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.

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue 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.

MY FIRST AOBT SESSION…

My first AOBT session was with Jonathan Vogel, one of my instructors at the Brian Utting School of Massage (now the Cortiva Institute).  His work blew me away.  I have a sensitive (and ticklish) back, so I tend to dislike very specific work — anything that feels pokey.  Jonathan literally ironed my back out with his feet.  For the first time,  I was able to receive deep work without discomfort.   I knew then that this was something I wanted to learn more about!

I decided to learn from the source, so I took two workshops from Ruthie Hardee, the founder of AOBT, at her home in Denver.    Maintaining the integrity of the modality is important to me, so I follow Ruthie’s protocol with the intent of giving someone as pure of an AOBT session as I can.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN AOBT SESSION?

Before the session ever starts, I will have you fill out an Ashiatsu-specific intake form to make sure that I am aware of any contraindications you might have.  Ashiatsu is a safe modality for most people, but certain conditions prohibit the kind of pressure you would receive in an Ashiatsu massage.  I prefer to email the intake form to you in advance so that you can notify me of any concerns you might have before the day of the massage.  On the day of the massage, we will do a brief verbal intake so that I know what areas require the most attention.

After I leave the room, you will disrobe completely and lie face down between the sheets, so that you are covered when I come back into the room.  Some Ashiatsu strokes glide from your foot all of the way to your shoulder, so the draping is somewhat different that what you would expect from a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage.  I have a heated table and make sure that my office is plenty warm so that you do not get a chill.  I also warm my hands and feet before touching you.

I  start the session by warming up your back and shoulders, before I ascend to the table for the deeper work.  I  use my body weight to full advantage by doing the massage with my feet, sinking into tight, sore muscles, working your back, glutes, legs, arms, and neck.  If you are having back problems and depending on the length of the massage, I may also do some side-lying work so that I can access your Quadratus Lumborum and your Serratus Anterior.  To end the massage, I balance things out with a little bit of deep tissue work on your neck.

Full AOBT sessions are available to cash clients only, although I may use an AOBT technique during an insurance session if I deem it to be the most effective and appropriate stroke at the time.

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue 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.