Michael Dukart
My mission is to provide therapeutic massage and bodywork for the enhancement of health and well-being to individuals through nurturing treatments that promote relaxation and self-healing. The standard for success based on trust, expertise, professionalism, and the personal touch that always putting the health and well-being of clients first.
Licensed Massage Therapist Since
1998 OBMT #6806
Massage Fees
Massage Practice Using a Combination of Massage Styles
Swedish Massage
This style utilizes long, flowing strokes, often but not necessarily in the direction of the heart. Swedish massage is designed to increase circulation and blood flow. There are six basic strokes: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression and vibrations.
During massage, oil, cream, or lotion is applied on the skin to reduce friction and allow smooth strokes. This style of massage is generally attributed to the Swedish fencing master and gymnastics teacher Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839). The Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger (1838-1909) adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes under which he systemized massage as we know it today, as Swedish or classic massage.
Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Acupressure)
A trigger point is an area of a muscle (about 50 cells) that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body. Trigger Point Therapy applies manual pressure to these points. With the proper pressure, duration and location, immediate release of tension and improved muscular functioning may occur. This therapy has been known to diminish migraine pain, mock sciatica, mock carpal tunnel syndrome and other pain syndromes, and other symptoms that may have been misdiagnosed.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release refers to the manual technique for stretching or releasing the fascia with the aim to balance the body. Injuries, stress, trauma, overuse and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia.
The goal of myofascial release is to release fascial restriction and allow the muscles to move freely. This is usually done by applying shear, compression or tension in various directions.
Barefoot Deep Tissue Fijian Massage
This massage style is a blend of Eastern barefoot techniques with Western manual medicine. Because the therapist can apply a broad range of pressure with ease and does not have to strain, more effort and concentration can be used to manipulate tissue, release fascia, as well as search for and attack trigger points and other problems, regardless of client's size or build. Clients remain loosely clothed and no oil is used, yet the therapeutic results are greater than that from Swedish massage techniques. Sessions may last 2 minutes or well over an hour. There is no walking on the back.
Certified Reiki Practitioner
Reiki is a Japanese healing technique based on the principle that the
therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate
the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and
emotional well-being. Reiki is a technique used for stress reduction
and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on
hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows
through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy"
is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is
high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
Chair Massage
Most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day, especially at a work station that is not ergonomically designed, can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Chair massage counters the circulatory problems inherent with office work—and provide a appreciated break for employees. Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relieves strain on the neck and provides a gentle respite for eyes usually glued to a computer monitor. Even 15 minutes of massage to the neck, back, arms and hands can increase circulation, returning energy levels and helping keep the body injury free.
What to Expect at Your First Massage Therapy Appointment
Preliminary Information
I will ask preliminary
questions to determine your overall health and your health and wellness
goals, and consider information about your physical condition, medical
history, lifestyle, stress levels, medications and any areas of physical
pain that could affect your massage therapy outcome.
Your Privacy
Before your massage, you’ll be asked to remove clothing to your level of
comfort. I will leave the room while you undress. Take off only as much as
you are comfortable removing. You will lie on the massage table, underneath
the provided sheet or towel, which will cover your body except for the part
being massaged. (Chair massages, which often are offered in public spaces
and workplaces, are an exception. A specially-designed massage chair lets
you lean forward and supports the front of the body. You remain clothed and
no oil or lotion is used.)
The Environment
Music is
played, but you find music distracting, tell me. The same goes for talking
during your session. I will check on pressure and comfort throughout your
appointment. If you're uncomfortable at any time, tell me. The massage table
is padded, and has extra attachments or cushions, such as a face cradle,
which allows you to lie facedown without turning your head or neck.
Massage Therapy Session
I often use oil or lotion. If
you're allergic to oils or lotions, tell me beforehand. Remember to
breathe normally.
Table massage usually lasts beween 30 and 90 minutes.
After your massage, I will want you to slowly get up and get dressed in
privacy.
Following Up
The benefits of massage
therapy are cumulative, so we can work together to customize a plan to meet
your health and wellness goals, or you can see me 'as needed'.
It's always my pleasure to be able to answer any questions you might have, so please don't hesitate to call or email me, and remember "Any day is a good day for a massage!"