Profile and Credentials
Education:
Professional Affiliations:
Most of the modalities I practice can be combined into 1 session (for sessions longer than 1 hour).
ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE / PAIN MANAGEMENT
You can think of this as a much less painful way to release the trigger points that are causing you pain. Orthopedic massage is an all-encompassing massage technique that uses a multidisciplinary approach to isolate the missing link in reoccurring chronic pain and musculoskeletal dysfunctions. The 12-step approach focuses on assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. Training by International Lecturer and Author, James Waslaski.
An in depth assessment isolates the muscle, fascia and/or joint which is causing the problem. Treatment is specific to the results of the assessment, and may include techniques from Myofascial Release (release of connective tissue), Neuromuscular Therapy (trigger point therapy), Sports Massage (PNF stretching), CranioSacral Therapy (muscle energy), or any other modality that is indicated by the assessment.Rehabilitation is the neuromuscular reeducation of the tissues and nerves. If your have not been able to raise your arm over your head for the last 2 years, your brain will subconsciously restrict the motion even though the physiological restriction has been removed. By continually repeating the motion, you will convince your brain that the movement is OK while also increasing the amount of synovial fluid (joint lubricant) in the joint. Rehabilitation also includes patient home care.What Will Orthopedic Massage Help? Any soft tissue dysfunction:For more information: http://www.orthomassage.net/published_articles
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE THERAPY
The first treatment step in Orthopedic Massage is Myofascial Release. Myo (muscle) fascial (connective tissue) Release is a technique designed to release tension in the fascia – the tough, connective tissue that connects and surrounds muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, arteries, veins and organs. The fascia can become tight or distorted as a result of injury, illness, poor posture and inflammation. This can cause abnormal pressure on the surrounding tissues (such as the muscles) covered by the fascia, which can lead to pain or lack of mobility. Many individuals suffer from pain caused by nothing more than untreated fascial problems.
This is a highly interactive stretching technique that requires feedback from the patient to determine the direction, force and duration of the stretch to facilitate maximum relaxation of the restricted tissues. The combination of heat, pressure, and gentle stretch will melt and mobilize the fascia, thereby freeing the underlying tissue to move unrestricted.
For more information: http://www.myofascial-release.com/
NEUROMUSCULAR MASSAGE THERAPY (TRIGGER POINT THERAPY)
The second treatment step in Orthopedic Massage is Neuromuscular Massage. Neuromuscular massage is an advanced system of soft tissue manipulation that specializes in relieving pain and dysfunction by balancing the nervous system with the muscular and skeletal systems through the treatment of the areas of muscle spasm (trigger points). It is specific to a particular problem or injury.Neuromuscular massage consists of applying concentrated pressure to the trigger points. Muscles that are in spasm are painful to the touch because they are lacking proper blood flow and therefore not receiving enough oxygen. It is this lack of oxygen that causes the muscle to produce lactic acid and create adhesions. By applying pressure to the trigger points, adhesions are broken down and the muscle can relax. The lactic acid will be released and the muscle can then start receiving enough blood and oxygen to regain normal functionality, thereby restoring the neuro (nervous) muscular functionality.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage is designed to reduce injuries, alleviate inflammation, and speed up recovery after an athletic event.
Basic Maintenance and RehabilitationPre-EventPost-Event
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE THERAPY
Lymphatic drainage therapy can also be thought of as immune system support and full body detoxification. It is a form of massage that enhances the efficiency of the body’s lymphatic system – a critical system for supporting the immune system and removing excess fluids and toxins from the body. It normally functions at about 10% of its capacity, leaving 90% as a functional reserve. Lymphatic drainage therapy activates this 90% so it is functioning closer to 100% of its capacity.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy stimulates muscle contractions in lymph and blood vessels, which increases lymphatic and blood flow. This increased lymphatic fluid circulation:What Will Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Help?I am sorry, but I am not yet qualified to work with "true" lymphedema. If you need this treatment, please refer to one of the following:
DEEP TISSUE HOT STONE SWEDISH MASSAGE
This is what most people think of when we say, “massage”, only with hot stones. This is a general relaxing yet therapeutic massage, but not specific to any injury or specific problem. Usually a full-body massage unless otherwise requested. My 1-hour massage is basically a sweep of the body with the hot stones. The 1½-hour version includes foot reflexology and more specific bodywork or orthopedic work.
The hot stones are used to sedate and dilate the blood vessels. They help to take the body into a deeper state of relaxation as well as melt away the tension in the fascia (connective tissue) and muscles faster and easier. This is the epitome of relaxing.
Psychological Effects:
Physiological Effects:
CHAIR MASSAGE
Chair massage is a great way to make massages available to people outside of the massage office. The ergonomically designed chair is portable and can be taken just about anywhere. It offers many of the same benefits as a table massage without having to remove clothing.
Workplace Chair Massage - We have a program in which we will come into the workplace and provide chair massage for the employees. Many companies are realizing the benefits of offering stress reduction or wellness programs to their employees.
OTHER MASSAGE MODALITEIS
I also am trained in many other techniques which may be incorporated into the massage as necessary. These include: Aromatherapy, Hydrotherapy, Reflexology, Raindrop Technique, Reiki II, CranioSacral Therapy, Polarity Therapy, and Touch for Health.
OTHER AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Eye treatments - Refresh and rejuvenate your eyes while reducing the puffiness, swelling and dark circles. Available eye treatments include: Paraffin Spa – A hot wax treatment is very beneficial to the body. It soothes and moisturizes the skin, opens pores, increases circulation, and promotes a sense of calm. It is commonly used to treat arthritis, bursitis, eczema, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, overworked or fatigued muscles , psoriasis, scar tissue, stiff joints, tendonitis, and tennis elbow (to name a few).
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.” 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 of the paraffin when it solidifies into a comforting, warm glove or layer, thus transferring the heat into the affected limb.
In addition to the paraffin, I have heated booties and heated and massaging hand mitts to retain the heat longer and increase the benefits. Allow an additional 10 minutes during your massage for paraffin treatments.
Foot Revitalization Treatment - Revive and refresh your tired feet! Begin with a penetrating deep heat paraffin treatment, followed by Sun Valley Sole to Soul foot care treatment (including a refreshing foot spray, exfoliating foot scrub, and revitalizing foot lotion). These products use the power of Melaleuca Oil to penetrate dry, rough skin; Peppermint oil to reduce muscle tension; all while extracts such as Chamomile, Calendula, and Aloe soothe tired, aching feet. This treatment also includes some foot reflexology.
Hand Revitalization Treatment - Revive and refresh your overworked hands! Begin with a penetrating deep heat paraffin treatment, followed by Nicole Miller’s exfoliating and hydrating treatments. The exfoliating action of Apricot seed and Walnut shell gently removes dead skin cells to reveal the healthy, vibrant skin underneath while the Kaolin (natural purifying clay) absorbs surface impurities and toxins. The hydrating treatment provides the soothing and hydrating benefits of fresh fruit for the ultimate skin-moisturizing treat while the moisturizing gloves protect skin as the hands absorb the nutrient-rich hydrating fruit mask.
Testimonials
Goal: Management of chronic pain; Self-care
I have been experiencing pain is my right hip for over 13 years. The pain was intensified any time that I ran so consequently, I stop running and participating in Triathlon’s. Two years ago I began to run again and the hip flared up. This time, I persevered and dealt with the pain. I have been talking to Denise about getting a massage for quite some time and I finally made time to do it. Boy, am I glad I did. After just 6 treatments, even though I am pushing my speed with my running, my pain is gone. My hip is still a little stiff and I recognize I need to continue to work with the hip and stretch it, but it really is a blessing to be without pain in that hip. I can’t wait to see what she does for my neck! -- Maggie Schneider
Goal: Management of chronic pain; Relief of acute pain; Relaxation
I have an injured vertebra, C5, and have been receiving massage therapy from Denise for the last year. Denise’s skill has provided lasting relief. Denise has conducted herself in a professional manner and with a high degree of skill and knowledge. -- Rob Woodings
Goal: Management of chronic pain
I am a runner and cyclist. I had reached a point from my training and racing where I was constantly at the physical therapists being treated for injury after injury from all the stress I had been putting on my body. I was referred to Denise by a friend of mine. I have worked with Denise for over a year now, and I have not had any injuries since starting to work with her. In addition, most of my nagging aches and pains are gone. With her help, I have been able to get back into my regular training schedules and my times are starting to drop to where they were 3 years ago. I recommend any athlete who trains hard and wants to avoid injuries before they happen to visit Denise for her therapeutic massages. -- Bill Orr
Goal: Management of chronic pain; Relaxation
Over a year ago, I had such pain and limited motion in my right shoulder that I was ready to visit an orthopedic surgeon. I was sure that I had torn a rotator cuff and would need surgery. Although I tried massage therapy months earlier, nothing seemed to work. Fortunately, I visited Denise Lanigan before visiting a surgeon. Denise evaluated my condition and I began a series of weekly massages to address the problem. Within a month, the pain had decreased significantly and my range of motion had improved by 50%. All the pain was gone within two and a half months, and my range of motion was equal to, if not better than, my good arm. Since that time, I have maintained a massage schedule of once or twice a month and have been helped with smaller aches and pains. Denise is very knowledgeable and professional, and I recommend her highly. -- Chester R. Babst
Goal: Management of chronic pain; Stress management; Relaxation; Self care
Denise Lanigan has changed my life. I have been a road warrior for more years than I would like to remember. Stress related pain from too little exercise and too much travel have plagued me for the past ten years. I kept getting therapeutic massages that cured the symptoms temporarily, but never addressed the underlying causes. Denise introduced me to "bodywork" and I experienced relief from pain and range of motion that changed my outlook on everything. Denise is a healer. -- Jim Glessner
Goal: Management of chronic pain; Self-care
For me, Denise has provided what seems to be a miracle. I went to her several months ago with severe chronic pain, of unknown origin, following injections, CT scans, MRIs and two back surgeries. I was resigned to chronic pain, with a limp, living on medication, tired, and unhappy. I have been to Denise once a week for several months, and today I am just about pain free, have no limp, hardly take Tylenol, and am energized and happy. Indeed a new woman, now taking better care of myself and attending yoga classes, which were impossible prior to my massage therapy. -- Diana Jannetta
Goal: Management of chronic pain; Relaxation; Lymphatic boost; Postural change; Self care; Energy balancing
Denise Lanigan provides the best bodywork I have ever received. I have sought massage for the past 15 years to control chronic back pain due to severe stenosis and a synovial cyst of the lumbar spine. Not only has Denise helped me maintain the active lifestyle that I enjoy (biking, skiing, hiking, camping and canoeing), but MRI results greatly improved while under her care. The cyst has resolved and the stenosis has changed from severe to moderate. And the relaxation factor . . . I find myself counting the days until my next session with Denise! -- Kathy Cypher
Goal: Management of chronic pain; Relief of acute pain; Rehabilitation of an injury; Relaxation; Stress Management; Self care
My name is Whitney Snyder and I am a tennis teaching professional and tennis coach in Pittsburgh, PA. Over the past several decades, I’ve played and taught tennis on the professional level. This sport has lead to multiple musculoskeletal and soft-tissue injuries. I have been to many physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and a host of other specialists. I must say that Denise is in a class of her own. She is extremely dedicated and understands the entire body. It is her passion to get her clients out of pain and back to their lives. She is thorough, conscientious, and very positive. Denise gave me specific exercises to do, hooked me up with a nutritionist, and sold me a stretching devise that has really targeted what I need to work on. I know for a fact that she will help you to recover, relax, and change your life for the better. Massage therapy is an absolute must with this gifted, special person. She’ll get you back in the game of life, I promise. -- Whitney Snyder, tennis professional and coach
Goal: Relaxation; Long-term health
Stress and emotional upheaval had crept into my life and I needed to get back to basics. Focusing on long-term health I realized that tension was distracting me from a healthy diet and exercise routine, rendering both ineffective. I needed to relax! Friends had mentioned yoga and meditation to me. Being unfamiliar with both I doubted my ability to achieve a calm, relaxed state necessary to do either. However, I knew it was a necessary first step. I sought out Denise Lanigan thanks to an enthusiastic referral from a friend of mine in the massage therapy industry. She worked with me extensively to come up with a plan that addressed my needs and concerns regarding relaxation with the ultimate goal of returning to an exercise regimen. I am happy to report that I have experienced a total reversal on my original perceptions of not being able to relax. Additionally, I had the unexpected joy of learning the strong connection between the mind and the body's ability to heal itself. The hot stone massage and lymph drainage therapy Denise implemented was right on the mark. Our pre-service discussions customized every visit based on what my stress level was at the time. Thanks to Denise's commitment to my needs and the scope of her expertise, I am well on my path to recovery and long term health! -- Mary Gott