Each session is tailored to an individual’s specific needs and requirements. New clients are asked to fill out an intake form that includes information regarding their medical history, past massage experience, and current physical state. After an initial consultation and evaluation, an integrative treatment plan is developed with an emphasis on the individual.
Sessions can focus on stress relief and relaxation, decreasing muscle tightness and spasm, postural and structural change, increased flexibility and range of motion, increased body awareness, and usually, a combination of most. Development of a massage treatment plan specifically tailored to the individual includes recommendations for activities the client can perform at home.
Dan Rajkovich is available by appointment only. Read on about the various techniques and therapies available and call or email to schedule an appointment.
Swedish Massage
A simple, relaxing massage that aims to ease tired muscles, increase circulation and provide a feeling of rejuvenation through the use of long strokes, kneading, friction, percussion and vibration that can range from very light to very deep. This type of massage stimulates circulation and can be both relaxing and energizing. Oils, lotions or creams are used to reduce the amount of friction on the skin. Additionally, stretching and/or strengthening exercises may be incorporated into the massage treatment plan to help the client achieve goals such as alleviating muscle imbalances, decreasing pain, and increasing flexibility.
Neuro-muscular Therapy
Manipulation of the soft-tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to balance the central nervous system. Neuro-muscular therapy utilizes many of the same strokes used in Swedish massage. The therapist starts with lighter pressure to warm up the superficial muscle layers and progresses to the deepest level of pressure, working within the client's tolerance levels. While still relaxing, this therapy can move significantly more lymph, generate more blood flow, repair damaged tissues and alleviate chronic muscle pain and adhesions. Trigger points are hyperirritable areas of muscles that can cause a muscle to spasm or refer pain to another part of the body. Some muscles become entrapped in their surrounding tissues or stuck in a certain tone, making them constantly tight and sometimes painful. Neuro-muscular therapy can alleviate trigger points and reset a muscle's resting tone to a more normal level, also restoring range of motion.
Myofascial Release
A three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate restrictions. Myofascial release brings balance between the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems through the use of static pressure. This technique addresses the fibrous connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. Fascia is elastic in nature but can become rigid and restrictive causing limited mobility, postural distortion, poor cellular nutrition, pain and a variety of other problems. This type of massage introduces heat and pressure to the tissue, working to restore mobility and soften the underlying tissue.
Sports Massage
A special form of massage designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. It is typically used before, during, and after athletic events, incorporating methods of Swedish massage and facilitated stretching. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, drain away fatigue, relieve swelling, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility, prevent injuries, or promote injury recovery. Sports massage is not necessarily just for athletes. It can be used to repair damaged muscles and tissues or affect a certain tone in muscles for activity.
Hot Stone Massage
Smooth heated basalt stones are placed on different parts of the body and used in the massage itself. The heat of the stones helps relax muscles, release tight congested areas, increase circulation, and calm the body to a deep state of relaxation. Hot stone massage can be used for deeper, more specific work to relieve muscle pain and spasm, increasing range of motion, or promoting an overall sense of wellbeing.
Smooth chilled marble stones are often used in conjunction with hot stones. Contrast therapy utilizes massage strokes and applications that alternate between the warming effects of the hot stones and the cold stones which rapidly reduce areas of inflammation in soft tissue.
Passive & Facilitated Stretching
A technique that isolates the muscles to be stretched by contracting the opposing muscles in order to promote a full range of motion and flexibility. Flexibility is an important factor for optimum performance, longevity, as well as prevention and recovery from injury. Facilitated stretching, which is based on the principles of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, consists of three steps: stretch the muscle, contract it isometrically against resistance, and then stretch it again. Facilitated stretching, integrated with neuromuscular therapy, and a program of self-stretching techniques that clients can perform at home, offers a comprehensive approach for increasing flexibility and range of motion.
Reflexology
An alternative modality involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques. Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands, and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas correspond to every part, gland, and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes in the feet, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation, and helps promote the natural function of the related areas in the body.
Chair Massage
Using primarily Swedish techniques, seated massage addresses key tension areas in the back, neck, shoulders, and arms. This short, focused massage is done over the clothing in a specially designed and portable ergonomic chair.
Aromatherapy
This complementary or alternative therapy uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils, including essential oils and other aromatic compounds for improving psychological or physical well-being.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology taping with ROCKTAPE is used to assist the body’s natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. ROCKTAPE can be used to treat a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and medical conditions or injuries, as well as, increasing performance, physical endurance and blood flow while reducing fatigue, swelling and scar tissue.
IASTM is a process of breaking down scar tissue and fascial restrictions in soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia) through the use of a hand held instrument that delivers a controlled microtrauma to the affected area. This will stimulate a local inflammatory response which initiates a cascade of healing activities and reabsorption of excessive scar tissue. Soft tissue adhesions due to surgery, immobilization or repetitive strain are broken down, softening the underlying tissue and enabling better range of motion, mobilization and functionality.
