Therapeutic bodywork is a term used to describe a session that may utilize a number of different massage modalities and body manipulation techniques. Whether cognitively or intuitively based, each bodywork session is tailored to meet the individual’s need for stress relief and pain management, relaxation, rehabilitation of injuries either chronic or acute, and support with underlying health imbalances. At Body Energetics, with a wide variety of techniques, developed skills and experiences in the tool box, Brian’s goal is to help clients feel better and achieve balance, creating space for personal growth. Body Energetics offers clients the unique opportunity to understand and release the stresses of the body through massage and energy work.

Hours by Appointment – Flexible

At Body Energetics, the goal is to help clients feel better, achieve balance and make room for personal growth. Body Energetics believes through massage and energy work, clients have such an opportunity. Call Brian to discuss your specific needs. Leave a message if Brian is not available and your call will be promptly returned.

When your body is trying to heal, the imbalance can sometimes cause other difficulties. For example, you sprain your ankle and don’t seek therapeutic aid. Perhaps it is a mild sprain and in a few days you are able to “walk it off”. To prevent discomfort you start to walk at a different angle with your injured foot. The problem is that your compensation can shift your muscles and cause a misalignment in your leg, hip and spine. At first, this change may be so subtle that you don’t even notice the difference. But if this goes uncorrected, your imbalance can lead to joint and muscle pain in your knee, hip, back, shoulder and even your neck. The muscles and connective tissues in your body have shifted to compensate for the new way you are walking. This causes a misalignment that is painful and can significantly impact your mobility. Brian is well versed in correcting such issues by utilizing both western style massage therapies and ancient healing arts.

Understanding the energies of the body has a wide range of benefits but it is the mixture of eastern and western massage styles which makes Brian’s practice so successful. The muscles of the body have a proper and natural alignment. Energetic blockages and physical traumas prevent the flow of a healthy configuration in your body. The exact structure of each muscle is unique for each person; the differences may seem insignificant but they are important to recognize and know for proper functioning and the complete comfort of the body. What allows Brian to know these subtle differences in your specific muscle configuration is his knowledge of energy. By reading the energy and following the pathways of energy in the body, he can decipher the precise structure of individual muscles and their functionality.

All the muscles in the body are interconnected on multiple levels. The vascular system, the fascia and bone orientation are holistic systems that have an effect that give signals to a trained therapist, indicating what the muscles need and where blockages occur. Because the body is so interconnected, a problem in one area may actually originate from an issue in another area. For instance, chronic shoulder pain could be the result of distressed muscles in the pelvis. For most muscular issues, medication is only a temporary remedy to relieve pain without actually fixing the problem. By understanding these systems and energy flow Brian is able to see and feel the cause of problematic issues and recognize the path to healing and recovery.

The human body is a complete system comprised of many interconnected subsystems. Each one of these subsystems is essential for the body as a whole to operate. The integumentary (skin), vascular, myofascial, muscular, nervous, skeletal and organ systems can be thought of separately, but they are intricately and specifically connected and fully dependent upon each other for survival. There is another system that innervates all of the physical components as well: the energetic, electromagnetic system of the body. It also has subsystems such as the Meridians (acupuncture, acupressure), the chakra system etc.

Everything produces an electromagnetic field and therefore produces energy. All matter is made up of atoms which each contain electrically charged protons and electrons. Most of these fields and the energy they emit are very subtle and nearly impossible to detect but they are still there none the less. Eastern philosophers and doctors have been aware of the healing aspects of energy and energy manipulation for millennia.

Knowledgeable in both western massage therapy and the energy systems of the body, Brian Fillman has a unique approach to holistic healing. Brian is a nationally certified massage therapist, with more than 18 years of experience in energy work and healing arts. His knowledge complements and bolsters his ability to help his clients with physical and even psychological ailments.

Energy work -
Energy work is a general term for modalities that are based on the human body consisting of energy fields that can be stimulated through various techniques in order to promote wellness. The concept of the human body’s electromagnetic energy fields as a vital life force can be traced back to the oldest medical systems and is known as Qi in China, ki in Japan, and prana in India. This energetic configuration is made up of many conduits and support systems.

Some energy modalities, such as acupuncture and shiatsu, have their roots in ancient medicine, while others, such as therapeutic touch and polarity therapy, are a contemporary and eclectic interpretation of one or more ancient practices. But the underlying basis of all of these modalities is the intent of balancing the energy flow in the body. Keeping the body’s energy in a balanced state is the key to maintaining health. Each of these modalities seeks to help the patient rebalance energy in the body by stimulating, unblocking, or dispersing it. The result is a greater sense of energy and wellbeing.
By working with these energies, opportunity for healing and growth opens on physical, emotional and cognitive levels. This expansion offers a healing potential for both body and soul. By harmonizing the energetic systems of the body, Brian can help you correct imbalances within your body. Energy work is a powerful complement to traditional medicine as well as an alternative resource. Simply put, aligning the electromagnetic life force so that it flows more fully and freely is an amazing way to achieve balance from within.


Bowen Therapy -
Bowen Therapy consists mostly of short, deep tissue strokes across specific points on the body. Most schools refer to these strokes as Bowen “moves”. These moves stimulate specific receptors, creating powerful systemic response in the body. Bowen Therapy, by these specific soft tissue or fascial release and integration techniques, enables the body itself to correct dysfunctions and restore homeostasis (balance) on a holistic level.

Bowen Therapeutic Techniques represent interpretations of the manual therapies used in Australia by the late Mr. Thomas Ambrose Bowen. Bowen Therapy is derived primarily from acupressure, massage and osteopathy. Bowen Therapy offers a safe and effective form of treatment for anyone. It can be utilized as a “stand alone” technique, or more commonly, this system is used in conjunction with therapeutic massage and Energy work to create amazing results.


Swedish massage -
Swedish massage is a gentle and relaxing technique which allows the body and the mind to release stress and naturally increase the body’s circulation. Swedish massage is what most people are referencing when they talk about massage. It is one of the most relaxing types of massage to receive as it works over the whole body. The general techniques include gliding, kneading, tapping, and vibrating or shaking, which are used on different muscles of the body depending on the specific concern and desired result.

Utilizing Swedish massage techniques in a therapeutic session is a way to warm up the muscles before going deeper, as well as a way to target specific areas to work out the kinks. A full body treatment can be utilized for those with a low pain threshold, as well as being a great complement to Energy work to release trauma and physical stresses in the body.


Deep tissue massage -
Deep tissue massage incorporates more pressure and deeper manipulations to access underlying layers of the musculature and connective tissues, releasing the stress and trauma stored in those deeper layers. Deep tissue massage can indeed have a significant amount of pressure behind specific techniques. However deep tissue massage techniques always have a goal. It is especially useful for dealing with chronic pain, recovery from injuries, limited mobility, postural problems and muscle tension or spasm.

Deep tissue massage will begin lightly to relax the surface muscles. This will allow Brian to eventually reach the muscles underneath (hence deep tissue). Many of the physical issues we have after receiving an injury or strain affects all the muscles in the area. As the massage is meant to penetrate into the problematic area, it is common for a client to feel a bit sore for a day or two afterwards. This is because massage is sort of of a passive workout. The muscles are being worked. Therefore, if they are not used to being manipulated, after the session these muscles will feel for the client much like they do following an average physical workout.

While deep tissue work is commonly thought of as a, ‘no pain, no gain’ type of massage, this is not actually the case. If you ever feel that the therapist is applying too much pressure, you should tell them right away. At Body Energetics, Brian works carefully and specifically not only to make you feel better but also to make your whole experience a pleasant one.


Myofascial techniques -
Fascia is the body’s “organizer”, forming a three dimensional web that surrounds everything in the body, embracing all nerves, bones, arteries, veins, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Simply put, Fascia is all connective tissue. Therefore fascial dysfunction can affect every structure, muscle, nerve and organ in the body. Fascia has become the subject of increasing research. Recent studies have shown fascia to be the largest sensory organ in the body. It is rich in a range of receptors that powerfully influence the body’s neuro-muscular physiology in many and complex ways.

If a trauma happens to the body, the fascia may become “glued” to the muscle or traumatized area. This can lead to many problems. Muscles will not move properly. Organs may be shifted to incorrect positions. Blood vessels may be restricted and muscle and bone connections may be obstructed.
Myofascial techniques are deep and powerful manipulations used to smooth out distortions in the fascial system which open and lengthen both muscular and connective tissues. Through myofascial work, energetic circulation increases along with mobility, function and fluidity of the body.


Craniosacral therapy -
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. This system is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down the spine to the sacrum, or tailbone area.

CST helps to modify and correct conditions in the central nervous system by working with the surrounding membrane through a series of gentle compressions and stretches applied to the spinal column and skull. Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction in it could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities. CST is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate negative effects of stress on your central nervous system, enhancing body functioning, and helping to alleviate pain and discomfort.

Massage of all disciplines provides numerous benefits for clients. Here is a brief description of the benefits and the reasons why massage is so effective.
Physical Benefits of Massage:
Relieves pain, stiffness and discomfort. Massage is a direct form of therapy which goes to exactly where the issues reside. By dealing with the problems directly and naturally, without the use of medication, the muscles are not only relieved but are brought back to the time before the issue arose.
Increases mobility. Years of repetitive activity can lock the body into a routine which limits your range of motion. By performing a variety of massage techniques and stretches the muscles ‘wake up’ and begin to increase their range of motion.
Improves circulation. The circulatory system is intertwined with the muscles. Thus, restoring the proper function of the muscles opens up the blood vessels and increases blood flow; a very important part of any well-functioning body.
Detoxifies your system. Sometimes the body holds toxins in specific areas due to physical trauma and strain. By working these problem areas the toxins are released back into the blood stream where the body eliminates them.
Promotes relaxation. A well-functioning muscular and circulatory system free of physical tension indicates to the mind that things are going well. When your body feels relaxed the brain receives signals that positive chemicals should be released, thus increasing the well-being of both body and mind.

Psychological Benefits of Massage:
Decrease anxiety. Anxiety is a physiological issue but the body often house anxiety in its muscle structure. By clearing the pathways and realigning the muscles your mind is told by your body that the physical cues which indicate anxiety have been removed. This cuts the vicious cycle of anxiety creating physical manifestations and those manifestations feeding back into the feeling of anxiety.
Enhance the quality of your sleep. Many therapies promote relaxation which has a lasting effect on the client. Removing the deeply imbedded stresses in your body allows for a more pleasant sleep as the tensions associated with daily life appear more manageable.
Leave you with more energy. Many of our therapies attempt to tune into and manipulate the energy flow of the body. By opening blockages and promoting over all well-being we enhance the body’s natural production of energy.
Reduce fatigue. The muscles in your body hold fatigue in your body for a multitude of reasons. By massaging the muscles the body is told to reboot the proper function of those problematic areas. Also as many of our therapies involve a holistic approach to healing the body and its energies, fatigue is reduced as because the whole body is activated to produce energy.
Improve concentration. A relaxed body is essential for a relaxed mind. By removing stress from the fascia and improving circulation the body is able to focus on the task at hand instead of being preoccupied with its internal and unconscious issues.