Massage Therapy

Karen Hudson, LMT

Massage Techniques

Lymphatic Drainage

A pumping action is performed on key lymphatic areas on the body to aid the body’s sluggish lymphatic system and usually requires two sessions per week for optimal results.

Also beneficial for post cancer treatment for lymphodema and other edemas.

Also recommended for post-pregnancy, whether natural child-birth, vaginal delivery or C-section to assist in helping the body regain pre-pregnancy weight by reducing water weight, may also help with the appearance of cellulite, and muscle tone. Due to the combination of “taking out the trash” lymphatic and the effects on water weight, it may also help with pain levels.

Beneficial for post treatment of liposuction , plastic surgery and other operations to increase lymphathic production in traumatized areas to decrease healing time by eliminating excess fluids reducing swelling, elimination of anesthetic and prescription pain killers. GOOD FOR: Autoimmune diseases such as P.O.T.S., Fibromyalgia, MS, Lupus, etc…. Post surgery, cancer treatment, and childbirth.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Aids instant relief of Myofascial Pain Syndrome, a muscle pain disorder involving regional pain brought on by trigger points. These points prevent full lengthening of the muscle which causes weakness and can alter proprioception. GOOD FOR: This massage is good for muscle aches and dysfunction due to activities of daily living and poor ergonomics.

Medical Massage

Connective Tissue Massage – This massage is conducted with the fingertips and moving uni-directional with the pulling motion for the purpose of normalization of muscle tone, in some cases relieves inner organ disorders through reflex pathways such as gastrointestinal tract and the female reproductive system.

Segment Reflex Massage – also called a dermatormal influenced massage in which the body is segmented and treated with multi-directional strokes in the affected areas for the purpose of relieving nerves from spinal cord to affected organs and tissues . GOOD FOR: Headaches, stomach distress, TMJ, Rotator cuff syndrome, GI distress & pain.

Periostal Massage – Massage that evokes local inflammatory response provoking supported regeneration of periosteum (thin layer between bone and MSL) improves microcirculation resulting in elimination of pain and delaying degeneration in the joints. GOOD FOR: An indirect therapeutic effect on inner organs/ cardiovascular systems, pulmonary and digestive systems.

Sports Massage for active lifestyles. A massage that includes aspects of classical massage but directed towards a body engaged in regular physical activity, dance or ongoing athletic pursuits. To support, encourage and complement integrative and expressive movement. Also includes work- to specific muscle groups that are used repetitively, alleviating pain and swelling as well as flexibility and improving range of motion. GOOD FOR: Sports injuries or muscle pain and swelling from repetitive-use.

Additional Miscellaneous Therapeutic Techniques

Postural Analysis - Before, during and after massage there is a typical a postural analysis (applied kinesiology) testing to determine any imbalances in posterior unequal weight distribution in the body. Also any abnormal muscle length tension relationships will be addressed. I will also be looking for degenerative changes such as bone spurring and arthritis that would result in loss of motional, pain, stress or dysfunction.

Discussion of Symptomology – We will discuss any pain or symptoms you may be having at the current time.

Reflexology - May be performed on the feet to aid circulation and healing within the body during treatment.

After-care – Drink plenty of water after your massage to aid the body in elimination and recovery. Listen to your body. Some individuals feel like resting others have increased energy.

Certifications & Licensure

Nationally Certified Graduate of Heritage College/Association of Occupational Studies in Therapeutic Massage.

Member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professions since 2004

Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork from National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) since 2004

Licensed by Division of Professional Registration by the state of Missouri

Honorary Advisor board Member of Heritage Institute

Continuing & Advanced Education

“Repetitive stress injuries, effective approaches and treatment and prevention.”

“Enhancing treatment outcome with therapeutic modalities, electrotherapy and ultrasound.”

“Myokinestetics”

“Myofascial release: State of the art tissue mobilization”

“Sports Massage for active lifestyles”