My Massage Training

My Massage Training

Gigi J. Decker, NCTMB, BA
...is the owner and founder of A Sensitive Touch. She has been performing Professional Massage Therapy since 1986, and is trained in a variety of techniques including Connective Tissue Massage (see below), Visceral Manipulation, Esalen, Swedish, Deep Tissue techniques, Pre-Natal massage, and techniques specifically for headaches, neckaches, and backaches. She combines these techniques with her background as a student athletic trainer, a physical therapy aide, and her BA in Holistic Health Studies in order to create a truly unique massage experience that focuses on the body's fascia. Gigi has been an instructor for two different massage therapy schools in the Twin Cities. She is available for appointments at the High Pointe building Tuesday through Saturdays, 8am through 1pm. Gigi is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and is an Active, Professional Member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Swedish
Swedish massage relaxes muscles through pressure applied to the muscles and joints with soothing strokes returning blood to the heart. This increases oxygen flow and releases toxins built up in the muscles.

Trigger Point & Acupressure

Trigger Point massage works the different muscles layers individually. The therapist works surface muscles, connective tissues and deeper ligaments. This type of massage is similar to acupressure, where pressure is placed on certain points of the body.

Deep Tissue / Connective Tissue
Deep tissue massage works the fascia and deeper muscles to release tension in the body, usually chronic tension. This is done with slow strokes and concentrated pressure on the tense area to remove toxins and loosen tissues. Deep tissue massage can result in soreness for a day or two following the massage.

Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation is organ specific fascial release. Whereas this sounds deep, it is very gentle work, often done through clothing, but has profound effects. This technique releases adhesions between layers of fascia in and around organs of the abdomen and thorax. These adhesions, which can be from infection, injury, or surgery, can often lead to biomechanical restrictions which affect movement and function in the body. Releasing the biomechanical restrictions can improve posture, flexibility, and function.

For more information about fascia, please see www.johnlatz.com