Matthew Taormina

Styles & Modalities

Every Session Is Customized To Your Specific Needs

 

Below are descriptions of the various bodywork styles that I have been trained in.  Some clients come in knowing exactly what type of massage they desire.  Many are unsure of what modalities will work best for them, or just want a new, unique experience.  Most of the sessions I do blend different styles to create a treatment, or a series of treatments to deliver the maximum benefit to the client.  Every body is different.  Whether you are an athlete looking to boost your performance, recovering from a recent injury, suffering from chronic pain, or just need to relax and take in some self-care, I will take the time to listen to how you feel and how you'd like to feel. From there we can make a plan together to get you feeling your very best!

 

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy intended to eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and rebalance the entire body. It does this by using massage techniques, cupping and motion to stretch the fascia and release the bonds that exist between the fascia, muscles and bones. Fascia is the connective tissue that connects and covers all muscles, organs, and skeletal structures of the body. Direct myofascial release is sometimes known as deep tissue work. Indirect release applies light pressure and gently stretches the fascia; this allows for increased blood circulation and relief from pain.

CUPPING

Cupping is one of the most ancient modalities of bodywork.  It has recently had a surge in popularity thanks to many professional athletes using cupping therapy to enhance their performance.  Cupping therapy uses negative pressure through vacuum cups to provide a great number of health benefits including, lymph drainage, improved circulation, reduced inflammation, sedating the nervous system, loosening adhesions, and releasing deep tissue issues.  Clients experience an increased range of motion, decrease in pain and overall sense of well-being.  Cupping therapy also opens the pores allowing greater absorption of topical salves and balms, making it a great treatment to be accompanied by a body wrap with your favorite essential oil blend.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.

PRENATAL MASSAGE

Pregnancy Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques specially developed for the expecting mother, Pregnancy Massage helps release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation.

SHIATSU/THAI STYLE

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy.  In addition to the direct stimulation of pressure points along the energy pathways of your body, I incorporate stretching techniques from Thai Yoga facilitating a moving meditation to integrate the point work and encourage the flow of Chi (energy) throughout the body. Shiatsu an Thai Yoga are meditative healing arts that honor the body, mind and spirit.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in athletics. Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term. Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains and swelling in the body, relax the mind, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates. Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body's natural immune function.

TRIGGER POINT THERAPY

Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These "knots" are built up throughout a person's life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques order to release your trigger points. This process can be quite painful at times, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative.