Myokinesthetics

This powerful soft tissue technique is customized to address your specific complaints by working directly with the nervous system. Therapy sessions are fully clothed, and are done in a series for best results. No oils or creams are typically used. Myokinesthetics can be remarkably helpful for:

• Acute and chronic pain
• Limited range of motion
• Balancing posture

 If you have pain but don't want or have time for massage, this 20 minute treatment utilizes gentle range of motion movements combined with specific pressure points to retrain the nervous system to 'let go' of painful or chronic muscle tightness. A minimum of 1-3 sessions over a one week period is recommended for best results.

Common Conditions seen are:

• headaches
• TMJneck and upper back painf
• rozen shoulder
• rotator cuff pain
• tennis and golfer’s elbow
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sacral-iliac joint pain, low back pain and sciatica
• plantar fasciitis

Neuromuscular Re-education Therapy 

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a specific program for treating acute and chronic pain syndromes by applying specific therapeutic massage techniques combined with movement, stretching and strengthening programs to restore efficient posture and eliminate the causes of most soft tissue pain patterns. Think of it as Holistic Orthopedics. This specific and scientific approach to muscular pain relief will help to bring about balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. NMT enhances the function of joints, muscles, and biomechanics (movement). It is a noninvasive and economically feasible method of pain treatment  and is effective in treating cases like low back pain, neck pain, arm and shoulder pain, hip and knee problems, TMJ pain, headache, and scoliosis. When used in conjunction with other medical modalities, Neuromuscular Reeducation therapy can be a very efficient part of a comprehensive treatment plan. And it is itself a stand-alone treatment approach.   Cyndi examines a minimum of six physiological factors which may create or intensify pain patterns when doing an evaluation for therapy:  These six basic factors considered in my Holistic Orthopedic approach are:
Ischemia
Trigger Points
Nerve Entrapment/Compression
Postural Distortions
Biomechanical Dysfunction
Nutrition

Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy

Experience "the deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet!" With Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy®, you are able to receive a deeper, more fluid and relaxing massage.   Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy® is the first approved massage therapy program in the United States using an overhead bar support system. This system allows the therapist to apply your desired amount of pressure to the muscles.   Ashiatsu, (ashi means foot and atsu means pressure), is an ancient form of bodywork brought to us by Buddhist monks. Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, sometimes referred to as barefoot Shiatsu, is NOT performed on the floor mat through clothing. The therapist supports herself with wooden bars suspended from the ceiling while applying different foot strokes along the body.  Using the pressure of the therapist's feet on strategic points along the back and spine, a push-pull-pumping affect is created on the soft tissue that surrounds the muscles and inter-vertebral disc space.  Ruthie Hardee is the leading authority, developer and practioner of  Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy.  Through Hardee's extensive research this massage modality is now a well-documented, effective, non-surgical technique for the treatment of chronic lower back and neck pain, approved by the NCBTMB and recognized by the American Medical Association.   What are the benefits of Ashiatsu? Reduced stress and greater sense of well being Relaxed muscles and improved circulation Improved immune system Heightened awareness of emotional and psychological processes Prenatal, Labor & Delivery Massage Pregnancy is a time of many changes: physical, social, and emotional. Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase your energy and relieve discomfort. Some of the benefits of massage during pregnancy: reduces stress on weight-bearing joints increase flexibility ease constipation, gas and heartburn reduce excess fluid retention slows the process of varicose veins relieves common discomforts Massage During Labor Labor support is a wonderful way for your partner to get involved and the benefits are enormous. They will be taught specific massage techniques to alleviate your discomfort during labor and pressure points that can induce labor and speed things along. Who doesn't want that!!! It is a very hands on private lesson. I will give them the tools to make for a quick, supporting, nurturing labor and they are techniques that they will have forever. Postpartum It is just as important to get massage after birth as it is during pregnancy. During this time, nature sets about undoing in eight weeks what took nine months to create. During this time, massage can help: you handle the physical demands of a newborn speed the healing process of hemorrhoids or an episiotomy reduce cellulite if nursing, help with milk letdown or engorged breast ease muscle aches and fatigue reduce swelling in the legs or any other area Your Comfort A Support system of ultimate comfort will be used during your session. It's called the bodyCushion™. The bodyCushion™ will alleviate pressure on the neck, breasts, and lowerback. You will be able to lie safely and comfortably on your belly throughout your pregnancy, even in your last trimester. Just being able to lie face down will be such a relief you won't want to get up! Baby Massage Baby massage is a wonderful way to bond with your baby. It has been proven that infant massage strengthens the immune systems, stimulates digestion, relieves gas, colic, promotes restful sleep, encourages development and so much more. Baby massage can be a very special time spent together and can be just as beneficial for the parent as it is for the infant. Aquassage Aquassage is a passive form of aquatic bodywork/therapy that supports and gently moves a person through warm water in graceful, fluid movements. It promotes a deep state of relaxation with dramatic changes in the autonomic nervous system. Through quieting the sympathetic and enhancing the parasympathetic nervous systems, Aquassage has profound effects on the neuromuscular system. The sympatholytic effects of this therapy lead to enhancement of the parasympathetic nervous system. Physiological changes then occur throughout the body. These changes may include: Decreased heart rate. Decreased rate of respiration Increased depth of respiration Increased peripheral vasodilatation Increased smooth muscle activity (digestion) Decreased activation of striated muscles (skeletal) Decreased spasticity Decreased muscle spasm Decreased Reticular Activating System activity Enhanced immune system response This technique helps decrease muscle tension and increase range of motion. The support of the water provides relief from compression forces in the joints. The movements through the water provide gentle stretching into all ranges for the spine and extremities while these joints are unloaded. Clients report decreased pain as Aquassage decreases their muscle spasm and muscle guarding, increases their range of motion, and promotes profound relaxation. Many clients also report a decrease in their emotional pain. Therapists utilizing this as part of their aquatic therapy treatment programs report the following improvements in their clients: 1. Immediate Benefits With First Session increased range of motion increased muscle relaxation decreased muscle spasm decreased spasticity decreased pain 2. Long-term Benefits After Multiple Sessions improved sleep patterns improved digestion improved healing and immune system response greater decreases in pain decreased anxiety many clients report a decrease in their emotional pain Aquassage is being incorporated into aquatic therapy treatment programs in hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers around the world. Therapists are impressed by the benefits for so many of their clients. Some of the many populations who have benefited include those with traumatic brain injury spinal cord injury strokes Parkinson’s Disease arthritis cerebral palsy chronic pain fibromyalgia ankylosing spondylitis post mastectomy post thoracic surgery post traumatic stress disorder. Many clients report that nothing else is as effective in decreasing their pain and improving their ability to move.  Any age groups may utilize this unique therapy.

     Equissage & Canine Massage

Can massage help my horse?  Absolutely!  It can also help your dog, cat, cow and rabbit. 

Equissage can and will:

• improve the disposition of the animal.
• increase range of motion and enhance muscle tone.
• relax muscle spasms and relieve tension.
• improve circulation.
• help to prevent Colic and other stress diseases.
• plus the animal will feel better!

Your horse may be telling you he has muscular soreness and/or trauma if he/she exhibits any of the following:

• Bucking
• Stumbling
• Kicking
• Head tossing
• Refusal to Pick Up Correct lead and/or canter
• Girthing problems
• Hind leg scuffing
• Hip and shoulder lameness

Your horse is comprised of 60% of skeletal muscle, yet the muscles are the easiest thing for the owners to overlook in the care and treatment of their animal. 

Dogs are just like people; during their lifetimes, they will experience bumps and bruises, injuries, or serious trauma. Sometimes, however, after such injuries are treated and healed by a veterinarian, your dog may continue to continue to experience residual negative effects. These effects can be incorrect posture and movement, a decrease in muscle flexibility, or an imbalance in the blood circulation. Eventually, these residual negative effects can accumulate to cause a noticeable decline in your dog's overall well-being energy, and zest for life. Even if your dog has never suffered an obvious injury, it is getting older, and chances are that it has dug at least one hole too energetically or jumped off the sofa the wrong way or met an unsociable cat face-to-face. For the aging dog, massage can get that old sparkle back and make them feel special. On the other hand, massage will benefit even the healthiest, most rambunctious dog, enhancing their talents and improving their well-being and longevity. 

Does your dog have:
• Arthritis
• Anxiety
• Hip dispalcia
• Behavioral issues
• Seizures
• Excessive itching
• Unexplained pains
• Difficulty moving
• Etc

 Two of the most critical functions are blood circulation and the animal's general well being.

• Blood circulation - Massage helps to open blood vessels, which in turn improves blood circulation. Better blood circulation means more oxygen and nutrients can be distributed throughout the dog's body. In addition, the stronger blood flow can push out more waste and toxins that may be making your dog sick.
• Muscle maintenance - Among other numerous benefits, massage helps to loosen tight, constricted muscles, decrease pain, increase range-of-motion, and restore proper tone. Think of your dog as an athlete. If muscles remain tight for a long time, a dog's body feels tension/stiffness/pain; less blood will be able to reach these muscles, and the dog may start to stand, walk and run using poor muscle strategies.

Grief Therapy

I use a client-centered massage therapy approach to promote deep relaxation, and body awareness. I will focus on creating a therapeutic alliance with each client to assess bodywork needs and provide a combination of massage treatments and self care education. We will spend a few minutes together just creating a focus for your first session.  As a trained Stephen Minister, I am always available to you for any prayer and emotional therapy during our sessions as well.

 Sports Massage

  We offer innovative Sports Massage to Beaufortonian athletes of all levels. Elite, professional, serious amateur level competitors and weekend warriors are finding that Sports Massage is giving them the "edge" they've been looking for.

 Sports massage therapy offers these proven benefits:
   - Enhanced athletic performance
   - Fewer injuries
   - Restored flexibility and range of motion
   - Faster recovery from injury
   - Removal of lactic acid buildup

Take your performance to the next level.

Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is the application of different techniques in the treatment of muscular pain and dysfunction that affect human movement. It is a form of treatment that is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of treatment. Remedial Massage is concerned with the restoration and maintenance of the soft tissue structures of the body.

What do Remedial Therapists Do?

Treatment techniques include:
·          Soft tissue manipulation
·          Deep tissue therapy
·          Thermal therapy
·          Myofascial release techniques
·          Stretch and strengthening exercises

Common Conditions seen by Remedial Therapists:
·          Sporting injuries
·          Work Injuries
·          Motor Vehicle Injuries
·          Muscle and joint stiffness
·          Stress
·          Lower back pain
·          Neck pain
·          Sprains and strains
·          Headaches

 Myofascial Release Therapy

(Based on the principle that poor posture, physical injury, illness and emotional stress can shift the body out of alignment and cause the intricate web of fascia to become tight and constricted.
Fascia is a system of thin connective tissue that weaves continuously throughout the body including the muscles, bones, organs arteries veins etc. It connects every part of the body to every other part of the body).

Features:
· very gentle yet very effective hands-on manual therapy using sustained pressure into restrictions in the fascial system

Benefits:
· to eliminates pain and restores motion and function to the body
· adhesions and scar tissue may also be broken down with myofascial release therapy

Myotherapy

Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy^® is a hands-on, drugless, non-invasive method of relieving muscle related pain which emphasizes speedy, cost effective recovery and active patient participation for long-term relief. Myotherapy relaxes muscles, improves circulation and alleviates pain in all parts of the body while it increases strength, flexibility, coordination, stamina and energy and improves posture, gait, sleep patterns and work and play performance quickly, effectively and lastingly.

Features:
· treatments can include: soft tissue treatment, trigger point therapy, myofascial stretch
· employs a number of treatment modalities by method of assessment and treatment protocols

Benefits:
· pain management for chronic musculoskeletal conditions, postural conditions, sporting and occupational injuries
· helps loosen muscle tissues, releases toxins from the muscles and gets blood and oxygen circulating properly
 helps eliminate toxins from the body 

Craniofascial Therapy

(This technique is closely related to Polarity Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Accupressure and Myofascial Release).
Features:
· uses slow pressure and stretching techniques
· gentle non-invasive energetic touch therapy

Benefits:
· releases connective tissue
· assists with assessing and releasing restrictive patterns
· helps trigger the body’s innate self-healing ability to release old suppressed trauma and establish ultimate balance in the body.

Reflexology

Reflexology is an Ancient Healing method that has a proven premis that every organ, gland and part of the body has one or more specific corrisponding areas in the feet. Manipulation of these points in the feet promote self

healing, well being and increased circulation to decrease pain and discomfort. Reflexology of the hands and ears are also known and used by many Reflexologists.

The term "reflex" means to reflect. Pressure points on your feet and hands reflect all the parts of your body organs: glands, limbs, and head, everywhere. In conventional medicine a reflex is a spontaneous action in response to received stimulus received to a nerve, a message being relayed to the spinal column and back to the body part without reference to the brain, as for instance, when you drop something that is too hot to touch. Reflexology directly affects and heals your body

Hot Stone Massage

During a Hot Stone Massage, the stones are not merely placed on areas of the body, the stones are actually used as an extension of the therapist hands and are worked into the muscle creating deep muscle relaxation. "When a stone heated in 122 degree water is pressed into an area of tension, the muscle has no choice but to relax." Hot Stone Massage is a deeply relaxing therapy employing smooth, polished basalt and marble stones heated in water, spun and applied with warm oils, often mixed with essential oils for additional aromatherapy benefits. The heated stones of varying sizes are first placed on key acupressure points deeply penetrating tight muscles and softening tissue through heat and the weight of the stones. A skilled massage therapist will then apply the smooth volcanic stones in long flowing strokes giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. Hot stone massage melts away knots, tension and stress. Traditional Thai or Swedish massage technique plus the penetrating warmth from the ancient, polished stones relieves pain, promotes harmony, balance and peace. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. The heated stones laid upon the spinal column sedate the central nervous system. In this soothing, ancient treatment we experience an enhanced awareness of our unique connection with nature, bringing us closer to our true essence. When incorporated with aromatherapy the blend of essential oils expands the benefit of the hot stone treatment. The Fire and Ice Stone Massage is a thermo-therapeutic treatment alternating heated black basalt stones with iced white marble stones. The warm black stones expand the blood vessels, pushing blood and unwanted waste materials through the body. The cool marble stones cause the blood vessels to constrict and stimulating the nervous. This vascular gymnastics in the circulatory system helps the body detoxify and heal. It ensures that every cell in the body receives more oxygen and nutrients while at the same time waste material is removed more effectively through the corresponding increase in lymph flow. Hot and cold creates balance allowing us to let go of all the stress that is held within our body. Extremes of temperature has long been scientifically and medically proven to be of benefit to the body in many ways, including eases pain relief from muscular injury or inflammation. Penetrating, soothing heat from the basalt stones combined with aromatherapy massage or alternated with toning and refreshing coolness of the marble stones improves healing of many of the following symptoms: Increases blood circulation, lymph and vitality. Promotes the release of toxins. Relieves muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains Improves rheumatic and arthritic conditions Reduces cellulite Softens tissue. Facial skin toning and firming by alternating hot and cold stones. Sinus pressure relief. Reduces stress, anxiety and tension Alleviates insomnia and depression At Home or Pre-Wedding Massage Party Imagine being pampered at the beach or your in your home, the bride-to-be and guests will enjoy a pre-party massage in the comfort of their pre-party location.  Prices are determined by the number of hours reserved. On-Site Chair Massage  At first, it may not seem like much – after all, how much good can really happen in ten or twenty minutes? The answer turns out to be: a lot. Studies have shown that the brain begins to recharge in just a few minutes. And with just the right touch, tired muscles feel rejuvenated right away.Now imagine how much more good can occur when the brain and the body are being refreshed in tandem, on a regular basis? Rested workers are relaxed and ready to get down to business. In addition, massage puts them in a good mood – the better to engage with customers or do whatever they do – and leaves them feeling quite upbeat about your company. Benefits of corporate chair massage for employees: Increased productivity Reduced stress Less illness Improves mood Employees return to work refreshed Employees feel appreciated I will come to your business to offer your employees 10-15 minutes of chair massage. The chair requires very little space. The employees are fully clothed, so privacy is not needed. Chair massage in the workplace makes for happier, more productive employees. I also offer chair massage for parties, outings, and sporting events. Friends and family will enjoy the relaxing massage treatments. Chair massage helps relieve tense muscles after sporting events. Just another service offered by LowCountry Wellness Center – a comprehensive On-Site Wellness solution for muscles and mind, workforce and management. Cyndi can schedule weekly, bi-weekly or monthly visits to your place of business – visits guaranteed to keep your employees productive, energetic and feeling good about themselves and their careers. A good massage is a great perk that leaves your employees feeling perky – it’s guaranteed to pay for itself in productivity and positive energy. Massage is both good practice and good PR.     Paraffin Therapy  Paraffin wax has a very high heat capacity, meaning it is able to absorb and retain a great amount of heat. A paraffin wax spa takes advantage of paraffin's heat-retaining capacity in a simple process called heat transfer. In technical terms, heat is transferred to the core of the affected area as paraffin goes through a phase change. As it melts, the paraffin becomes a liquid and is able to retain more heat. Then, when a hand, foot, or other area is dipped into the heated bath, the phase of the paraffin that surrounds the dipped area quickly changes into a solid. The heat that is given off is called the heat of fusion. More simply, the heat that goes into melting the paraffin comes out when it solidifies into a comforting paraffin coating, thus transferring the heat into the affected limb. Another way to look at it is the paraffin is the medium that transfers heat from the Therabath to the painful area. At the same time, the heat from the paraffin opens pores and increases circulation in the skin. This is why paraffin is so beneficial to skin, leaving skin softened and more radiant. Ear Candling Ear Candling is a natural, non-intrusive procedure that may help alleviate the painful effects of chronic headaches or sinus conditions, ear infections, allergies or vertigo, as well as minor hearing loss due to excessive earwax build up. How can ear candling help me? Dry hacking cough - Many coughs are a direct result of a sinus infection. The inner ear and small sinus cavities get blocked with mucus and infection sets in. Ear Candling helps drain and dry out the small, dark places where germs live and multiply. Sinus headaches - Blockages in the inner ear or sinus cavities can cause pressure to build. Ear Candling can help to open blocked passages. Tinitus - ringing in the ears can be a cause of dehydration coupled with wax buildup. Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of pure water per day. Then the Ear Candling procedure can help break down the wax.  Itchy ears - This could be caused from an abundance of  yeast in the body, creating a situation of Candida (too much sugar in the body). The Candida starting in the intestines and traveling up into the eustashion tube, can get into the sinus and ear canal. Ear Candling helps to dry out these areas. How does it work? It is believed as the candle burns, gentle warm smoke is drawn into the ear canal that softens and loosens candida, wax, and other debris through osmosis. This means anything on the other side of the eardrum turns into a gas form to pass through the ear drum membrane. It is then collected into the remaining unburned portion of the candle. Frequently Asked Questions Is ear candling for everyone?  No! You should not have ear candling performed if you have any damage to the eardrum, ear tubes, congenital hearing loss, ankylosis of the stapes, acute mastoiditis, or recent surgical procedures to the ear.  What can I expect after an ear candling session?  You may, for a short time, feel a bit of pressure in your ears following a session. This is normal. We recommend you not fly or get fluid in your ears for 24 hours after a candling session. Is it guaranteed to work?  While many find ear candling to be an effective procedure, everyone is different and we can't guarantee results. How often should I have ear candling done?  It’s good to do the procedure quarterly or twice a year. If you feel like you may be coming down with a cold or virus, you should candle at that time and the healing process will start right away! This aids the immune system in healing.  Will ear candling cure an ear infection?  If you suspect that you have an inner ear infection, we recommend that you see your doctor. Ear candling is not intended to replace medical treatment.  Can infants be ear candled?  Absolutely! All age groups may enjoy this procedure.  Is ear candling painful?  Not at all; in fact, many report the experience is surprisingly relaxing and soothing. You may hear crackling sounds during your session - this is normal, and not uncomfortable.  If I buy the candles, can I ear candle myself?  You should always have someone perform this procedure for you, as the flame could be hazardous if not properly managed. As a certified ear hygienist trained in this procedure, I’m familiar with all safety aspects, as well as the proper fitting of the candle and treatment schedules.   Complementary Wellness Techniques:   Foam Rolling - self massage take home techniques         Learn this art of preventative maintenance that you can do at home or easily carry with you anywhere you travel. Make an appointment for a private foam rolling self massage session or two and take advantage of this valuable and fun technique!