It is important to keep in mind that not all bodywork styles feel the same, and not all bodywork modalities can be captured by the word “massage.” Shiatsu, Craniosacral, Visceral Manipulation, Global Somatics, Reiki, and Myofascial practitioners may not provide typical massage services.
Reiki and Global Somatics involve NO tissue manipulation using hands hovering over the body or lightly placing hands on the body—without movement.
BEFORE YOU SCHEDULE, we recommend that you spend some time looking over the descriptions of the bodywork modalities our current practitioners offer. After you've chosen a modality, please read the BIO of each therapist to determine the modality they practice before scheduling a session. If you are interested in a type of work listed in a therapist’s bio that is not described below just book a basic massage(standard service) with them, and you can discuss what you’re looking for at your massage.
You will not receive a refund if you book online and are not satisfied with the modality you've chosen.
To simplify the booking process, we have reduced the booking options to include only member- and nonmember-, standard or premium services, prenatal, and kid's massage (for clients <18 years old).
When booking online please specify the modality you'd like by clicking “Add a Message” on the Review Visit Details screen and typing in the modality you’d like to receive.
Basic massage is a catch-all category to encompass the modalities our practitioners offer that have no specific description on this page, even though their style may not be "basic."
Book a basic massage if you are not sure what to book. Your therapist can upgrade your session to a premium session if it is determined one of the premium services will better suit your body's needs. Please read the BIO of each therapist to determine the modality they practice before scheduling a Therapeutic Bodywork session.
And, please note you will not receive a refund if you book online and are not satisfied with the modality you've chosen.
Basic Massage
We use the term: "Basic Massage" for Massage Therapy.
If you are in extreme pain, it may take up to 3 or 4 sessions to get you to pain-free if you haven’t ever had a massage OR if you have just waited too long to get the care you need. Keep in mind that it can take just as long to heal from pain as it does to develop it.
If you suffer from chronic pain, you may require more than one session each month
to keep you out of pain so that you can truly enjoy your life.
Massage therapy need not be painful and works best when you commit to the health benefits of regular therapy. We recommend getting bodywork every month to keep your muscles and fascia healthy and pliable. You will move better when your fascia is flexible with the expanded blood and lymph flow informing your entire muscle/fascia and nervous system.
Massage Therapy is a non-invasive self-care option that can benefit every body.
Benefits:
Massage can address and/or eliminate symptoms of:
Acute pain
Chronic pain
Injury to muscles, connective tissue and tendons
Poor circulation
Lymphatic sluggishness
Fatigue
Sleeplessness
Anxiety
Lymphatic blockage
Stress symptoms
Poor general health
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork based on the same principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine as acupuncture. There are different forms of Shiatsu but mainly it is the manual manipulation of acupuncture points, including pressing and effleurage, usually with the thumbs. Palm pressure and effleurage, Stretching and Range of Motion Facilitation are also incorporated. Shiatsu is a therapeutic treatment used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal and other physiological conditions as well as Promoting emotional health and well-being,
Developed in Japan, Shiatsu is based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine combined with modern anatomy and physiology. Treatments address symptoms of tension or pain with kneading and various pressure techniques, along with the breath, that are followed by passive stretching and range of motion exercises. Shiatsu therapy can be stimulating or calming, reduces stress, and leaves the client feeling more balanced and alive.
Shiatsu is a therapeutic form of massage that originated in Japan and traditional Chinese medicine, and has been widely practiced around the world since the 1970s. Shiatsu means “finger pressure,” which describes the technique. In shiatsu therapy, pressure with thumbs, hands, elbows, knees or feet is applied to pressure points on the body. This form of massage also focuses on rotating and stretching limbs, joints, and pressure points, or meridians, as they’re called in traditional Chinese medicine.
One of the fundamental concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Qi.
Qi is vital energy in our body that underlies all functioning. Health is present when there is abundant Qi in the meridians and the flow is unobstructed. When Qi becomes out of balance, deficient, or obstructed, symptoms arise. As minor symptoms emerge, such as weekly or daily headaches, digestive difficulties, body aches..., this indicates the imbalance of Qi.
Unaddressed, minor symptoms can progress into a multitude of symptoms as the result of the body developing combined patterns of imbalance (tendonitis, headaches, muscle spasms, poor sleep, mood swings etc.). Shiatsu therapists are trained to recognize these patterns of disharmony and restore the flow of Qi throughout the body, leaving your body more balanced and feeling rejuvenated.
Shiatsu can be used to resolve a wide range of internal, musculoskeletal, and emotional issues. When using a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach, Shiatsu can address these imbalances within our bodies that bring on the many symptoms of discomfort that we may experience. Starting the session with an assessment of the client’s overall health experiences helps locate the root cause or the root imbalance, making it easier to restore harmony to the body. With balance comes the many benefits below. Benefits:
Diminishes, and often eliminates, chronic pain symptoms.
Improves circulation, flexibility, and muscle weakness
Reduces stress and fatigu
Decreases anxiety and depression
Eliminates headaches
Relieves stiffness, tension, body aches, pain, arthritis
Promotes healing of soft tissue injuries
Strengthens immunit
Improves sleep and energy
Improves digestive disorders and dysfunction
Reduces menstrual problems and pre-natal symptoms
Assists with self-healing
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
The brain and spinal cord are bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It cushions the brain, transports nutrients, removes toxins, and influences respiration and blood flow to the brain. CSF is contained in the dural membrane, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, forming a semi-closed system. The system has a rhythm of its own causing our bodies to flex and extend slightly in response to the movement of CSF. Because the CSF system is deeply connected to our nervous system CST can influence neurological conditions, the digestive system, heart, respiratory, and endocrine system.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) uses light pressure and long holds to detect and manipulate the craniosacral rhythm. These holds can be used to induce still points, which allow the system to reset and find balance.
For a complete list of conditions CST can help see the first link. For more information and to learn more see the second two links below.
SMRT is a positional release modality. It acts on the fascia of the body which consists of layers of web-like 3-dimensional connective tissue that pervades all of your bones, muscles, vessels, organs, and skin. It contains receptors that tell us where we are in space (proprioceptors), and countless sensitive nerve endings and pain sensors within. Fascia holds tension based on the patterns of our body and can send signals faster than nerves.
The principles of SMRT are similar to positional release, which places the body in a position of ease to release tension from the myofascial system and strain-counterstrain, which finds areas of tenderness and involves positioning the body so these tender points are eased, often involving shortening the tissue around the area.
Positions are held for 20 to 45 seconds or more decreasing tension, allowing shortened tissues to return to resting position.
Benefits of SMRT include decreased inflammation, longer-lasting results compared to deep tissue, affecting more tissue – not just muscles, including ligaments, and tendons, fascia, access to internal structures such as in joints and the pelvic girdle, and resolution of trigger points without painful pressure.
For more information on fascia and SMRT see the links below.
Reiki is a Japanese word, meaning universal life force energy. Reiki is an unlimited healing energy that is available in the universe. During a session, the Reiki practitioner simply channels the Reiki healing energy from the universe by placing his/her hands lightly or a few inches above the client’s body (the client does not absorb the practitioner’s energy).
Benefits:
Relaxation
Reduction of pain and stress
Acceleration of healing
Global Somatics™
The Global Somatics™ Process empowers individuals to activate channels between the physical body and energy field for self-realization, authentic healing and conscious evolution. Suzanne River developed the process by weaving many somatic and energy medicine modalities with the art/discipline of relationship.
The Global Somatics™ Process encourages the happiness and wholeness of the Natural Body. A happy body is a fully alive body that expresses a fully alive unique person. With a happy body, you can allow your personality to express your essential self.
The Global Somatics™ Process Definition and Description:
"Global Somatics™ Process is an initiation into the intimate mystery of the Natural Body." Suzanne River, founder of the Global Somatics™ Process.
The term "Natural Body" describes the perfect structure and functioning of the physical body and subtle energy field. The Natural Body expresses intelligence through vibration, breath, movement, sound and touch. This wisdom connects a person to her/his wholeness and participation in all of Nature.
The Natural Body is a dance between the systems of the physical body and the energy field that permeates and surrounds the body. This dance consists of developing patterns of movement that grow and transform from conception through death. These oving patterns reveal and create dynamics of perception which connect aspects of self- sensation and movement, energy, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, soul, spirit and one’s unique purpose for being here on earth.
The Global Somatics™ Process nurtures embodiment- the life process of actively seeking and openly allowing the body to reveal its consciousness and to reconnect with the energy field. Complete embodiment is a life quest and yet as simple as loving and living fully here and now. Through Global Somatics™ process, harmony and balance may be restored in the physical bodymind. This allows space for and connection to the healing and transformative wholeness that moves within the tissues of the bodymind.
The Global Somatics™ Process is an approach to the nature of bodymind that includes repatterning through resonance, movement education and intentional touch and sound. This ancient and pioneering transformation process celebrates its roots in Dance, Body-Mind Centering (BMC™) Somatic Movement Education, Authentic Movement, Movement Therapy, Contact Improvisation, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Medicine, Voice, The Arts and Ceremony.
Training of a Global Somatics™ Practitioner
A Global Somatics™ Practitioner fulfills an intensive training of 1452 hours. The body of a Global Somatics™ practitioner is a magnificent perceptual instrument capable of conscious resonance and communication from aspects of the energy field and the body’s cells and systems (fluids, fat, fascia, senses, bones, organs, ligaments, muscles, glands and nerves). A Global Somatics™ Practitioner is capable of the continuum of movement from vibration through cellular initiation to full body dancing in space and offers this potential for you.
Description of a Global Somatics™ Session
The Global Somatics™ Process is both educational and therapeutic. The practitioner engages with you in an embodied relationship. Through mutual exploration, s/he offers you personalized attention and creates the exact movement and/or touch explorations to facilitate your embodiment process. Every Global Somatics™ Practitioner is unique and many offer expertise in other somatic modalities.
Using deep kneading, compression, stretching and other muscle release techniques, deep/sports massage is typically experienced as painful in a 'good' way. The goal is to release difficult or locked muscles to increase range of motion and create freedom. We only recommend Deep Tissue if you can take a lot of pressure or don't mind experiencing the pain that precedes muscle release.
Thai Massage
Thai Massage specifically uses Sen or energy channels within the body to restore health. It involves manipulation of the body using more than just the practitioner’s hands. Thai incorporates use of arms, fists, shoulders, elbows, hips, feet, and knees to apply pressure along Sen lines to activate the energy pathways. In addition to pressure, the body is stretched. A mat is often used to allow more space, greater pressure, and stability. Thai massage can also be done on a table.
Besides, this technique also includes applying pressure on various parts of the body to activate Sen or the body’s energy pathways. And just like yoga, correct breathing practices are emphasized and help bring out the desired results.
For more information on Thais massage see the links below.
The myofascial system consists of layers of web-like 3-dimensional connective tissue that pervade through all of your bones, muscles, vessels, organs, and skin. It contains receptors that tell us where we are in space (proprioceptors), and countless sensitive nerve endings and pain sensors within. Fascia holds tension based on the patterns of our body and can send signals faster than nerves.
Our bodies hold on to past traumatic events like accidents or injuries which can become lodged in our tissues, keeping our bodies from moving freely and, often, causing chronic pain symptoms. MFR can unravel the web holding onto these traumas, freeing us up to move on and enjoy our lives again. If you are feeling stuck (mentally, emotionally, or physically), MFR may be just what you need to find your next steps.
For best results in MFR is performed with skin-to-skin contact. To optimize your session please plan on wearing loose clothing to allow for clothing to be moved aside easily.
For more information and a list of conditions myofascial work can help with see the links below:
Visceral manipulation is a manual therapy technique that consists of gentle, very specifically placed manual forces that encourage normal mobility, tone, and inherent tissue motion of the viscera (organs), their connective tissue and other areas of the body where physiological motion has been impaired.
Jean-Pierre Barral, the creator of Visceral Manipulation (VM), experimented with VM techniques and studied the internal effects of the manipulations. The focus of VM is to influence internal organs, improve their environment, and positively influence structural and physiological dysfunctions. VM can increase proprioceptive communication in the body revitalizing the system, relieving pain, dysfunction, and poor posture. By 'listening' to the tissues with their hands, therapists identify areas of tissue tension, limited mobility, and congestion, and focus on these to achieve results..
Visceral Manipulation is beneficial for people with various conditions. For more information see the link below.
Japanese Head Massage uses palms of the hands and fingers (no oils) to gently stimulate the head, face, neck, and shoulders to assist the body’s secretion of dopamine.
Benefits:
Reduction of weariness of the brain, stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms
Improvement in sleep quality
Improvement in concentration
Relaxation and mood improvement
Reduction of eyestrain, tension headache, and nasal congestion
Reduction of pain or tightness in muscles of the scalp, face, neck, and shoulders
Increase in immune strength
Enhancement of healthy and strong hair
Prenatal Massage
Because a woman's pelvic bones become soft during pregnancy, hip, low-back and mid-back pain are common symptoms that are routinely addressed with massage therapy. Through the gentle attention to muscles, fascia and lymph by palpating, kneading and the application of smooth strokes over areas of pain or discomfort, prenatal massage can provide a heightened level of increased well-being, flexibility and pain relief.
Prenatal massage is safe, effective and necessary
for any woman determined to have the best outcome for the birth of her baby.
Benefits:
Reduce or eliminate pain symptoms in back, hips and legs
"I have enjoyed and always been impressed by the staff at The Backrub. I've always been welcomed by friendly, relaxed people who are very skilled practitioners. I have only positive feedback to offer!"
Basic massage is a catch-all category to encompass the modalities our practitioners offer that have no specific description on this page, even though their style may not be "basic."
Book a basic massage if you are not sure what to book. Your therapist can upgrade your session to a premium session if it is determined one of the premium services will better suit your body's needs. Please read the BIO of each therapist to determine the modality they practice before scheduling a Therapeutic Bodywork session.
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork based on the same principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine as acupuncture. There are different forms of Shiatsu but mainly it is the manual manipulation of acupuncture points, including pressing and effleurage, usually with the thumbs. Palm pressure and effleurage, Stretching and Range of Motion Facilitation are also incorporated. Shiatsu is a therapeutic treatment used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal and other physiological conditions as well as Promoting emotional health and well-being,
The brain and spinal cord are bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It cushions the brain, transports nutrients, removes toxins, and influences respiration and blood flow to the brain. CSF is contained in the dural membrane, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, forming a semi-closed system. The system has a rhythm of its own causing our bodies to flex and extend slightly in response to the movement of CSF. Because the CSF system is deeply connected to our nervous system CST can influence neurological conditions, the digestive system, heart, respiratory, and endocrine system.
Reiki is a Japanese word, meaning universal life force energy. Reiki is an unlimited healing energy that is available in the universe. During a session, the Reiki practitioner simply channels the Reiki healing energy from the universe by placing his/her hands lightly or a few inches above the client’s body (the client does not absorb the practitioner’s energy).
The Global Somatics™ Process empowers individuals to activate channels between the physical body and energy field for self-realization, authentic healing and conscious evolution. Suzanne River developed the process by weaving many somatic and energy medicine modalities with the art/discipline of relationship.
Using deep kneading, compression, stretching and other muscle release techniques, deep/sports massage is typically experienced as painful in a 'good' way. The goal is to release difficult or locked muscles to increase range of motion and create freedom. We only recommend Deep Tissue if you can take a lot of pressure or don't mind experiencing the pain that precedes muscle release.
Thai Massage specifically uses Sen or energy channels within the body to restore health. It involves manipulation of the body using more than just the practitioner’s hands. Thai incorporates use of arms, fists, shoulders, elbows, hips, feet, and knees to apply pressure along Sen lines to activate the energy pathways. In addition to pressure, the body is stretched. A mat is often used to allow more space, greater pressure, and stability. Thai massage can also be done on a table.
The myofascial system consists of layers of web-like 3-dimensional connective tissue that pervade through all of your bones, muscles, vessels, organs, and skin. It contains receptors that tell us where we are in space (proprioceptors), and countless sensitive nerve endings and pain sensors within. Fascia holds tension based on the patterns of our body and can send signals faster than nerves.
Visceral manipulation is a manual therapy technique that consists of gentle, very specifically placed manual forces that encourage normal mobility, tone, and inherent tissue motion of the viscera (organs), their connective tissue and other areas of the body where physiological motion has been impaired.
Japanese Head Massage uses palms of the hands and fingers (no oils) to gently stimulate the head, face, neck, and shoulders to assist the body’s secretion of dopamine.
Because a woman's pelvic bones become soft during pregnancy, hip, low-back and mid-back pain are common symptoms that are routinely addressed with massage therapy. Through the gentle attention to muscles, fascia and lymph by palpating, kneading and the application of smooth strokes over areas of pain or discomfort, prenatal massage can provide a heightened level of increased well-being, flexibility and pain relief. 
