​our modalities: what can our work do?

By nature, the work we do is therapeutic: never superficial; always tailored to your needs. We can help you recover from injury, reduce chronic pain, untangle muscle spasms, alleviate symptoms of disease, reduce stress, and just plain feel better. Put simply, bodywork heals. We’re here to support your journey towards health and wellness. So make an appointment today – and feel better soon. 

quick chart of who does what

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clothed bodywork

reiki

Reiki is a gentle, hands-on energy modality that reduces stress and promotes healing. By focusing on the clothed client's energetic body, practitioners help ease muscle tension and induce deep relaxation. Now widely used in hospitals and hospice care worldwide, Reiki sessions often leave clients with a lasting sense of warmth and calmness.

craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a quiet skill. Your experience of the work will be subtle, but its results are profound. While the client remains clothed, the therapist lightly holds the skull, sacrum, or limb and waits for the sensation of movement in stillness. Treatment is very gentle touch. Helpful for a wide range of issues, from headaches and pain to trauma and stress. 

thai yoga massage

A Thai tradition, this modality combines dynamic assisted stretching with pressure along the body’s meridians (the energy channels also utilized by acupuncture) to balance energy and release restrictions. Practitioners use their hands, elbows, or feet as leverage—often described as "having yoga done to you." The experience is both relaxing and energizing. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.
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shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of acupressure that applies manual pressure to points along the body's meridians to release blocked energy. Sessions may include stretching and movement to improve circulation and relieve pain.  Our practitioner, Derina, frequently integrates myofascial work into her treatments to further restore balance and promote harmony. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

reflexology

You may be familiar with reflexology diagrams showing areas of the foot that correspond to organs in the body. Reflexology uses targeted pressure on the feet to balance systems throughout the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, this practice can reduce pain, stress, and anxiety while improving relaxation and sleep. Typically a clothed session, it is a powerful tool for overall wellness.

draped bodywork

therapeutic massage

Encompassing what people typically call "swedish" and "deep tissue," the therapeutic massage you receive from us will be as unique as you are. We'll adjust the focus and pressure to your needs. Therapeutic bodywork can be sometimes intense, sometimes not; sometimes relaxing, sometimes invigorating; always healing.

myofascial bodywork

This work breaks down fascial adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Unlike the gliding movements of a relaxation massage, myofascial work is slow and focused; we sink into the fascia and wait with the tissue until it releases. Effective with specific pain, chronic pain, old and new injuries, overuse, and athletic issues. Contrary to belief, myofascial work doesn't have to hurt to be effective. Our myofascial providers can work this into any bodywork appointment. This is usually a draped session but can be done clothed.
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neuromuscular therapy

​Including but not limited to trigger point work, this is a step-by-step process to evaluate and treat soft tissue pain. The therapist may use effleurage, petrissage, friction, muscle energy, or strain/counter-strain massage techniques. Helpful for pain, posture, injury, sports, and post surgery. Our NMT providers can work this into any bodywork appointment. This is usually a draped session.
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intra-oral work

Intra-oral work treats TMJ, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain. Using a gloved finger, the therapist applies pressure inside the cheek to directly release the masseter muscle and access the deeper pterygoid muscles. If you're interested in this technique, book a 45 to 90 minute massage session with Liza, and request part of the time be spent on intra-oral work. 

scar therapy

(In progress.) If you're interested in this technique, book a massage session with Ni'cole.

prenatal & perinatal

Are you expecting? Book a massage performed by a therapist trained in prenatal work. We adjust the props and cushions for your comfort, and take special considerations for the pregnant or recently pregnant body. We offer prenatal sessions from 30 minutes to 90 minutes – whatever suits your needs. 

workshops

massage your mate

Ever wish you were better at massaging your partner or friend? Get tips on therapeutic massage techniques from one of our skilled therapists. This is 3 hours of hands-on, individualized teaching for you and your favorite person. So much cooler than a standard couples massage!

add-ons

therapeutic cupping

​Cupping helps circulation, revitalizes tissue, promotes relaxation, and stretches the superficial fascia. Cupping is great for pain, sore muscles, congestion, and areas of tissue adhesion. We integrate cupping into your scheduled bodywork time.

far infrared heat mat

Our jade & tourmaline far infrared mats provide penetrating heat that helps with pain and inflammation. Integrated into your scheduled bodywork time.

aromatherapy

Natural essential oils are integrated into your treatment to soothe your tension away.

nap therapy

Ever wish you didn't have to get up and rush into the real world after your session? Now you can reserve quiet time after the treatment to integrate the healing work. We set you up on a cozy massage table with props, a weighted blanket, and an herbal eye pillow for some peace and integration. Bliss! Available as a 20 minute add-on to a bodywork session (contact us to arrange).​

targeted short sessions

sometimes 15 is all you need

Sometimes you just need your neck and shoulders worked after a hard day. Many of our modalities can be done in 15 minutes on a clothed client, making treatment both convenient and affordable. Short, frequent sessions are often more effective for specific issues like neck tension, unexpected injuries, or back spasms. Short sessions are a way to get into our office as often as you need for the best treatment outcome at a more affordable price. When you have an unexpected injury or back spasm – call us; the sooner you get treatment, the sooner you'll feel better. Read about one client's experience with short sessions. Clothed.
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"I love WSW. Welcoming, warm environment perfect for massages and relaxing. The staff are extremely friendly and willing to adjust to your needs. I purchased a monthly package and always look forward to my appointments."

​"It has been about a century since I’ve had a massage. Thank god the good people at West Side Wellness exist and have this available to an old person (okay, me), and they are so great. Caring, professional, friendly and the best. Thanks!!!"