*Not sure what type of massage is right for your?  We will discuss your symptoms and complaints to determine together the amount of time for your massage treatment that is best for you!
I always use at least two types of techniques in each massage.

To provide a comfortable level of treatment, the intensity of the massage is directed by YOU !
  Please communicate to your therapist when you want more or less pressure.

Orthopedic Massage  ($70/hr. )  and  ($100 for 1¹/₂ hr.)

Skeletal imbalances can result from soft-tissue dysfunction.  Orthopedic massage is a comprehensive approach that involves therapy for the musculoskeletal system to eliminate pain and restrictions.  We try to restore structural balance of the soft tissues through a multidisciplinary approach.  By removing tension and restrictions in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia that have been held tight,  the body can return to more of its optimal positioning.  By using several massage modalities and stretches, enhanced movement and range of motion can be achieved!

Myofascial Release Therapy   ($70/hr. )  and  ($100 for 1¹/₂ hr.)

Myofascial Release Therapy is stretching of the muscles and surrounding fascia.  The fascia is a thin tissue that covers the organs of the body including every muscle and each fiber within the muscles.   When muscle fibers have been injured or overused, the muscles and the fascia become short and tight. This uneven stress can cause pain and a variety of other symptoms even in other areas of your body.  Myofascial Release Therapy releases the tightness in dysfunctional fascia and relieves your symptoms.
  
During the stretch, the therapist feels changes in the client's muscles. This feedback tells the therapist how much pressure to use, the direction of the stretch and how long to hold the stretch.   Sometimes the therapist uses only a few fingers to stretch a small part of a muscle. The feedback the therapist feels also determines which muscles are stretched and in what order.  The practitioner waits for the tissue to relax and then increases the stretch.  This process is repeated until the area is fully relaxed. Then, the next area is stretched.   Myofascial Release Therapy is particularly useful for fibromylagia and neuromuscular disorders such as:  Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Lyme Disease, and a variety of other muscular disorders.

                                      Myofascial Release - Wikipedia   
Deep Tissue Massage  ($70/hr. )  and  ($100 for 1¹/₂ hr.)

Deep Tissue Massage uses very firm finger, knuckle, palm, or elbow pressure to relieve muscle tension and pain that create structural misalignment.   This therapeutic massage is helpful for overused muscles that may have been caused by muscle strain, stress, hours at the computer, and bad posture. 

Deep tissue massage releases stiffness and soreness by penetrating deeper layers of muscles and stimulating blood circulation in the back, neck, and other muscles of the body.  This type of massage loosens painful adhesions, and thus, constrained muscles become more flexible.  The goal of treatment is to increase range of motion.

      *The intensity of deep tissue massage is directed by YOU, the client, to provide a comfortable level of
          treatment.  Please communicate to your therapist when you want more or less pressure.*

Pregnancy Massage ( $70/hr. ) and ($100 for 1¹/₂ hr.)

Pregnancy massage is so helpful for the mother-to-be!  We can help with back pain, ankle swelling, leg pain, neck stiffness, and shoulder pain.  Therapeutic massage during pregnancy helps moms-to-be (especially first-time mothers) to relax and release tension. 

If you are expecting a baby, try a relaxing, therapeutic massage TODAY!  The massage will also help you to get a deeper night's sleep!  Mothers should be in their second trimester before they have a massage.  For more information, click on:   
                 pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/prenatms.htm

Trigger Point Therapy ($70/hr. ) and ($100 for 1¹/₂ hr.)

Trigger point therapy relieves joint and muscle pain.  Trigger points are small contraction knots in the muscles, and are one of  the primary causes for chronic pain.  Almost everyone has at least one trigger point in their body and these points can refer pain to other parts of the body.  After the therapist locates a trigger point in a muscle, she will then apply pressure to that point, gradually increasing the depth until the trigger point releases.

Relaxing Massage  ($70/hr. )  and  ($100 for 1¹/₂ hr.)

Surrender your mind and body to a relaxing massage in a creative environment:

This massage is designed to relieve your aching muscles while providing a calming effect on your mind.  Integrative massage techniques are combined with long, slow strokes to balance the body and promote a meditative outcome.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage ($70/hr. )  and  ($100 for 1¹/₂ hr.)

This type of massage is used to improve the flow of lymph.  This fluid and the corresponding lymph nodes are found throughout the body, but can become stagnant or the body can produce too much lymph.  

Lymphatic Drainage Massage can be used after surgery to reduce swelling!  Many people who have had cancer surgery develop lymphedema, especially after a mastectomy for breast cancer.  With this swelling, the tissues can become very painful, so we use light strokes to massage the fluid upward and toward the closest set of nodes.

By draining excess lymph from a certain area of the body, you will feel relief from the congestion!  Circulation to the tissue and cells is also increased which in turn speeds the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cells and aids in metabolism. 

Once the congestion has been addressed, the lymphocytes can better combat bacteria and other wastes in the tissues and will PREVENT toxins from accumulating between cells.  By "mechanically pushing" (massaging) the lymph through the gaps between the cells of the lymph vessels, the normal flow of the lymph fluid can be restored!

Lastly, exercise contracts your muscles which also assists in the movement of lymph!  When your muscles move, they push down on the lymph vessels which "pumps" the lymph fluid forward.  So, we recommend as much stretching and exercise as you can tolerate to assist in the lymph drainage throughout your body.

Nurturing Touch ($65/hr. )  and  ($95 for 1¹/₂ hr.)

Special therapy for those with chronic illness, extreme pain, and terminal conditions.  When someone is dealing with many health issues, fear and anxiety can be detrimental to the well-being of the individual and their state of mind.  High stress and depression can be eased by nurturing touch.  With this therapy, the client is fully clothed--either sitting or laying down.  We can even work on someone in a wheel chair.  Nurturing touch can be done at our relaxing office or  your comfortable home.

CranioSacral Therapy ($70/hr. )  and  ($100 for 1¹/₂ hr.)

CranioSacral Therapy was developed by John E. Upledger, osteopathic physician, following extensive scientific studies at Michigan State University (1975 to 1983), where he served as a Professor of Biomechanics and clinical researcher.

See CranioSacral Therapy featured in National Geographic:   
        http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0702/feature1/gallery15.html

Chair Massage  ($80/hr.)   

Avenues for Health provides seated chair massage at corporate and community events throughout Iowa and at private parties. 

Corporate Chair Massage can be used as a staff reward and especially to reduce stress at the workplace. 

Businesses have found that using regular chair massage can also improve morale while relaxing the neck, back, and arm muscles that are frequently tightened by repetitive use at the computer or on a manufacturing line. 

Try out chair massage at your next staff meeting or at your employee picnic! 

Your staff will THANK YOU for such a rewarding experience!  Some of the companies we have provided chair massage for include:     Wellmark-Blue Cross of Iowa,   Border's Bookstore,  Sauer-Danfoss,  Iowa State University,  Hy-Vee,  Progressive Insurance, Pella Windows,  Wheatsfield Grocery,  Becker-Underwood, Ames Chamber of Commerce, ISU Sorority Mothers,  local dentist office,  and  Octagon Art Center.

Community Events can utilize chair massage as a fundraiser or as entertainment to the attendees.  Some of the events we have taken our ergonomic chairs to include:  Relay for Life (3 yrs), ISU Dance Marathon/Children's Miracle Network (past 5 yrs), Cystic Fibrosis Walk (2 yrs), Chamber Business After Hours, ISU Teacher Appreciation Day (2 yrs), Mary Greeley Medical Center Women's Health Symposium (2 yrs), ISU CyMan Triathlon Race (2 yrs), Heartland Senior Services Health & Fitness Day (2 yrs), Bickford Cottage Health Fair (2 yrs), and Midnight Madness Race (2 yrs).

Private Parties are a great event for chair massage, whether it be a birthday party, wedding reception, anniversary celebration, open house, or any other special day.
                                             Call today for references!

  (515) 460-2962

or   E-mail VICKIE