Amber graduated from the Cortiva Institute in Seattle, WA, with 1000 hours of training in multiple modalities and techniques - beginning with a strong foundation in Swedish massage.
Swedish is the most widely recognized type of massage (at least in the western world), and is commonly associated with relaxation and health maintenance. Swedish techniques (such as gliding, kneading, percussion, or friction) are primarily intended to benefit local circulation and joint range of motion. These techniques can vary from light to vigorous, and blend easily with Myofascial work.
Myofascial work is sometimes thought of as Deep Tissue* massage, although it is suited just as well to more superficial structures. Typical myofascial strokes are slow and sustained, applying direct pressure. Specific focus is given for releasing muscle tension or adhesions, to achieve greater freedom in movement. This type of work is also the basis for techniques used in Structural Bodywork.
Structural Bodywork resembles Rolfing and Hellerwork modalities in its approach to relieving pain by aligning the skeletal system for optimal performance. Addressing postural compensations can be very beneficial, as the body aims to have muscles in balance for efficient movement. Imbalances are registered not only in the muscles, but also in the nervous system; and Neuromuscular techniques may also be useful for re-educating the body towards better postures.
Neuromuscular therapy plays an important part in restoring health by engaging the relationship between the nervous and muscular systems. All muscular activity depends on the nervous system, which is the primary control system of the body. Neuromuscular approaches (including Trigger Point Therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), and Positional Release) use this relationship to change a muscle's resting length, or affect the body's proprioception - which renews spatial awareness, balance and motion.
The modalities and techniques described above represent the core of my practice in massage & bodywork. In her continuing education, Amber has been fortunate to learn techniques in Manual Ligament Therapy (hyperlink: www.mltsite.com), Neurofascial Release (hyperlink: www.neurofascia.com), and Orthopedic Massage (hyperlink: www.orthomassage.net) (for treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries); and she often supplements her work with these styles. Aspects of Craniosacral Therapy, Lomi Lomi, or Thai Yoga may also be incorporated, when appropriate.
*A note on Deep Tissue:
Deep Tissue can mean different things to different people and in different situations. In terms of massage, it usually fits one or more of the following descriptions:
1) Work that directly or indirectly affects deeper tissues (closer to the body's core).
2) Work that has a profound affect on tissues (at any level).
3) Work that creates an intense sensation in tissues (at any level).
Deep Tissue does NOT mean 'More Force' resulting in 'Discomfort' or 'Pain.' Even the gentlest modalities encompass techniques that can accomplish Deep Tissue work.