Specialties
Deep Tissue Massage
*Targeted Relief for Chronic Tension & Injuries*
My deep tissue therapy goes beyond surface relaxation to address stubborn tension in your muscles' deepest layers. Using focused pressure and specialized techniques, I help:
• Release chronic muscle patterns from old injuries or repetitive strain
• Improve joint mobility by breaking up adhesions
• Restore proper alignment to overworked areas
What to Expect:
While effective for long-term relief, deep tissue work does require open communication. I'll:
✓ Check in regularly about pressure comfort
✓ Work within your tolerance level
✓ Combine techniques to maximize results while minimizing discomfort
After Your Session:
You may experience mild soreness (like post-workout feelings) for 24-48 hours. Many clients report significantly improved mobility and lasting pain relief after just 2-3 sessions.
"Vanessa's deep tissue work fixed my shoulder pain when nothing else could." – Loren C.
Trauma Touch Therapy TM
Trauma Touch TherapyTM reconnects you.
What is Trauma? Trauma can be any event that overwhelms a person's normal capacity to cope. Traumatic events can take your breath away and knock you off your energetic ground. In addition to injury, the impact of trauma may leave a person in a state of heightened alert, and disconnected from the sequence of what happened. Trauma may dull or disconnect people from sensory awareness and emotions. Long after the event is past, these disconnections subconsciously interfere with activity, health, sleep and/or relationships.
Trauma Needs a Way Out! Imagine that trauma is an unwanted force that lodges in the body and triggers knee-jerk, inexplicable reactions. For instance, many people report that a friendly shoulder squeeze, doctor's exam, dental work, intimate contact or massage elicits anxiety and/or a defensive reaction. They may rigidly bear up, "numb out" or avoid the above situations.
Despite a person's best efforts to over-ride these post traumatic reactions, few new responses are possible until the affected person shifts the entrenched traumatic force.
Clients learn to pace the work - and their lives - to avoid reliving traumatizing events. Clients learn to create experiences in which they get help to care for themselves in ways that were not possible at the time of trauma.
Trauma Touch Therapy clients initially contract for 10 weekly sessions. Their commitment creates a safe container to explore re-connection with their sensory self.
If you don't live in or near McMinnville Oregon, contact the Colorado School of Healing Arts at 303 986 9925 to locate a Trauma Touch practitioner in your area.
*** Trauma Touch TherapyTM helps people with a variety of trauma histories. It interfaces with - but is not a substitute for - counseling.
Pregnancy Massage
During pregnancy a woman's body goes through many changes.
... some stressful and uncomfortable.
How does massage help?
* Reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
* Reduces and alleviates neck, back and joint pain caused by posture, muscle weakness, tension, extra weight, or imbalance.
* Relieves muscle spasms, cramps and fibrosis.
* Alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints and musculo-fascial structures (sacro-iliac joint, mid-back and lumbar spine, hips).
* Combats tension, fatigue, and headaches, soothe nerves to help with sleep problems, and reduce blood pressure through relaxation and stress reduction.
* Increases blood and lymph circulation and supports the physiological process of gestation by supporting the work of the heart, increasing cellular reparation, reducing edema, and contributing to sympathetic nervous system sedation. Reduces the possibility of problems with swelling, varicose veins, and leg cramps.
* Helps maintain skin elasticity to ease stretch marks and uncomfortable tightness.
* Assists with the management of digestive complaints such as constipation, gas, nausea and indigestion.
* Encourages deeper, easier breathing.
* Enhances self-esteem and self image, helping the pregnant woman feel more at home in her changing body.
Swedish Massage
*The Gold Standard of Relaxation & Renewal*
Experience the classic therapy that forms the foundation of modern massage. Using flowing strokes this treatment delivers:
Physical Benefits:
✓ Melts away muscle tension with gliding effleurage strokes
✓ Improves circulation with rhythmic kneading techniques
✓ Enhances joint mobility through gentle stretching
✓ Leaves skin glowing with improved tone and texture
Mental Wellness Perks:
→ Lowers stress hormones like cortisol
→ Creates deep mental relaxation
→ Boosts clarity and creativity
→ Promotes better sleep patterns
Perfect For:
• First-time massage clients
• Stress relief and self-care maintenance
• Pre-event relaxation (weddings, presentations)
• Those needing gentle yet effective bodywork
"Massage is my monthly reset button - I leave floating on air every time." - Client testimonial
Lymphatic Drainage
This light, rhythmic therapy stimulates your body's natural drainage system to:
✓ Reduce swelling from pregnancy, surgery, or injury
✓ Speed recovery after procedures or illness
✓ Enhance immunity by clearing metabolic waste
✓ Relieve discomfort from lymphedema or chronic inflammation
✓ Promote deep detoxification without harsh techniques
What Makes It Different:
• Uses feather-light pressure (lighter than regular massage)
• Follows precise lymphatic pathways
• Creates waves of relaxation while boosting circulation
Ideal For:
→ Post-surgical recovery (including cosmetic procedures)
→ Pregnancy-related swelling
→ Chronic sinus/allergy issues
→ Immune system support
"After my mastectomy, Vanessa's lymphatic work reduced my swelling faster than expected." - Ladena C.
Cancer/Oncology Massage
*Specialized Care During Cancer Treatment & Recovery*
Thoughtfully adapted for patients at any stage of their cancer journey, this therapy provides:
Physical Support:
✓ Gentle relief from treatment side effects
✓ Reduced pain and anxiety
✓ Improved sleep quality
✓ Careful attention to ports, sensitive areas, and lymph nodes
Emotional Nurturing:
✓ A safe space to relax and reconnect with your body
✓ Pressure and positioning adjusted for your comfort
✓ Techniques modified for your unique needs
Safety First:
• Always coordinated with your treatment schedule
• Pressure customized to your platelet count and sensitivity
• Special accommodations for fatigue or neuropathy
Vanessa's touch brought me comfort when I needed it most. - Anonymous
Myofascial Release
*Releasing Tension at Its Source*
This advanced technique addresses the root cause of chronic pain by working with your body's connective tissue network (fascia). Unlike standard massage, we:
✓ Release deep restrictions causing pain and stiffness
✓ Restore natural movement by lengthening bound fascia
✓ Rebalance your whole body - tension in one area often stems from another
Two Approaches for Your Needs:
1. Direct Release (Deep Tissue)
- Targets specific problem areas
- Breaks up stubborn adhesions
- Ideal for chronic injuries
2. Indirect Release (Gentle)
- Uses subtle pressure and stretching
- Encourages natural tissue realignment
- Great for sensitive areas or systemic issues
Who Benefits Most?
→ Those with limited mobility or stiffness
→ Chronic pain sufferers
→ Post-surgical patients
→ Athletes with recurring injuries
Neuromuscular Therapy
*Targeted Relief for Chronic Pain & Restricted Movement*
This advanced therapy combines precise pressure techniques with neurological principles to:
✓ Break the pain-spasm-pain cycle in affected muscles
✓ Restore proper communication between nerves and muscles
✓ Trigger natural healing responses through endorphin release
✓ Correct postural imbalances at their source
How It Works Differently:
• Identifies and releases specific trigger points
• Uses strategic pressure to reset muscle memory
• Combines with movement for lasting results
Ideal For:
→ Chronic pain that hasn't responded to other treatments
→ Sciatica, headaches, and repetitive strain injuries
→ Postural issues from desk work or aging
→ Faster recovery between workouts
"After six months of treatments for my sciatica elsewhere, Vanessa's approach gave me significant relief in just three sessions." - Scott P.