By manipulating muscles and tissue that surrounds
them, gentle massage techniques help balance the
internal and external systems of the body. Allowing
you to move more freely with less aches and irritation.
We work with clients who:
• wish to relieve muscle tension, pain and discomfort
• want to safely improve flexibility
• must accommodate repetitive body movement
Our therapists provide focused feedback on your
specific needs, providing you with the tools to foster
ease and relief in your daily activities.
Do you have chronic pain or tightness that doesn't seem to go away no matter what you do?
You may have restrictions or tightness in your fascia that regular massage therapy doesn't address.
What is myofascial release?
Myofascial release as we practice in our office is a gentle technique that works with your body to address the fascial restrictions in your body that may be causing pain, tightness or postural issues.
What is fascia and why does it need to be addressed?
Fascia is connective tissue that runs from the top of our head to our toes and from the front of our body to the back. It permeates our entire body, surrounds muscles, blood vessels, nerves, organs and more. It connects our entire body like a web. Just like that old saying, "the hip bone is connected to the leg bone."
When fascia becomes twisted or injured it can cause pain and tightness as it tries to create stability in the body in response to an injury or disruption in the system. Since fascia is like that of a web, when we sustain an injury or disruption to our body like surgery, the pull or discomfort may be felt in areas other than at the spot of the injury.
Example: A client has open heart surgery. Generally the scar will be in the center of the chest and/or around the pectoral region on the left side. A few months or years later the client experiences difficulty or pain when raising his left arm overhead. As scars form and our body works to heal the area of the incisions the body does not lay down neatly in straight rows. Rather is lays new tissue down like a haystack creating disarray and pulling forces on the body that were not there prior to the surgery. This pull may be felt soon after the surgery or months to years later.
This is just one example and it doesn't have to be as dramatic as open heart surgery. Even the smallest scar or injury can make a difference and be felt in the body through the fascial system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from a myofascial release treatment?
The experience can and does vary from person to person.
The ultimate goal from this type of treatment is to work with your body versus against your body. The technique is gentle and allows your body to stretch or unwind as the therapist applies the technique. The therapist's role during the treatment is to encourage the fascia to unwind or stretch without forcing it. This allows the body to respond to the technique rather than react. The response allows the therapist to go deeper into the tissue without causing discomfort to the client.
Do I need to disrobe for the session?
This is up to the client. Many of the techniques can be applied with the client completely clothed. Otherwise shorts and sports bra can work well too.
Sometimes it will depend on the issues to be addressed. It is best to bring gym clothes.
How long is each session?
Sessions are usually 60 to 90 minutes depending on the clients needs. Longer sessions are ideal due to the time required for fascia to release.
How many appointments will I need?
An exact amount of appointments cannot be stated. Number of treatments depend on the client's response to the treatment, consistency of the treatment and carryover of home care by client.
What can I do on my own to help the treatments?
Since fascial restrictions can cause instability in the body or a false sense of stability, exercises will be suggested that will help create stability which will help with the carryover between treatments.
How can I expect to feel after my treatment?
We always wish there was an exact answer to this question. Just like any bodywork treatment each client's body will respond differently. Ideally, we would love for clients to rest after each session and allow the body to adjust to the treatment.
Common feedback from clients include: energized, sense of being stretched or lengthened, like the body or body part feels lighter or easier to move, happier or in a better mood and better awareness of where things or body parts are meant to be. Some client may feel light-headed or a momentary feeling of body disorientation as the body adjusts the to the treatment.
From time to time clients don't have a sense of that 'things' feel different after the session and will report that a day or two later they felt a difference.
Finally, on occassion a client feels no different. This may be a sign that more treatment may be required to make a noticeable difference, the treatment is not right for this individual or the client may need assistance with body awareness.
"Jenice's gentle but intense fascial release work always goes right to the core of my problems. She helps decrease my jaw pain when I'm grinding too much, get my ankle moving to make my knee work better, and always helps me stand taller. I also appreciate the work she's done on my 10-year-old scar, she's made it much more supple and comfortable, there's less pulling and I can even wear necklaces that touch it now which I couldn't do for years. Thank you Jenice, I'll see you again soon!"
- Charlotte Phillips, LMT
“I can honestly say that their work keeps me dancing. I use
their services for both regular body maintenance and when
dealing with an injury. I am constantly impressed with their
dedication to study the body.”
- Emily, Professional Dancer
"I've been a client of Jenice Mattek's for approximately fours years.
My physical therapist had referred me to her; I was having severe pain
in my hip which was jammed into the socket - an inherited problem made
worse by years of inattention. It wasn't always easy, but after
working regularly with Jenice for about a year, and doing the
exercises she recommended, I no longer needed pain medication and
stopped worrying about whether I'd be walking in my old age!"
-Lorna Gladstone
Contact Us: 773.343.4012