I use an integrated massage style that combines swedish relaxation techniques with very specific therapeutic techniques of deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy, and myofascial work. As needed, I also incorporate techniques from cranio-sacral therapy, indirect release technques, active stretching, reiki, and reflexology.

It depends on the type of technique used. For general massages, I use  pure jojoba oil and essential oils from Young Living (www.youngliving.us). Myofascial and cranio-sacral techniques are applied without oils.

Essential oils are plant extracts that have been obtained from their sources, like lavender, rose, or peppermint, in a manner that retains the active moecules. They can be used for relaxation, pain relief, and a variety of other reasons.

When you first arrive for your massage, I will ask you to complete a health history form and an informed consent and release form.  We will discuss the health history form, so that I will know about any past medical conditions or injuries that may affect your treatment, whether you have any current medical conditions or injuries that may be contraindicated, and what you are looking for in your massage treatments. We will also discuss the informed consent and release form and go over my policies. Please feel free to ask questions at any time about any of the policies or release items. This part of the first treatment will take between 15 and 30 minutes.

When all of your questions have been answered and we have discussed a plan for your session, I will leave the room to wash my hands and to allow you time to get undressed and onto the massage table. You will be completely draped with a sheet and possibly a blanket, depending on the temperature, the entire duration of the massage. The drape will be moved to expose only the area of the body that is being worked on.  Because of this, you may either undress completely, or you may leave on articles of clothing that you feel comfortable with (for example, you may feel more comfortable, even with the drape, if you leave your undergarments on).  Before leaving the room, I will indicate to you whether to start "face-up" or "face-down" on the table depending on what part of your body we will be starting with.  When you are comfortably undressed, carefully get onto the table, underneath the sheet and blanket. If you are starting "face-down", place your face in the crescent on the table and relax. If you are starting "face-up", rest your head on the table, not resting on the crescent (if it is still attached to the table).

Then close your eyes, take several deep breaths, and begin to allow the weight of your muscles to sink into the table.  In a few moments, I will knock on the door and ask you if you are ready.  After you say yes, I will come in and begin your treatment.

A general massage is a massage where no specific injury or area of discomfort is addressed. Often,  the treatment will begin on your feet and legs, work up to your gluteal region, back, neck, and shoulders while lying on your stomach. Then you will turn over onto your back and your face, neck arms, chest, legs and feet will be worked.    Sometimes your stomach may be massaged.  Breasts and genitals will not be massaged.

A focus area is an area of special discomfort, pain, or injury that you would like the massage to specifically address. Depending on the length of the massage, work on a focus are and general massage may be done.

Pressure is a very personal thing. Some people like a very deep massage, while others prefer a soft, very light touch.  Both are therapeutic and beneficial in different ways.  A soft, soothing touch can be calming to the nerves, relieving to someone who is grieving, or just really relaxing.  Deeper pressure can help to break up scar tissue, bring blood flow to stagnant tissue, and reset the nervous system to reduce pain.

I tell my clients that on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a feather touch, and 10 being the most pressure you can possibly take, 3 to 5 is a good relaxing and therapeutic level for a soft soothing massage.  A level of 5 to 7 is a good therapeutic range for moving tissue, breaking up scar tissue, stimulating blood flow and addressing injuries. This is the level that I most prefer to work.  Levels above 8, can in small amounts be beneficial  to break up collagen and scar tissue, but is generally not tolerable for long, and will ultimately result in less healing. If you feel the pressure is above an 8 on your own personal scale, and you are clenching your teeth or tightening other muscles, cannot breathe through the discomfort, or are feeling like you want to jump off the table and run away, it is definitely time to speak up and ask for lighter pressure. Sometimes all you have to do is move your hand or foot and that will signal to the therapist that the pressure may be too great.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, please make every effort to give me 24 hrs notice.  My cancellation fee is $45 and will be billed to your account in the event that you do not  give  advance notice or if you no-show for your appointment.  However, if you wake up and feel you are coming down with a cold or flu the day of your appointment, please call me as soon as you can. Getting a massage when you are coming down with a virus is contraindicated and may make you become sicker.  I will not charge the cancellation notice if this occurs, unless I feel that you are abusing the excuse.

Some health conditions may be contraindicated, meaning that getting a massage may make your condition worse or cause additional complications to occur.  You will be asked to disclose any health conditions as part of your informed consent prior to receiving treatment and may be required to obtain a physician's approval prior to receiving massage therapy. Some of these conditions include, but are not limited to  the following:

Acute  Infectious Diseases: You should  not get a massage if you have the flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, or even if you are feeling sick with a cold or flu. If you are feeling ill, you should call to cancel your appointment. You will not be charged a cancellation fee if you are sick.  Getting a massage when you are coming down with a cold or have an active infection can intensify the sickness and prolong the period of sickness. If you come to a session sick, MountainView Therapeutics reserves the right to refuse your treatment for that day and reschedule when you are feeling better.

Skin Problems: Rashes, lesions, infections, or sores may be contraindicated. If these conditions are contagious they may be spread to other parts of your body via massage, and may also be spread to the therapist and possibly even to other massage clients in the community. Examples include Herpes, Ringworm, or Shingles infections.  Wounds which are not contagious may be locally contraindicated, meaning that if you have a laceration with stitches on your leg,  massage on the surrounding area may be contraindicated.

Specific Diseases: If you have a condition such as Asthma, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, History of Stroke, any type of heart or lung disease and if you are under the care of a physician, you should receive written clearance from your doctor prior to receiving massage.

If you have cancer, you will also need to have written clearance from your doctor. Metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread beyond its original site, usually via the circulatory and lymphatic systems.  Although there is no definitive scientific proof regarding the effect of massage on the exacerbation of the spread of cancer, circulatory massage is specifically contraindicated. Lymphedema, which can occur when surgery has been done to remove a tumor, is best addressed by specialized bodyworkers who are trained in lymphatic drainage massage (www.vodderschool.com) with your prior physician approval.

Some drugs, like anti-coagulants and pain medications may cause harmful side effects when combined with massage therapy so you should consult your therapist and your physician prior to receiving massage.

Other conditions that may be contraindicated are: blood clotting disorders, edema, varicose veins, phlebitis, kidney infection, fever or inflammation, bone fractures (especially when new and inflamed)

MountainView Therapeutics provides non-sexual, therapeutic massage. If you are on the massage table and exhibit aggressive or sexually suggestive behaviour or language, the massage will terminated immediately, you will be responsible for full payment of the massage, and if warranted, the police will be called.

To the extent possible, I use products and practices that are sustainable for the environment. All linens are laundered using solar-generated power and line-dried in the fresh Colorado air. The essential oils I use are sustainably and organically farmed.

Yes! Unless your doctor has specifically told you not to get a massage due to certain complications, it can be very beneficial for relaxation, back and leg pain, and your overall experience with pregnancy. Pillows are used to ensure comfort for both you and your baby.

The office is in Applewood, located in Jefferson County, Colorado, USA. Please call or email for specific directions.

I accept personal checks and cash, and will have the ability to accept credit cards in the near future.

Some insurances will pay for your massage, either in part, or full. Please get written pre-approval from your insurance company prior to your appointment. You will need to pay for the massage at the time of the appointment and then submit  your claim for re-imbursement from your insurance policy. Many insurance companies are now providing discounted programs for  their customers to be able to obtain wellness services at a reduced fee. Health Allies (www.healthallies.com) is one of these programs. Please check with your insurance agent to determine if you are eligible for these programs. If I am not currently a member of your program, please let me know and I will apply for membership to that network. Injuries from automobile accidents or worker's compensation claims often provide coverage for massage under your policy or your employer's policy. You will need written pre-approval from your company prior to your appointment.

I will accept tips or gratuities although I highly discourage it. I would prefer you get more frequent massage treatments with the extra $ you would tip.  More frequent massages will make you feel better and the impact of the massage will last longer than the feeling you will get by giving me a gratuity. If you do choose to provide a gratuity, please do not feel it is expected every time.