What is fascia?  (As described by John F. Barnes, PT):

Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.) A high percentage of people suffering with pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but are not diagnosed.

Myofascial Release:  

Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork that addresses restrictions in the myofascial system.  Pressure is applied and held against lines of tension and/or trigger points  in the fascia in a slow and mindful way which allows the fascia to soften, stretch and unwind.  The slowness with which the pressure is applied against the restricted areas is a key factor in this therapy as the fascia, when bound up, is incredibly resistant to force.  So to relax & release it the therapist needs to sink in with sustained pressure & move with rather than against the tissue.  The approach of Myofascial Release looks at the body as a whole interwoven matrix in which any disruption in one area of the matrix or web will have an affect on all other parts of the matrix.  So it is important to look at the whole body rather than just the area that is causing discomfort.

Traditional Thai Massage:

Thai Massage is a form of bodywork that combines yoga style stretching with palm compression and thumb point pressure along energy lines in the body called Sen lines.  The treatment is done on a mat on the floor with the receiver clothed in comfortable stretchy clothing.  It is basically like having a yoga class & massage all in one except that the therapist does the stretching for you so you don't have to use your own muscle strength to do it.  It is very effective in opening the joints, increasing blood flow and energy throughout the body, increasing flexibility/mobility and promoting overall relaxation.

CranioSacral Therapy:

This is a therapy that addresses restrictions in the CranioSacral System which includes the bones of the cranium, the fascia (connective tissue) that holds the cranial bones in place & surrounds the brain, the spinal column and cerebral spinal fluid and the sacrum.  Lot's going on here!  It is a very gentle and relaxing therapy yet very effective and powerful.  This is all about normalizing the central nervous system which can be helpful in alleviating symptoms from a whole host of issues such as PTSD, chronic headaches, TMJ syndrome, brain & spinal cord injuries, autism, fibromyalgia and much more.