores (whole body)
  • Rashes (whole body)
  • Fractures or other Acute Trauma
  • Severe Unstable Hypertension
  • Infections
  • Immediately after Surgery
  • Immediately after Consumption of Alcohol
  • Immediately after Consumption of Recreational Drugs

Local Contraindications include:

  • Acute flare up of Inflammatory Conditions
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Aneurism
  • Frostbite
  • Local Contagious or Irritable Skin Conditions
  • Local Open Sores or Wounds
  • Recent Burns
  • Varicose Veins
  • Gout
It is important to drink at least 8oz of water before and after your Massage to ensure your body and muscles are able to fully receive the benefits of the work.

Unhealthy muscle tissue is tight and tough which doesn’t allow for good blood flow. With decreased blood flow metabolic wastes will begin to build up. In unhealthy muscle tissue your body will begin to form fibrous adhesions in the muscle and connective tissue. It is these adhesions along with metabolic waste buildup that can cause some discomfort when receiving Massage.

During your Massage the Therapist works on the areas that need to get the blood flowing again. As that happens your blood will again start delivering oxygen and fluids to the muscle tissue. Any amount of water that is transferred to the muscle is removed from your bloodstream effectively causing the percentage of water in your blood stream to decrease = dehydration. At the same time your muscles are releasing the built up of metabolic wastes into your bloodstream. In severe cases clients can even become nauseated or feel light headed.

Rates at My Office

Consultation Fee – $60.00 (Pediatric Clients Only)
15 Min. Therapy Session (Pediatric Clients Only) – $20
30 Min. Therapy Session – $40
60 Min. Therapy Session- $80
90 Min. Therapy Session- $100

Rates At Your Residence

Consultation Fee – $60.00 (Pediatric Clients Only)
15 Min. Therapy Session (Pediatric Clients Only) – $30
30 Min. Therapy Session – $50
60 Min. Therapy Session- $90
90 Min. Therapy Session- $120

Cancellation Policy

A minimum of 24 hour notice is required for cancellation for a refund to be applied. I charge full price should cancellation occur within 24 hours. Medical and Personal Emergency exemptions may be considered for full or partial refund on a case by case basis.

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