Our Services

Registered Massage Therapy focuses on relieving pain, improving mobility, and promoting overall well-being. Treatment for common muscular-skeletal conditions is well supported in Therapeutic Massage. Myofascial Massage is a focused modality in the clinic.

Myofascial treatments focus on the fascia, or connective tissue, that surrounds the muscles. Whether it be at a superficial or deep level, Fascial Therapy approaches the tissues in a manner that uses its mechanical properties to create release of holding patterns & restrictions in the body, thereby allowing greater ease of movement in the body, a decrease in discomfort or pain as well as a greater sense of well being.

Another key difference is that myofascial release is typically done using light to moderate pressure, while general massage therapy can be done using a variety of pressures depending on the client’s needs.  This form of therapy does typically use oils or lotions and often has the client active in the treatment process through various positions to increase the effectiveness as well as create an increase in body awareness.

What is Fascia ?

Fascia is a complex network of connective tissue that runs throughout the entire body, enveloping muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. Imagine fascia as a web-like structure that provides support and shape, holding everything in place while allowing for smooth movement and flexibility. Healthy fascia is flexible, pliable, and hydrated, enabling the body to move freely and without pain. However, injury, stress, poor posture, or repetitive movements can cause fascia to become restricted, or stuck, leading to pain and decreased mobility.

Because fascia is interconnected, any restrictions or hardening in one area can ripple, putting immense tension on adjacent structures, even in distant parts of the body. This can lead to seemingly unrelated pain and discomfort. For example, chronic lower back pain can be connected to neck tightness due to the fascia's gradual tightening. To truly address lower back pain, it's essential to work with the fascia in both the head and neck, as they are interlinked.

Addressing restrictions in the fascia through targeted treatments like myofascial massage can significantly improve overall mobility, alleviate pain, and optimize your body’s natural movement patterns.

When to Book  : Booking can be supported both pre or post surgery and well into survivorship. 

Prior to Surgery will allow for a full assessment that includes current mobility of the shoulder, tissue and posture assessment.  This is ideal to get a good base line as well as support the tissue and your nervous system prior to surgery. 

Post Surgical Apt’s are booked 3 weeks out. ** If any complications arise please contact via email or contact form right away to discuss if apt will need to be rescheduled. 

First Visit Overview 

In this visit we discuss what treatment will look like, and the benefits to massage before and after surgery. This appointment is tailored to individual needs at the present time and may include going over care planning, exercises, and precautions for the weeks ahead or the focus may shift to a calming treatment to support the nervous system or both.  Your first visit is also a time for us to meet and for me to listen. Care plans will be carefully discussed as per your individual needs and comfort level. Treatment can be stopped at any time.

Treatment is available to you for pre surgery support, post surgery rehab and during the radiation phase with assessment approval. . After booking your first visit, and completing the health history form I hope to have a quick introduction over the phone if time permits.  If you are booking months or years out post surgery this is also indicated to support reconstruction, mobility, lymphatics, scar tissue and overall whole body wellbeing

Common Indications for treatment with Breast Oncology

Axillary Web Syndrome (cording) 

Scar Tissue Support 

Decreased Range of Motion in shoulder complex and surrounding tissue 

Radiation Preparation Support for both shoulder mobility above head and tissue health 

Post Radiation Support to tissue and joints 

Post Swelling and maintenance  Manual Lymph Drainage Support and 

Support for Lymphedema prevention and/or follow up care after seeing a Lymphedema Therapist

Downregulation of Nervous System 

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it also comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. Massage therapy during pregnancy can be an effective way to support a healthy and comfortable pregnancy as well as be calming to the nervous system. MLD is also supported and offered in treatment of lower leg swelling. Pregnant positions include side lying as well as body cushion systems pregnancy support pillow for choice of comfort. 

Cesarean sections, while often necessary, can leave mothers with scars that cause discomfort, pain, and restricted movement. Proper care and treatment of C-section scars are crucial for long-term health and well-being. Scar treatment is a more gentle treatment and can be combined with MLD. 

 Carrie provides compassionate care to promote healing and restore comfort during your recovery journey

Lymphatic massage stimulates lymph flow and drains the affected tissue of excess water and protein helping to alleviate swelling, decrease pain, reduce inflammation, and promote overall healing and relaxation.  MLD can help people with lymphedema, traumatic injuries, headaches, pregnancy, skin conditions, arthralgias, insomnia and to reduce swelling associated with surgeries. 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage (MLD) or lymphatic massage is a very gentle massage that encourages lymph flow in the body and  focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system. It is a gentle, rhythmic massage technique. There are various approaches to MLD. With a focus on analysis, therapeutic techniques, and the integrity of strokes, Dr. Vodder’s MLD is universally recognized as the gold standard of Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Dr.Vodder method is the only clinical method offered in treatment. 

MLD is an effective treatment before and after your surgery. Although your body has the ability and knowledge to heal itself, MLD can help decrease recovery time, pain and promote healthy tissue prior to and after surgery including surgical scar support. Focused Support is also offered in Breast Implant and Explant Surgeries.  

***There are contraindications to MLD treatment. Please make sure to fill out forms thoroughly to properly assess prior to treatment. 

Direct Scar support can start when the wound is fully healed, approximately 6-8 weeks after surgery. Manual Lymph Drainage can start earlier than this and will be decided during assessment. MLD is well supported to help during the healing stages. 

The purpose of scar tissue massage is to alleviate the adverse effects of scar tissue formation and promote healing. Through specific massage techniques, and MLD, scar tissue can be effectively manipulated to improve its texture, flexibility, and appearance. Scar support in new scars accompanied by MLD is an effective way to manage pain and swelling. Scar treatment in all stages is also supported in restoring optimal function to the affected area.  It can also help to minimize the risk of complications such as restricted movement, stiffness, and ongoing discomfort caused by scar tissue. Overall, scar tissue massage aims to enhance the healing process and promote better recovery outcomes.