Your Ideal Therapeutic Massage
With professional training, 18 years of experience and continuing education, Sheryl's clinical training encompasses a variety of modalities including, stretching, relaxing Swedish massage, hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, aromatherapy, perinatal massage, geriatric massage, neuromuscular therapy, repetitive use (carpel tunnel) injury massage, lymphatic massage, medical massage, cancer care massage, and foot reflexology. Sessions are tailored to meet your needs and preferences, from gentle and relaxing, to very deep but soothing, and anything in between.
Deep Tissue Work with Hot Stones
Hot stones are not just for light, relaxing spa treatments. Some practitioners, like myself, use the benefits of the heat and weight of stones when working with injuries, muscle tensions, stress and chronic conditions. Instead of using stones in a lovely and relaxing layout formation only, I use stones during increasingly deep massage strokes and as each stone cools slightly will then lay the stone on the muscle body for continued relaxation as I continue treatment with another hot stone.
The stones are made of basalt, which were formed millions of years ago during volcanic eruptions that took place near coastal areas. The stones then washed along a river bottom or ocean shore and were given their ultra smooth surfaces from years of being washed over sand and debris by water currents. Basalt stones are rich in iron and can therefore retain heat for a longer period of time than other stones. Because it can remain warm, it helps the therapist keep the muscles, the skin and the body relaxed enough to allow deeper treatment than the client might otherwise find comfortable.
TMJ Massage
If you, like many, suffer from Temporomandibular Joint pain or syndrome, this specialized form of massage should be considered. This work is known to release tension, normalize muscle tone, correct imbalances in your jaw function and relieve pain. Treatment includes external work on neck, shoulders, head, and face. For internal work, the therapist wears disposable gloves and uses one finger to gently apply steady pressure for a few seconds at a time to release tension in muscles that attach on the inside of your jaw. Most clients find this work comfortable and very effective, with most reporting that some amount of relief is immediate. TMJ work is usually incorporated in a broader massage session, as requested.
In-Home Massage
Postnatal or Post-Oparative your needs are covered. Sheryl also has experience in and portable equipment to accommodate in-home massage during post surgery recovery and rehabilitation. Sheryl has advanced training in medical massage as well as cancer care massage. Massage can be done in seated, reclining, or other positions for clients unable to lay on a massage table. The December 2007 issue of Time magazine publicized a study by the American Medical Association's Archives of Surgery that found that massage, in conjunction with regular pain medication, significantly improved patient pain and anxiety after major surgery. These findings have been verified in a study published in May 2010 by surgeons at the Mayo Clinic that showed patients who received post-operative massage had clinically significant reduction in pain, anxiety, and tension.
Sheryl has also had advanced training and certification in massage specifically geared towards pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Beginning around week 20 of your pregnancy you will be able to use specially-designed, high-quality cushions that continue to allow most pregnant women to enjoy treatments belly-down without pressure on abdomen or breasts. With the precautions of avoiding deep pressure on your legs and abdomen you will receive a massage customized to your pressure, pace, and style preferences. For an enlightening article on the many benefits of perinatal massage, click on Benefits of Prenatal Massage.
Sheryl is also a certified childbirth educator offering small group classes in the professional classroom at the Health Touch Office in Durham, NC. Get an entire high-quality and highly informative childbirth preparation course in one weekend intensive with several other couples. One weekend each month, Sat/Sun, 9a.m. - 5 p.m. Click here for details on the Better Birth Course.
Chair Massage for your Event
Sheryl can provide high quality, professional chair massage for your event. Chair massage is a convenient, safe, and effective way to relieve physical and mental stress. This type of massage is performed in a special massage chair and will focus on the neck, back, arms, and hands. Usually, 10-minute mini-massages are administered to each of your attendees, for the time period stated in the event agreement.The client remains fully clothed, making this service suitable for every setting.