Integrative Massage
Integrative Massage is a mixed modality massage and typically includes Myofascial Release (MFR), swedish massage, deep tissue, rocking, passive stretching, cupping, neuromuscular techniques and lymphatic massage sometimes all in a single session.
Every session is different and is geared to your preferences and what you want to work on at the time of your session.
Pain relief, relaxation, grounding, increased range of motion and feeling good in your body are the typical outcomes whether the session is full body or targeting specific areas.
Session Reflections - Maggie N.
What exactly is an integrative massage? These session notes provide some good examples of what various sessions might look like.
Session 1 Reflections
Today’s full body massage focused primarily on my right leg, specifically targeting the muscles around the knee joint, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, and calves. Greg used a combination of deep tissue techniques and myofascial release to work through the adhesions and knots that have been restricting movement. I have had a tight lateral hamstring tendon that has been pinching with flexion, so Greg worked on massaging this tendon along its entire length to help provide relief. It was noted that he could feel how tight this particular tendon was. A key part of today’s session was the stretching incorporated throughout, especially for the hamstrings and hip flexors, which really helped in loosening tight areas that have not been mobilized very much since my surgery in May.
Post-massage, I felt sore, especially around the knee, quadriceps, and hamstrings. I was also feeling quite tired after this massage. It was my first massage in many months and it felt like a lot of toxins were released during this initial visit. This soreness is typical from previous massages and lasted a day or so before subsiding. Despite the discomfort, I’m already noticing an increase in my range of motion and less pain with range of motion exercises. I’ve also started to sleep better as my body feels more relaxed at night. The combination of massage and targeted stretching is definitely starting to make a difference in my mobility and daily comfort.
Session 2 Reflections
We did an assessment on my posture and body alignment at the start of this session. Greg also watched my gait as I walked to see how I have been limping and compensating due to my injury. This second session went deeper into the muscles surrounding my right knee and extended up to the hip. Greg focused on my IT band, hamstrings, quads, and that tendon along the lateral aspect of my hamstrings. He utilized lymphatic drainage techniques to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the area. The addition of stretching made a noticeable difference during the session, as it allowed the muscles to lengthen and relax more effectively. I noticed that during the stretching I had tightness and some pinching in my hip flexors, so we focused on those muscles after the stretches to help relax those muscles. Greg worked from my abdomen to my leg to help loosen the hip flexors, and this seemed to be very beneficial. We also incorporated massage work into my SI joints. I have a history of SI pain, particularly on the right side that is exacerbated with lack of exercise. Since my mobility and exercise has been limited since surgery, I have had intermittent SI pain, so Greg worked deeply into those muscles to help provide relief.
As expected, I felt sore afterward, especially around my knee, IT band, and the lateral hamstring tendon. The soreness tends to last for a day but dissipates fairly quickly. My knee feels less restricted, and my gait is improving with each session. I did notice some tenderness in my SI joint, but the pain I was experiencing before the massage has subsided significantly. The massage sessions are helping me feel more balanced and flexible, and I’ve noticed improvements in both my posture and mobility during everyday activities.
Session 3 Reflections
Today's massage was more intensive, especially around the hamstrings, quadriceps, and hip flexors. Greg worked on releasing the fascia around the muscles, which has been restricting movement. During this session I expressed that I felt that my calf and my ankle have been tight, likely because I have been holding my foot laterally to the right when I relax instead of mirroring it forward with my left foot. Greg was pushing on my right ankle and it made a loud pop and I felt instant relief in my ankle and Achilles tendon. He also worked up my calves,and helped to provide relief in tension from limping for many months. Greg used lymphatic drainage around my knee to enhance circulation and he massaged my scars to help promote healing. Stretching was again a key part of the session, helping to relieve tension and improve muscle flexibility. We discussed how I like the rocking at the start of the massage because I feel like it helps my joints to loosen up prior to the massage.
The soreness after this session wasn’t as intense as previous ones, though it still centered around the hip flexors and knee joint. I typically tend to ice my knee after these sessions to reduce any swelling. I also typically take a hot epsom salt bath following my massage sessions and I drink a lot of water. Since the start of our sessions my mobility is noticeably better, and walking feels smoother, with less discomfort and improved gait. I’ve also been sleeping more soundly, as the relaxation from the massage seems to carry over into my nights. The improvements in flexibility, mobility, and pain relief are really starting to become apparent in my daily comfort. I am noticing a significant improvement in my range of motion, particularly my flexion, and less stiffness in my extension. I have also noticed that I have had a reduction in swelling most days.
Session 4 Reflections
Today’s massage was a full body massage that worked muscles in all regions of my body. Greg got some much needed tension out of my shoulder blades and up into my neck. We also incorporated “squishing” on my chest, which really helped to provide relief in my chest, neck, and shoulders. Breast massage has also been a beneficial aspect of our sessions and has helped to improve tenderness and posture.
During this session Greg worked on my forearms. I type quite often at work and I hadn’t realized how much tension I’d been holding there, but once the massage began, I could feel the significant tightness. Combining pressure with rotation of my wrist helped him to get deep into those muscles to provide relief. My forearms were sore for about a day, but once the soreness subsided, they felt much more relaxed and flexible.
As for the right leg, the focus was again on improving range of motion in the knee, with additional work on the quadriceps, IT band, lateral hamstring tendon, and hip flexors. Stretching was again a crucial component, helping to elongate the muscles and improve flexibility. I’m noticing not only better movement in my knee but also improved overall gait, mobility, and flexibility. The soreness from the massage typically lasts a day, but the lasting benefits—such as better comfort, more restful sleep, and increased flexibility have been more than worth it. My knee feels significantly less painful, and my overall mobility has improved, making everyday movements easier and more comfortable. I truly feel that these sessions are making a significant impact on my recovery and I am eager to continue them when Greg returns from vacation!!
Thank you Greg!!!
Session 5 Reflections
Today's session was our first in 2 months, so we did a broad full body massage and took some extra time to focus on my right leg, specifically working on the lateral tendon of my right hamstring and my right knee. Greg used medium to deep tissue techniques to target the tightness and fascia around the area, and I could immediately feel some relief after the session. Greg used lymphatic drainage techniques on my knee to help reduce the swelling. Stretching was a key part of today’s massage as well, helping to elongate the muscles and enhance flexibility which is a big goal of improvement following my surgery. We also targeted my upper body which has been impacted by my office job including my upper shoulders and my neck. He also deeply massaged my forearms, which get very tight from typing all day. I have transitioned into this more sedentary job following my accident, so it is very helpful to help target these areas during my recovery.
I was initially very tired and moderately sore following this massage since I had not had a session in 2 months. Two days after this session, I noticed a decrease in the tightness in
my right hamstring, and the range of motion in my leg seemed to improve. I took my usual steps of applying ice to my knee and doing light stretching. My right leg feels more mobile, and I’m able to move with less stiffness that I’ve been experiencing in the past.
Session 6 Reflections
In today’s session, Greg focused on very targeted deep tissue work along my right leg, particularly around the lateral hamstring tendon, quads, and hip flexors. We spent time breaking up tension in these areas, which has been contributing to stiffness in my knee. I showed Greg the “popping” that occurs in my knee and we are working to loosen some of the tight tendons that could be contributing to this new symptom. This appointment was very focused on my leg and we targeted from my hip flexors down to my feet. We found significant tightness in my feet and calves as well, which could be from compensation related to my knee. We also discussed working on my psoas during a future visit, as I believe it could help alleviate some of the discomfort I’ve been feeling in my lower back and hips.
The deep tissue work on my right leg really seemed to break up some of the muscle knots and improve swelling and tension in the area. Following the session, I noticed a reduction in muscle stiffness and tightness, particularly around the hip and hamstring areas. The soreness wasn’t as severe this time, and I felt the relief lasting longer than usual. I also felt more flexible, and movement in my right leg felt smoother. I continue to stretch and hydrate after each session, which seems to help with recovery. I’m looking forward to future sessions and working on my psoas to help relieve more of the tension in my hips and lower back from my altered gait and more sedentary job position.
I tend to over do it in the running, biking, paddling, property work (North Idaho CrossFit) and Greg worked out all the tightness and toxins out of me. I love it when it’s slow, painfully deep, hard pressure that it hurts so good! He also does a very nice soft touch for those not looking for a massage workout! Very affordable, thoughtful and super nice! The aromatherapy and hot towels are such a nice added bonus! He continues to ask and learns you style and needs quickly! I highly recommend! My best massage in the last 10 years!
Greg is an excellent therapist. He mobilized my chronically stiff neck and worked on my areas of concern. Not only does he do a great job, but he listens well and appreciates feedback from his clients. I wish I lived closer so I could see him regularly.
Greg is very professional and proficient in his massage therapy skills. He listened closely to what I needed worked on and followed through beautifully. I enjoy his slow and steady pace when working deep tissue!
I have experienced a lot of trauma and loss in my life. Trusting people is exceptionally hard for me. I am thankful for having Greg in my life as a friend and a massage therapist. He is a kind, compassionate and giving person. Through our work together, I am learning how to feel safe through the kindness and understanding he has demonstrated. I hold a lot of stress and trauma in my body and through the body work Greg has provided, I have processed and released a lot of emotion. In addition to his strong foundation of massage skills, he has introduced me to several new modalities that have been incredibly therapeutic. It always amazes me how inexorably intertwined the physical, emotional and spiritual parts of our being are. Working with Greg has been an unexpected joy and blessing.
Greg is an excellent massage therapist. My appointments have been both therapeutic and relaxing!
I had a great experience with Greg. This was really my first experience with a "real" message. Greg explained everything really well and let me set the pace and decide what I was comfortable with. He was really good about listening to me and telling me to give him feedback on how/where he massaged me and what was most comfortable and beneficial to me. I will definitely go back for another message.
Greg does a wonderful job, is very comfortable and professional and does an amazing job of listening to your needs and focusing on target areas.
Greg is such a talented massage therapist. He’s kind & caring & pays attention to detail. I have been having issues with my back & I felt so much relief afterwards. I highly recommend him & can’t wait to go back.
I was having headaches and could hardly turn my neck. Greg worked on my neck and around my spine. My range of motion came back and no headaches since my massage. Also I had been skiing and my quads and glutes where very fatigued 😩 He worked on my legs and I had no soreness from skiing. Thanks Greg!
Greg gives a deeply relaxing therapeutic massage. So grateful for his care.