Stocker Massage Therapy

Cancer/Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage is a special type of massage developed specifically for people living with cancer. People living with cancer have unique needs which must be addressed to make sure that a massage is safe and beneficial to their health. I focus my attention on creating a gentle, nurturing environment for you to relax into.  Anyone who has had radiation on or surgery to remove lymph nodes in the neck, axilla (underarm), or groin is at some risk for lymphedema.  Oncology massage takes special care to support the body and reduce that risk as much as possible.  This work has been shown to help strenghthen the immune system and aid in the healing process.  It can also alleviate some side effects of chemo and radiation therapies.

Geriatric Massage

Geriatric massage is a form of massage designed to meet the specific needs of the elderly. It helps to improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and also increase range of motion. If you are elderly, geriatric massage can help you maintain and improve your overall health, as well as regain certain physical functions that have been reduced due to aging. In addition, since the elderly don't typically receive enough physical touch, this massage can also help alleviate symptoms of loneliness or depression.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work that cleanses and balances the energy system in the body. As a result, the body's natural self-healing mechanisms strengthen, helping to establish optimum health. During a session, I work directly with your energy field to remove blockages, detoxify your system, and restore your vital life force energy. Reiki utilizes a gentle laying on of hands to conduct the necessary energy force between us. The benefits of Reiki range from the release of habitual mental/emotional stress to alleviating chronic pain.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork.  It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve its circulation.  The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy is a gentle style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing “trigger points” in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle tissue rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These ‘knots’ are built up throughout a person’s life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress.

During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques order to release your trigger points. This process can be quite painful at times, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative.

Myofascial Massage

Myofascial massage is a technique used to treat injuries and discomfort, reducing pain and increasing range of motion. Myofascial massage differs from other types of massage in that it targets the fascia - the membrane surrounding muscles - rather than the muscle itself. Since fascia completely encases every muscle in the body, imbalances in the fascia can have serious effects on your range of motion and comfort level. While other forms of massage can overlook the fascia, myofascial massage focuses specifically on releasing tension in this important membrane.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy Massage is a form of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant women.  Pregnancy is a time in which a woman’s body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical, mental, and emotional changes.  Using various techniques specifically for the new mother, Pregnancy Massage helps alleviate discomforts experienced throughout the pregnancy.  The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the reduction of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, improved breathing and relaxation, and relief from uncomfortable digestive issues.

I am certified in "Bodywork for the Childbearing Year"

Sports Massage

Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in athletics.  Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term.  Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains and swelling in the body, relax the mind, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates.  Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body’s natural immune function.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. I use various techniques with my hands, knuckles, and elbows and apply focused pressure on “problem areas” or “trigger points” in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don’t get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy aims to gently and rhythmically move the lymph through the body, especially swollen areas of the body, relieving pressure and enhancing the functioning of the immune system.  As both a preventative and remedial technique, MLD can be used for a wide range of purposes including faster recovery from injury, reduction of swelling and discomfort from pregnancy, and strengthened resistance to illness.

Medical Massage

Medical Massage differs from regular Massage and Bodywork in that the treatment is specifically directed to resolve conditions diagnosed by a medical doctor. I may use a variety of modalities or techniques during the treatment, but I focus the treatment only on the specific areas of the body related to the diagnosis.  This enhances the body’s natural self-healing process and reduces the needed recovery time from injury.

Chair Massage

Bring chair massage to your next golf outing, health fair, or pampering party!  I also will visit corporate offices and events for chair massage.  Contact me to discuss details and rates.