The Teal Center For Therapeutic Bodywork, Ltd.

Services

Massage and Bodywork

Our practitioners listen carefully to understand each client’s needs and design individualized treatment plans based on thorough observation and evaluation. Your treatment may be designed using the techniques of one specific modality, or your practitioner may integrate several modalities in your healing session.

Neuromuscular Therapy

A healing approach that includes careful observation and evaluation of posture and movement patterns, NMT involves specific and thorough manipulation of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia to release contracted tissue, increase circulation, erase trigger points, reduce nerve entrapment, and correct postural distortion. These techniques are very effective in the treatment of acute and chronic pain due to injury, stress, repetitive strain, postural distortion, post surgical syndromes, and chronic neuromuscular conditions. Return to top

Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue

Classic Swedish massage involves gentle manipulation using strokes such as gliding, kneading, stretching and tapping to promote circulation, relaxation, stress reduction, and general wellbeing. Deep tissue technique incorporates more focused, penetrating strokes such as compression and cross fiber friction to facilitate the release of specific muscles that are taut or knotted. These techniques are often combined in a full body massage. Return to top

Sports Massage

Sports massage incorporates a wide variety of techniques designed to address the specific needs of athletes. These include vigorous manipulation and assisted stretching to warm the muscles in preparation for activity as well as gentle manipulation to reduce muscle spasm and increase circulation following exertion. In the event of an injury focused massage techniques are used to reduce swelling, speed healing and inhibit the formation of scar tissue. Return to top

Pre and Post Natal Massage

During pregnancy and following the birth of a child the mother's body needs special care. Massage therapy can help you adjust to the changes that occur during pregnancy and relieve some of the discomfort that you may experience, such as low back pain and edema. The relaxing effects of massage therapy are very useful in preparation for labor and delivery, and following the birth we recommend bodywork to restore the pelvis to its proper alignment and ease the shoulder tension that results from nursing and carrying the child in your arms. Massage is also a wonderful way to care for and nurture the father and father-to-be. Return to top

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy involves specific and thorough palpation of muscles and fascia to identify active trigger points that are causing referred pain in the body. The therapist is familiar with trigger points that cause common referred pain patterns and skilled in finding hidden or unusual sources of referred pain. The therapist applies static pressure to the trigger point to deactivate it and relieve the pain. When the trigger point has been released the therapist stretches the muscles and fascia to ensure proper function of the muscle. Return to top

Myofascial Release and Connective Tissue Massage

These techniques are designed to stretch and release the fascia or connective tissue that surrounds all the structures of the body. This thin, elastic membrane has a very high tensile strength, and when an injury occurs the fascia can become twisted, adhered, contracted and rigid, pulling the structure out of alignment, restricting movement, entrapping nerves, and contributing to pain and dysfunction. By releasing the fascia with pressure and stretching techniques, proper balance, alignment and function can be restored. Return to top

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art that literally translated means "finger pressure". The Shiatsu practitioner uses her fingers, palms, elbows, knees and feet to press along meridian lines on the body. These meridian lines, which have been described as "channels of living magnetic energy in the body," pass through the body and connect the vital organs. Although named after the vital organs, the functions of the meridians are much wider and encompass the whole being, at the emotional, mental and physical level. An imbalance in a person's vital energy may manifest itself as a back problem, a headache, a mental depression, or in many other ways. By working along the meridians the practitioner summons energy to the places most in need and disperses the energy from the areas where it is congested, thus restoring balance to the whole body. Shiatsu is primarily a preventive therapy, which helps to maintain a person's health, vitality and stamina. It also strengthens the vital organs and prevents energy from getting blocked in the body. Shiatsu can help in a wide range of disorders and chronic conditions including depression, migraine headache, backache, injuries and other stress-related conditions. Return to top

Craniosacral Therapy

When using craniosacral technique the therapist places the hands lightly on the body to detect the rhythm and test for restrictions of the cerebrospinal fluid as it flows through the craniosacral system. The movement can be most readily felt at the skull, sacrum and coccyx as these bones attach to the membranes that enclose the cerebrospinal fluid. This system of gentle touch assists the movement of cerebralspinal fluid through the craniosacral system and can improve sensory, motor and intellectual function. Return to top

Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy

Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive approach that can be helpful for many conditions common to infants and young children. Craniosacral therapy gently encourages the release of trauma stored in the nervous system and normalizes the movement of the child’s cranium. This is very important, especially following a difficult birth, when there has been pressure and possible distortion of the cranium. The following conditions have been successfully treated using this gentle technique:

• Feeding problems
• Chronic Regurgitation or reflux
• Food sensitivities or suspected allergies
• Colic
• Sucking/Latching issues
• Ear infections
• Habitual hitting of head or ears
• Biting others
• Aggressive outbursts
• Easily startled
• Chronic colds or runny nose
• Skin rashes
• Separation anxiety
• Irritability or discontent
• Hyperactivity or sluggish demeanor
• Sleeping problems
• Nightmares
• Phobias
• Speech delays
• Gross or fine motor delays
• Birth or other trauma

If you would like to learn more about the use of craniosacral therapy to address the needs of infants or toddlers, please call The Teal Center and ask to speak to one of our pediatric craniosacral therapists. Return to top

Somato Emotional Release

Somato Emotional Release is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of Craniosacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. It is used in cases of post traumatic stress disorder as well as with infants and children following birth trauma to bring the nervous system back into balance and restore physical and emotional function. Return to top

Reiki

Reiki is a 10,000-year-old system of energy healing in which the practitioner places his hands gently and lightly in different positions on a person's clothed body. The Reiki practitioner is the vehicle through which healing universal life force energy is accessed and transmitted to the receiver to accelerate natural healing and balance of the body, mind, and spirit, thereby heightening energy, relieving emotional or physical pain or stress, and facilitating deep relaxation, personal growth, and enhancement of spiritual awareness. Return to top

Reflexology

By applying deep and direct pressure to specific points located on the hands and feet reflexology restores balance and improves function in the whole body, relieving pain and enhancing health. Return to top

Trager®

Trager® is a gentle and effective approach to movement education and mind/body integration. Through rhythmic movement and touch you will learn to let go of chronic patterns of restriction, replacing them with greater mobility and ease.

Many people seek Trager® for personal growth or increased feelings of joy and wellness. Its benefits can also address a wide range of conditions such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, headaches, physical and emotional trauma, Parkinson’s disease and fibromyalgia.

There are two aspects of the Trager® Approach. In one, you lie on a well-padded table either fully clothed, or partially clothed and draped. The practitioner supports and guides your body through pleasant, non-intrusive movements (such as rocking, compression, elongation, and range of motion) that lull you to ever-deeper states of relaxation and harmony. Intentional pauses let you adjust to and integrate the new, easier movement patterns.

The other aspect involves learning self-care movements called Mentastics®. These simple, effortless movements are combined with imagery and playful improvisations to help you explore “what could be freer” for your body. You can integrate Mentastics® into your daily life as vivid and practical reminders of how to live with more freedom, flexibility and ease.

For more information: www.tragerus.org

Note: For your session, please wear comfortable non-restrictive clothing. Return to top

Kinesio® Taping

Traditional sports tape is tightly wrapped around joints for support and stabilization and can inhibit circulation. Kinesio® Tape is placed over muscles to facilitate optimal neurological and circulatory function. Kinesio® Tex® tape is comprised of a polymer elastic strand wrapped by 100% cotton fibers. There is no latex in the tape. The elastic qualities of the Kinesio® Tex® tape are effective for 3-5 days. Because the tape is non-restrictive and allows for full range of motion many athletes, amateur and professional alike, use it to enhance performance and prevent injury during workouts and competition. The tape can reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused, tired muscles and support muscles in movement. It is also used to support healing of various conditions such as lower back strain, knee pain, hamstring and groin injuries, and ankle sprains. Return to top

Muscle Activation Techniques®

Muscle Activation Techniques® (MAT) is a dynamic muscular assessment system that analyzes and corrects muscular imbalances by activating muscles that are not contracting properly. This technique has been used successfully to reduce and eliminate recurring or chronic pain and fatigue, as well as to support recovery from injury for athletes and non-athletes alike.

MAT can help people who have:

• Muscular tightness
• Scar tissue
• Muscular weakness
• Adhesions
• Joint irritation
• Inflammation
• Loss of mobility
• Balance Problems
• Post surgical recovery
• Impaired Performance
• Fatigue

This unique method was developed by Greg Roskopf, a biomechanics expert who has worked as a consultant for the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz.

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Oncology Massage

Cancer and cancer treatment affect every person differently. All of the body's systems are involved in fighting the disease and in making the most of the various courses of treatment. Many of the therapists at The Teal Center are trained in oncology massage which means they have a working knowledge of cancer and its effects on the body, what treatments are available, how those treatments can affect an individual and the ways in which massage and other hands-on modalities can be employed to mitigate symptoms, lessen pain and improve mood, energy, perspective and strength. Our therapists can work with surgical scars to return range of motion and lessen swelling to decrease and even reverse the effects of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Clients have found relief and support from our services at all stages of treatment from diagnosis through surgery and chemo and into recovery. Many of our therapists are also trained to provide Manual Lymphatic Drainage (see below) which can be helpful in preventing and managing lymphedema.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage / Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

The lymphatic system is one of the key components of the immune system. Its primary function is the removal of toxins and waste from the body. Toxins can be anything from drugs we take regularly to manage health conditions to motor vehicle fumes to natural inflammation produced by the body in response to surgeries and simple cuts and bruises. When the lymphatic system is working effectively you are better equipped to fight colds, resist allergens, reduce swelling and experience an overall sense of well-being.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LTD) are specialized techniques performed by a trained lymphatic therapist to stimulate the flow of lymph. The pressure used during the application of this modality is lighter that what you may have experienced when receiving other techniques. The strokes are performed in a wave-like movement to help move the lymph in harmony with the normal rhythm of the body. The basic principle of this work is to facilitate the lymph to move smoothly and efficiently throughout the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic drainage can be a large part of the maintenance program for lymphedema. This work is beneficial for people from Stage 0 of lymphedema to those who have received Complete Decongestive Therapy. Lymphatic drainage allows the lymph system to work at its highest capacity by moving the stagnant lymph fluid out through open pathways that are still functioning. If lymph nodes have been damaged or removed, lymphatic drainage therapy redirects the lymph fluid so it does not collect in the area of the compromised nodes. Return to top

Strain Counterstrain

Strain CounterStrain (SCS) is a manual therapy technique that gently and effectively releases muscle spasms and reduces joint pain by passively shortening the affected muscle areas. Osteopath Dr. Lawrence Jones developed this positional release technique in 1981. SCS corrects abnormal neuromuscular reflexes by finding the client’s position of comfort and determining at what point tenderness diminishes. When using strain counterstrain technique your therapist will have you hold your position of comfort for approximately 90 seconds. Then the therapist will bring you slowly out of this position. This procedure allows the body to reset the muscles to a normal level of tension.

Because strain counterstrain is very gentle, it is invaluable for clients experiencing acute muscular pain. Return to top

Thai Massage

Thai Massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. These movements help to align the skeletal structure, increase flexibility, relieve muscular and joint tension, stimulate internal organs and balance the body’s energy system. The effect is both relaxing and energizing. Sessions are performed on a floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable loose clothing. Thai Massage uses two primary procedures —applying gentle pressure with the hands and feet, and a wide variety of passive stretching movements. This ancient therapy is beneficial for young or old, active or inactive, healthy or not so healthy. While each person will respond to this work differently, based on their own experience and present state of health, Thai Massage has been used for countless generations to treat degenerative conditions and promote wellness.

Thai Massage facilitates a sense of unity, wholeness, and balance. It creates a dynamic physical experience, which integrates the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Return to top

Tui Na

Since 1700 BC, Tui Na has been an integral part of the traditional Chinese healing system, and is the parent of most modern Asian bodywork forms. Using rhythmic compression along energy meridians and direct pressure on acupressure points, Tui Na affects the flow of energy in the body. By rebalancing the energy, Tui Na helps support healing. It is effective for joint pain, sciatica, muscle spasms, and pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. It also helps chromic conditions such as insomnia, constipation, headaches (including migraines), and tension associated with stress. As with other styles of Asian bodywork, Tui Na is designed to prevent problems, not just correct them. By keeping the body's energy in balance, health is maintained. This is true not just for physical health, but for mental and emotional well-being as well.Return to top

Active Isolated Stretching

Active Isolated Stretching is an assisted stretching method often used by professional and amateur athletes, massage therapists and trainers to improve flexibility, prevent injury, reduce pain and speed recovery. Proper stretching helps the body to prepare for daily activity and helps alleviate problems associated with many over-use injuries such as carpel tunnel, tennis elbow, lower back problems, and other ailments resulting from a lack of flexibility. This method of stretching very effectively increases joint mobility, the elasticity of muscle and fascia, increases circulation and improves performance.Return to top

Bowen Technique

Developed by Tom Bowen of Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, this hands-on, light-touch body therapy consists of gently rolling movements over muscles, tendons or nerve sheaths. This technique incorporates strategic, gentle moves on soft tissue which stimulate energy flow and facilitate the body’s own resources to restore balance and health.

The work consists of a series of precise moves on specific points of the body. These moves are light and can be done through clothing. Frequent and important pauses between each series of moves give the body time to benefit from each.

The Bowen Technique effectively addresses pain and dysfunction of the musculo-skeletal system, including headaches, back pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, respiratory ailments such as asthma, tempomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, conditions related to coccyx misalignment such as bed wetting and migraines, and muscular discomfort caused by hip or pelvic imbalance. Autism and other spectrum disorders have also responded well to Bowen Technique.Return to top

Maya Abdominal Massage™

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage™ address the position and health of the pelvic and abdominal organs by releasing physical and emotional congestion from the abdomen. This technique is effective for both men and women. It is best known for correcting the prolapsed, fallen, or tilted uterus and for the prevention and treatment of benign prostate enlargement in men, and for relief of many common digestive disorders.

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage™ are non-invasive, external massage techniques applied to the abdomen and lower back. The massage is performed in a slow, deep, penetrating manner which helps to guide internal reproductive organs into their proper position. By softening deep muscle tissue spasms it also helps to release muscular armoring in the trunk and tension in the diaphragm. The technique facilitates the normal flow of blood, lymph and chi throughout the entire body. These ancient massage techniques correct poor hemodynamics of the abdomen and its many organs so vital to digestion, assimilation, elimination, secretions and reproduction in men and women.

Maya Abdominal Massage techniques are taught by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, DN. Rosita has lived in Belize for thirty years where she has studied with more than a dozen traditional healers, the most famous of whom was her mentor Don Elijio Panti who passed away in 1996 at the age of 103. Don Elijil Panti was already 90 years old when Rosita began to study with him in his tiny, remote village of San Antonio in Western Belize not far from the Guatemalan border. Rosita has dedicated her professional life to share all she learned from Don Elijio and the other traditional healers about Maya medicine, healing herbs and plants as well as herbal bathing for physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

Maya Abdominal Massage is not recommended under the following conditions.

• For five days prior to onset of menses, and during active menstruation
• IUD (intra-uterine device for contraception) is present
• Immediately after abdominal surgery
• Active infection or cancer is present in pelvic area
• While undergoing chemotherapy treatment
• Hiatal hernia (gentle massage required)
• In the first trimester of pregnancy

Please consult with Sabine if you have any questions, or click here to learn more about Rosita Arvigo and Maya healing techniques. Return to top

Massage therapy does not include diagnosis of disease or prescription for treatment of disease. However, massage therapists are trained to assess the physical condition in order to determine appropriate use of massage and to recognize certain conditions for which massage is contraindicated. Massage therapy is a supplement to, not a substitute for, professional medical care. We are happy to speak with your physician about our work and how it can address your medical condition. In certain cases we may require a doctor's approval prior to treatment.