(480) 595-0246


7629 E Pinnacle Peak Rd #118
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Relax your mind

Renew your spirit

Rejuvenate your body

Massage

Bodywork for Life offers several types of massage therapy in a safe, professional atmosphere. We usually incorporate a combination of various techniques, tailoring each session to the client’s specific needs. These therapies have provided countless people with improvements in pain, injury rehab and sports performance. Whether you are looking to relax the mind and body, or are in need of advanced therapy techniques we will strive to meet your needs and exceed your goals.

What clients can expect:

  • Results!
  • Full 30, 60, or 90 minute appointments.
  • State-of-the-art Comfort Craft electric table fully adjustable with a mid-split design decompresses the spine while allowing much better access to the lower back, hip and side regions. This versatile table provides maximum comfort for people who may not be able to lay on their back or stomach, and for various positions and stretches essential to quality bodywork.
  • We use hot packs and hot stones in all treatments unless contraindicated
  • Heated table pad and warmers on the feet upon request
  • We use only all natural, paraben-free lotions and essential oils

Advanced Therapy Techniques

The next two therapies, Structural Integration Therapy and Myofascial Therapy, address the Myofascial system; focusing on the relationships between the structure and function of the muscular (myo) and connective tissue (fascial) systems. The Myofascial system is an endless web of connective tissue that surrounds the entire body, supporting and stabilizing muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, nerves and organs. It is like a body stocking that holds everything together. This web-like network gives the human structure its shape and form, and either allows or restricts efficient movement. The magnified appearance of fascia looks like a web or a net. Imagine how tangled a net can become when a hook pulls on one end, or how unshapely a sweater is with a snag. The resulting distortion influences the entire system. The connective tissue is responsive to any movement or lack thereof. When one part moves, or is restricted, the body as a whole responds.

The most frequent question I hear is “Why am I in pain and how did I get this way?” Most likely, it is due to poor posture and/or compensations made and continued after an injury. Your body has established a pattern that over time results in chronic tightness and imbalances. People are rarely aware of the strain in their posture until they begin to feel aches and pains. The logical response is to get rid of the pain but the area that hurts in not necessarily the cause of the pain.

When the body is injured and we are in pain we compensate in order to avoid pain and to find balance and support. Our bodies tend to record our responses to the events in our life like a computer with memory. This information bank is the connective tissue in our bodies and includes emotional responses as well as physical. Physical and emotional sensations overlap and influence each other. Response patterns that are repetitive and unconscious tend to become chronic. Working appropriately with the Myofascial system eliminates chronic neuromuscular strains and habits caused by injuries, overuse or immobility.

Structural Integration Therapy (a.k.a. Rolfing)
Structural Integration Therapy works to establish a balanced structure by realigning connective tissue, releasing deep chronic tension, improving interrelated movement patterns, and increasing self-reliance through heightened physical awareness.

For optimal results Structural Integration therapy is done in a series of treatments, focusing on a different body region each session. The first sessions quickly improve breathing capacity, posture and movement awareness, and help to increase overall flexibility.

The next few sessions lengthen and release the deeper layers of intrinsic musculature, focusing on the relationship between the lower extremities, pelvis, spinal column, shoulder girdle, and head.

The final sessions are a more comprehensive approach to reworking and integrating all regions of the body. These sessions of integration bring superior balance from left to right, front to back, top to bottom, and inside to outside, bringing out a greater sense of fluidity, continuity.

The use of microcurrent therapy greatly reduces any discomfort associated with these treatments and assists in releasing the chronic tension in soft tissue.


Myofascial Therapy
Myofascial Therapy works to lengthen and broaden the fascial tissue, increasing blood flow, oxygen, and nutrition to the area to facilitate healing. Slow, static pressure, using little lubrication allows the tissue to heat up and release. This is a medium to deep, yet soothing massage.

Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy involves manual therapy techniques that balance the central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. In a balanced body with healthy tissue, nerves transmit impulses very slowly. Trauma, injury, postural distortion, and stress can cause nerves to fire more rapidly, making the body more vulnerable to pain and dysfunction. Stabilizing low levels of nerve activity are necessary to maintain balance and well-being. Neuromuscular Therapy is used to locate and release spasms and tightness in the soft tissues, eliminate trigger points, relieve pressure on nerves, restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics and flexibility.

Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are an area of hyper-sensitivity in muscle and fascia. The tissueis tight and hyper-contracted, restricting the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients, resulting in a build-up of cellular waste and toxins. When trigger points are stimulated, it causes pain and a radiating, throbbing impulse to distant areas known as referred pain areas. An example would be a trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle (top of shoulder) causing referred pain to the head. You may experience headaches not realizing they are stemming from trigger points in your shoulder area. The site of the trigger point can also be very tender.

Releasing trigger points involves gentle pressure to the point itself as well as Myofascial, Neuromuscular Therapy, and stretching. The use of microcurrent therapy in conjunction with these manual therapy techniques is extremely effective in releasing trigger points with much quicker results.

Active Isolated Stretching
Active Isolated Stretching works with the body’s natural physiological makeup to improve circulation and increase elasticity of muscle, joint, and connective tissue. In performing this technique, the client isolates muscles that are to be stretched by contracting the opposing muscles. Contracting a muscle on one side of a joint causes the muscle on the opposite side to relax which helps the muscle to stretch more efficiently. Since the muscles are actively working there is increased blood flow warming up the tissue and enhancing flexibility.

Each stretch is performed 6-10 times and held for no longer than 2 seconds. This allows the target muscles to optimally lengthen without triggering the protective stretch reflex and will also increase range of motion in a much shorter time period. Holding a stretch for a prolonged period initiates a stretch reflex which decreases blood flow, creating a lactic acid buildup and possibly causing irritation, soreness, and potential for injury of the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
This type of active stretching, rather than passive, reinforces the connection between the brain and muscles.

Sports Massage
Sports Massage is used before, during, and after strenuous exercise or athletic training and events. It is used to minimize risk of injury, accelerate healing and improve performance. Massage techniques used will vary depending on the need of the individual and the sport in which they participate. This will reduce muscle soreness and tension, and improve flexibility. Results are greatly enhanced with the use of microcurrent therapy.

Lymph Drainage Therapy
The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to detoxify and regenerate tissues and maintain a healthy immune system. This process can be hindered or stopped due to fatigue, stress, lack of activity, emotional shock, infections, swelling, age, or chemicals. Lymph Drainage Therapy activates lymph fluid circulation using precise rhythmic motions and stimulating the lymph nodes with a gentle pumping motion. This therapy is especially beneficial post surgery or injury to reduce swelling and accelerate healing. It has also proven to be very helpful for headaches, sinus conditions and edema (swelling). It is a powerful detoxifier and is excellent for boosting the immune system. Lymph Drainage Therapy is a very gentle, non-invasive therapy safe for most everyone.

Relax the Mind and Body

Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a light to medium touch massage with long, fluid movements and gentle kneading of the muscles to ease tension and relax the mind. It enhances circulation and increases oxygen in the bloodstream, encouraging the release of toxins in the muscles. The use of hot stones, heat packs, warm booties on the feet and aromatherapy is sure to put you in a state of tranquility.

 

Deep Tissue Massage
This is an intense, invigorating massage focusing on deeper layers of muscle tissue to release chronic tension. Hot packs and hot stones are used to heat the areas first for a quicker response of increased circulation and greater ease in releasing muscle tension. For a definition of more advanced deep tissue therapies such as Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Structural Integration, Active Isolated Stretching, and Sports Massage go to Advanced Therapy Techniques.

LaStone Therapy – Hot Stone Massage
Hot stones and heat packs are used in all massage treatments but his one specifically focuses on the use of the stones. Feel the tension melt away as you lay on a bed of flat, warm, basalt stones. They are strategically placed on the body from head to toe. You are massaged with hot stones using the desired amount of pressure to work out the knots and induce relaxation. There is an additional fee of $10.00 for this 90 minute treatment.

Aromatherapy
Medicinal quality essential oils are used to achieve specific results. Aromas enter the olfactory system travelling directly to the limbic brain where moods and emotions are seated. Oils are also absorbed into the skin through the massage. Treatments include a choice of relaxation, stress relief, sinus/allergy relief, sore muscle relief, insomnia, detoxification support, rejuvenation and customized blends. The use of essential oils may be added to any treatment.

Prenatal Massage
This specific massage addresses the needs of the mother-to-be and helps her body adjust to the many changes. Specific positioning techniques along with the use of a multiple position electric table allows better access to the lower back, hips, and sides while ensuring safety and comfort of mother and baby.

Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears which correspond to various parts of the body. The practice involves applying pressure to feet, hands, and ears utilizing specific techniques without the use of oils or lotion.

Massage Benefits

Once perceived as pampering or a luxurious form of relaxation, massage therapy has emerged as a powerful means of treating countless health conditions, from anxiety and tension headaches to back pain and sports injuries. Listed below are some of the many profound effects of massage.

Massage benefits the circulatory system by:

  •  Improving oxygen supply to cells
  •  Improving the supply of nutrients to cells
  •  Decreasing blood pressure
  •  Elimination of metabolic wastes

Massage benefits the muscular system by:

  •  Relaxing or stimulating muscles
  •  Helping to keep muscles flexible and pliable
  •  Improving range of motion
  •  Relieving soreness, tension, and stiffness
  •  Reducing fibrosis and adhesions in muscles and connective tissue
  •  Reducing post surgery adhesions and inflammation
  •  Promoting tissue regeneration

Massage benefits the nervous system by:

  • Stimulating motor nerve points
  •  Relieving restlessness and insomnia
  •  Promoting a sense of well-being
  •  Relieving pain

Massage benefits the skeletal system by:

  • Improving body alignment
  • Relieving stiff joints
  • Increasing joint flexibility

Massage benefits the lymphatic system by:

  • Increasing circulation of lymphatic fluid
  • Cleansing the body of metabolic wastes
  • Enhancing immune function

Massage benefits the digestive system by:

  • Relaxing the abdominal and intestinal muscles
  • Relieving tension
  • Stimulating activity of liver and kidneys
  • Eliminating waste material

Massage benefits the skin by:

  • Stimulating blood flow to better nourish skin
  • Improving tone and elasticity of skin

Massage enhances overall well-being by:

  • Reducing anxiety and stress hormones
  • Increasing endorphins
  • Improving concentration
  • Reducing fatigue and increasing energy

Cancellation Policy
As a courtesy to other clients and the therapists, please give advance notice of at least 24 hours to cancel or reschedule an appointment. There will be a charge for missed appointments that are not cancelled within 24 hours.