Techniques

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy Massage is one of our specialty modalities at Bozeman Massage Therapy.  Owner and massage therapist Jenny LePage was specifically trained in prenatal and postpartum massage techniques through a series of three 24-hour intensive courses in addition to her base training.

Pregnant woman and moms who have recently given birth undergo significant changes in their bodies that require extra care and attention.  Each stage of pregnancy and recovery post-birth may vary in treatment, and each woman's pregnancy may require specific needs.

Extra cautions are taken in prenatal and postpartum massage.  Special attention is given to bolstering and positioning, temperature control, proper use of essential oils, meridian points, caution areas of the body and ways of moving, effects of hormones on various systems in the body both during pregnancy and after and relieving the discomforts of structural changes.  Most importantly, utmost care is taken to nurture and support women through this wonderful time.

Asian Bodywork - Meridians and Energy

Asian bodywork techniques are integrated into each session. Owner and massage therapist Jenny LePage received equally extensive training in energetic techniques as well as western modalities in her foundational massage training.  Learning to work off the body before even touching the body heightened her sensitivity; perception and ability to work with these subtle energies adds a powerful element of healing to each session.

Jenny's training in Asian techniques began with learning Shiatsu in massage school.  This Japanese form of hand and finger pressure on meridians is based on the same system as acupuncture.  Her continuing education includes reiki and Chinese medicine bodywork techniques including guasha ("scraping"), liniment application and application of meridian theory.

Jenny continues to integrate energy medicine in her practice as she prepares to begin acupuncture school in the winter of 2011.

Neuromuscular Techniques and Lymphatic Drainage: Sports, Injuries, and Pain

Every session at Bozeman Massage Therapy LLC, located in Bozeman, Montana, includes a combination of techniques, generally a mix of Shiatsu and Neuromuscular Massage.  Aromatherapy is also blended into each individual massage oil to fit the specific needs of every session.

Neuromuscular techniques address pain and dysfunction and enhance athletic performance. Neuromuscular Massage includes a family of specific techniques that work with the neurology of muscle tissue for pain relief and optimal function.  Other notable techniques not specifically Neuromuscular but sharing similar abilities to reduce pain and restore function are classified as Deep Tissue, Orthopedic, or Sports Massage and are often used in conjunction with Neuromuscular Massage.  Lymphatic Drainage may also be used in a session to restore tissue health and function if swelling is an issue.

Neuromuscular techniques include Myofacial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Cyriax Cross Fiber Friction and Muscle Energy Techniques.  These techniques are formulaic and scientifically tested to reduce pain and increase function by resetting neurological patterning in muscle cells. Neuromuscular techniques may be used to treat chronic pain, injuries, whiplash, tendonitis, rotator cuff and shoulder injuries, knee injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, back pain, psiatica, headaches, scar tissue, overuse, underuse, pre/post surgery symptoms and alignment issues.

Also used to restore function and reduce pain, Lymphatic drainage may be used in a treatment.  Lymphatic drainage is a gentle but precise method used to clear inflammation by effectively moving fluid away from an inflamed area through the lymph system.  If you have swelling from an injury (new or old) or inflammation from surgery, lymphatic drainage may be used in your session.