Touch is one of our most fundamental senses and a powerful tool for healing. At Enlightened, we believe in the profound ability of skilled massage and bodywork to restore balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Larissa Giles, a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) with the added expertise of a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), offers a diverse range of modalities tailored to your unique needs. Let’s explore some common questions about the types of massage and bodywork available to you in our Warren/Youngstown practice.
1. What types of massage and bodywork do you offer at Enlightened?
Larissa is skilled in a wide array of techniques to ensure your session is perfectly suited to you. These include:
- Therapeutic Massage (PTA-Informed)
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Myofascial Release
- Cranial-Sacral Therapy
- Assisted Stretching
- Pregnancy Massage (Pre-natal & Post-natal)
- Reflexology
- Relaxation Massage (Swedish Inspired)
- Hot Stone Massage
- Thai Yoga Massage
- Needle-less Acupressure
- Ion Detox Foot Spa (as a complementary therapy)
2. How does therapeutic massage help with more than just relaxation?
While relaxation is a wonderful benefit, our Therapeutic Massage, especially being PTA-informed, goes much further. It focuses on:
- Addressing specific areas of pain, injury, or dysfunction.
- Improving range of motion and flexibility.
- Releasing chronic muscle tension and trigger points.
- Supporting injury rehabilitation and recovery.
- Correcting postural imbalances.
- Enhancing body awareness for long-term functional improvement.
3. What is Myofascial Release, and who is it good for?
Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that surrounds and supports your muscles, bones, and organs. When it becomes tight or restricted (due to injury, inflammation, trauma, or poor posture), it can cause pain and limit movement. Myofascial Release is beneficial for individuals with chronic pain, postural issues, fibromyalgia, headaches, and restricted mobility.
4. Can you explain Cranial-Sacral Therapy and its benefits?
Cranial-Sacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive modality that works with the subtle rhythms of the craniosacral system – the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a very light touch, the practitioner helps to release restrictions in this system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. Benefits can include deep relaxation, stress reduction, relief from headaches and migraines, TMJ support, and improved overall nervous system balance.
5. What is Thai Yoga Massage like, and what are its advantages?
Thai Yoga Massage is a dynamic and ancient form of bodywork. It’s performed on a comfortable mat on the floor with the client fully clothed in loose attire. It combines acupressure, gentle rocking, and assisted yoga-like stretches. The therapist uses their hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet to move you into a series of stretches. Advantages include increased flexibility and range of motion, relief from muscle tension, improved circulation, stress reduction, and enhanced energy flow throughout the body. It can feel both relaxing and invigorating.
6. How can Pregnancy Massage support expectant mothers?
Pregnancy Massage is specifically tailored to the needs of pregnant women as their bodies go through significant changes. Larissa uses safe positioning and techniques to:
- Relieve common discomforts like back pain, hip pain, sciatica, and swelling in the legs and feet.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improve sleep.
- Promote relaxation and a sense of well-being for both mother and baby.
Post-natal massage can also aid in recovery after childbirth.
7. What is Reflexology, and how does it work?
Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to all of the glands, organs, and parts of the body. By applying targeted pressure to these points, reflexology aims to stimulate nerve function, increase energy, boost circulation, eliminate toxins, and induce a deep state of relaxation, helping the body to heal itself and restore balance.
8. How do you decide which massage techniques to use in a session?
Your session at Enlightened is always personalized. It begins with a conversation about your current concerns, health history, and wellness goals. Based on this intake and her assessment, Larissa will discuss with you which modalities or combination of techniques she believes will be most beneficial. Your comfort and preferences are always paramount. Often, a session will intuitively blend several approaches to achieve the best outcome.
9. What is Needle-less Acupressure?
Needle-less Acupressure applies the principles of acupuncture without the use of needles. Instead, firm, targeted pressure is applied to specific acupressure points on the body. These points lie along energy meridians, and stimulating them is believed to help release blocked energy (Qi), relieve pain, reduce tension, improve circulation, and promote the body’s natural healing abilities.
10. How can an Ion Detox Foot Spa complement my wellness?
An Ion Detox Foot Spa is a gentle therapy where your feet are placed in a warm bath of water with a device that emits a small electrical current, creating an ionic field. It’s believed that this process helps to draw out toxins and impurities from the body through the pores in your feet, promoting a sense of lightness and rebalancing your body’s energy. It’s often used as a complementary therapy to support overall detoxification and relaxation.
Experience the Healing Power of Personalized Touch
At Enlightened, we are dedicated to providing bodywork that not only feels good but also contributes meaningfully to your overall health and vitality. Larissa Giles’s unique blend of skills ensures you receive expert care tailored to your specific needs.