Soft Tissue Work (STW)
Targets the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue using a more gentle approach. It includes a wide range of strokes, depths, durations and pressures. This type of massage is commonly known as “Swedish Massage.”

Joint Mobilization
Technique applied to “stretch” a joint to gain more range of motion (ROM) and mobility. The purpose of joint mobilization is to have normal ROM to function in daily activities. Depending on the severity of the affected joint, the stretching can range from gentle to aggressive. The end goal is to have maximum ROM with no pain.

Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST)
A form of body work using a light touch to gently manipulate the joints of the cranium. CST is a non-aggressive approach to release compression from the head, spinal column and sacrum, alleviating stress and pain.

Cupping Therapy
The placing of special cups on the skin (usually the back) for a few minutes to create a suction. Made popular by many athletes, like Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps, cupping can be used to help with pain, improve blood flow and as a type of Deep Tissue Work. By treating the skin, the myofascial part, or outer layer of muscles, are lifted from the deeper tissues of the muscle, allowing for more movement and improved blood flow.

Deep Tissue Work (DTW)
Similar to Swedish massage, however, deeper pressure is applied to release chronic muscle tension. It is focused on releasing deeper layers, such as muscle tissue, tendons and fascia. This approach is often recommended by doctors as a treatment option.

Trigger Point Release (TPR)
Trigger points are hyper-irritated tight spots in a muscle sometimes referred to as “knots.” TPR method addresses these “trigger points” on the theory that pain radiates from these spots. The objective of TPR is to loosen these extra tight portions of the muscle, thereby reducing/eliminating pain and improving mobility.

Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
A manual therapy technique applied to a joint to improve mobility generally through a contract/relax method of muscle fiber.

Sacroiliac Joint, or SI Joint Dysfunction, Treatment:
The sacrum is the bone at the base of the spine; the iliac bone is a part of the hip joint. The sacroiliac joint connects the upper body to the lower body. The SI joint transmits all the forces of the upper body to the pelvis and legs. It is generally strong and stable — it acts as a shock-absorbing structure. Over exercising, poor posture, aging and numerous other factors can cause misalignment of the SI Joint. This results in pain of the lower back, buttocks or hip. Manual techniques, such as Soft Tissue Work, Deep Tissue Work and Muscle Energy Technique, are used to correct SI alignment, and reduce or eliminate the pain.

Body Work
A form of stretching/movement to body parts to reduce or prevent further injury. The focus is to correct clients’ overall posture, and improve connective tissue mobility or musculature, allowing easier movement and resulting in increased levels of energy. It is common to perform on dancers, musicians, swimmers, gymnasts, and even computer programers and singers.

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint, Treatment:
TMJ Dysfunction (TMJD) is an umbrella term covering pain and dysfunction of the jaw. While not life threatening, TMJD is often detrimental to quality of life. TMJD treatment is performed outside or inside the jaw allowing one to open and close the mouth more efficiently, and to do so without pain and/or grinding.

Rock Taping (Kinesiology Tape):
Differs from traditional strapping or sports taping, where joints or other body parts are wrapped tightly to provide rigid support and restrict movement. Kinesiology Tape, and Stephanie’s preferred brand, Rock Tape, are different, as the joint or area is not completely wrapped, but applied to the periphery of the area. Also the taping method is non-restrictive and in most cases can be worn 4-5 days allowing 24/7 therapeutic benefits for an extensive time. Kinesio Tape is thick and elastic-like, similar to our skin. These tapes can be worn during intense exercise, including swimming, and can worn while showering or bathing. Similar to Cupping Therapy, the tape lifts the myofascial part, or outer layer of the muscle, from the deeper tissue, allowing for more movement and efficient blood flow. Additionally, it helps in the removal of lactic acid from muscles and promotes lymphatic drainage. (Visit www.RockTape.co.nz for more information on Rock Taping.)

“After practicing physical therapy in orthopedics for over 14 years, in 2014 I completed my Massage Therapist Certification. By combining the best of Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy, and by applying all the training by mentors, classes and experience, my patient realize better results. I believe my practice now provides a much better overall service to my clients.”