The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. Commonly, problems in this region are related to triggering points and general tension in the strongest muscle of your body, the masseter, which is responsible for opening and closing the jaw. This muscle is so strong that it can generate about 68 kilograms of pressure in the average human bite! We use this tremendous force to chew and grind our food, but we can also often use it when we are under stress or in angry, tense situations. Tension patterns, strains, and trigger points can upset the balance of the joint, creating clicking, skewing bite patterns, limiting the range of motion at the joint. While this usually causes mild to intense pain, it can also … [Read more...]

Medical massages function in a medical paradigm and are designed to deliver specific outcomes in relation to a medical diagnosis. Medical massage therapists use critical assessments to create goal-oriented protocols for relief and recovery from a variety of conditions. Medical Massage can consist of techniques from any form of massage therapy, and is also referred to as ‘clinical massage’ or ‘treatment massage.’ Generally, medical massage treatments are tailored to work with individuals suffering from major medical conditions, but can also be a critical addition to a rehabilitative process from injuries. This style of massage therapy is used in working with people with a variety of chronic or severe conditions including: cancer, TMJ syndrome, tinnitus, … [Read more...]

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) utilizes light, hands-on contact that facilitates deep listening in order to hear the story of the client's body. Through its micro-movements, subtle pulsations and rhythms, the body speaks. A skilled CST practitioner is able to track the inherent healing potential of the client’s body and in doing so, facilitate the release of resistance patterns. The primary focus of CST is hearing the health of the system and encouraging its expression. As the founder of Osteopathy, Andrew Taylor Still said, “It is the object of the physician to find the health, anyone can find disease.” This is the true aim of CranioSacral Therapy. History of CranioSacral Therapy CranioSacral Therapy was first developed by Dr. William Garner Sutherland … [Read more...]

Originally based on the work of Wilhelm Reich, this style of bodywork focuses specifically on connecting the mind, body, and spirit. In order to integrate all of these elements, integrative massage combines therapy techniques from a broad range of disciplines. Methods used in integrative massage include touch therapy, psychotherapy, movement re-patterning, stress management, reflective listening, hypnotherapy, and energy work. As this style of massage therapy was created to specifically address the individual needs of each client, the techniques employed by the therapist will vary based on the client’s needs and the therapist’s specialties. Importance of Client-Therapist Connection In this style of massage therapy, the client takes a more active role in the … [Read more...]

Chair massage utilizes specially made massage chairs to provide massage treatments for the neck, back, and upper extremities. It is especially beneficial because of its convenience; the therapist can quickly and easily set up on-site and the client doesn’t need to fully disrobe for the session. Chair massage can be performed in public areas and is a great way to give short, focused treatments for areas of great need. This type of mobile massage is often incorporated into office wellness programs and can also be found at sporting events, public festivals, gatherings, and markets. Chair Massage for Corporate Wellness Because of how the chair is designed, chair massage targets the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands, which are common trouble spots for the … [Read more...]

Car accidents can be deeply traumatizing, both physically and emotionally. Even a low-impact car accident can cause significant injuries to the body. Massage therapy is a great tool to help the body return to homeostasis, providing soothing relaxation to calm the nervous system and myofascial interventions to assist in healing injuries and mitigating their impact. The Most Common Car Accident Injury Is Whiplash The most common injury from even minor car accidents is whiplash. It is caused by an abrupt backward and/or forward jerking of the head, which causes unnatural strain on the structures of the neck and back. While whiplash is most commonly associated with car accidents, it can also occur from contact sports or any other impact injury. Common side … [Read more...]

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle form of massage therapy that encourages the natural draining of lymph from the body back to the heart for excretion. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body’s immune system, acting as a waste treatment plant of sorts. The lymphatic system removes toxins, microorganisms, waste products, and other foreign substances from the body, helping the body to stay healthy. Supporting healthy flow and excretion of lymphatic fluid is crucial to a strong immune system. History of Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD was first pioneered in the 1930s by two Danish Doctors, Dr. Emil Vodder and Dr. Estrid Vodder as a means of treating chronic sinusitis and other immune conditions. The doctors found that patients suffering … [Read more...]

Athletes of all ages and abilities can benefit from sports massage. It has been proven to help when you are preparing for a big event, recovering from intense exertion, or just looking for a form of maintenance for the body. Sports massage enhances your performance and helps you to avoid injuries and strains from repetitive movements. Your massage therapist will work with you to treat the specific areas of the body that are stressed and overused by the repetitive and high-velocity movements required by your exercise regimen. Sports massage successfully intervene in acute problem areas before they develop into chronic problems or pain. Receiving regular sports massage as a part of your training regimen prevents the development of injuries that diminish … [Read more...]

Swedish massage is the foundation for all Western styles of table massage and is the most commonly practiced form of massage therapy in the West. The goal of Swedish massage is to induce the natural relaxation response in the body, while also improving circulation, decreasing muscle tension, and improving range of motion. By addressing the entirety of the body in long, smooth strokes it gives the client a sense of full body connectivity and ease, soothing the nervous system and undoing the effects of chronic and acute stress. In scientific studies, Swedish massage has been shown to increase oxygen levels in the blood, decrease muscle toxins, increase immune system function (through increased levels of lymphocytes) and decrease levels of the stress hormones … [Read more...]

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Deep Tissue Massage, and Normalization of Soft Tissue (NST) are massage therapy techniques that offer effective ways to focus on the deeper tissue layers of the body. They address underlying musculoskeletal dysfunction to alleviate pain and bring about greater function and ease. These massage techniques work to resolve both chronic and acute pain, caused by problems existing deep within one's structure. These types of massage combine a range of different techniques to meet the client’s specific goals. No two bodies are alike, and as a result, no two injuries are alike, and no chronic pain syndrome is identical. Each body requires a therapist with both the capacity for understanding its individual structure and dysfunctions, as … [Read more...]

Essential oils used in aromatherapy target the olfactory system, which is the part of the brain connected to smell. As the molecules from the essential oils reach the brain, they stimulate the limbic system, which is linked to the emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, and hormone balance. By producing a calming effect on the limbic system, essential oils can have a subtle, yet holistic healing effect on the body. History of Aromatherapy The use of aromatherapy for therapeutic, hygienic and spiritual purposes dates back to ancient civilizations from all over the world, including China, India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Since ancient times, the healing powers of plants have been used to treat a wide variety of ailments. The … [Read more...]

Many people contemplate getting a massage, but they're unsure of which type will best suit their needs. Maybe they've had a stressful week at work, suffer from chronic pain, want to treat themselves during a vacation, or are just looking for something to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Does this sound like you? Then our Signature Therapeutic Massage will suit your needs perfectly! An Intuitive Touch Tailored to Your Unique Needs Using intuitive touch, our therapists create a custom massage using a blend of techniques to meet your body's individual needs. Most people require a blend of multiple therapeutic modalities tailored to their specific needs in order to truly reap the full benefits of massage therapy. With Colorado Body Wisdom’s Signature Therapeutic … [Read more...]

"We are looking for a way to evoke human potential, to establish greater physical and mental vitality." - Ida Rolf, PhD Rolfing® is gaining popularity as a bodywork modality that can have life-changing results. Some common misconceptions prevent people from experiencing how dramatically Rolfing® can improve their lives. Here are three common myths and why they shouldn’t deter you from trying it! 1. Rolfing® Hurts It doesn’t! In fact, most people are surprised at how good Rolfing® feels. Because it works on the connective tissues surrounding the muscles, bones, nerves, and organs, the work can be deep. Practitioners use a combination of breathing, stretching and collaborative communication with the client to ensure that thorough attention to what needs … [Read more...]

Mindfulness - the buzzword many strive to practice but struggle to grasp in tangible, practical ways. Often mindfulness seems to become another ‘thing’ to do, ironically creating more stress. Fortunately, mindfulness doesn’t require more time you don’t have, but a simple shift in awareness that can be applied to all of the things we do every day. Being thoughtful of what you are doing, saying, and thinking can put you back in the driver’s seat of your life, allowing for gifts to be offered every moment of every day. Here are a few tips on how to bring the benefits of mindfulness to your everyday activities. Notice Your Thoughts Buddha described our thoughts as drunken monkeys, vying for attention, creating endless chaos in our minds. Our thoughts ping-pong … [Read more...]