Services Available

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don't get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that soreness is pretty common after the treatment, and that plenty of water should be ingested to aid with the flushing and removal of toxins that will have been released from the deep tissue during the session.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy is a style of bodywork that focuses on stimulating and releasing "trigger points" in your body. Trigger points are tender areas of tension similar to acupressure points, except they occur in the belly of the muscle rather than along the energy pathways of the body. These "knots" are built up throughout a person's life due to physical, mental, and/or emotional stress. During a session, focused pressure is applied through a variety of techniques order to release your trigger points. This process can be quite painful at times, yet the effects are lasting and profoundly transformative.

Structural Integration

Structural integration employs soft tissue manipulation with the goal of realigning the body in relationship to the force of gravity. The theory underlying structural integration asserts that often the body's connective tissue is "bound up," thus restricting opposing muscles from working independently of one another. Thus, we aim to loosen the restricted connective tissue by using a practice very similar to deep tissue massage. Practitioners typically prescribe a specific sequence of ten sessions lasting between 75 and 90 minutes along with client "homework" in order to "unlock" the whole body. Structural Integration is very deep, slow work that is done with the client wearing minimal, loose clothing. Minimum of 5 sessions, once per week is required for full benefit of structural work.

Sports Massage

Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people who engage in athletics. Engaging in sports is harsh on the body and can often lead to injuries in both the short and long term. Sports Massage enhances performance and prolongs a sports career by helping to prevent injury, reduce pains and swelling in the body, relax the mind, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates. Sports Massage is also highly effective in aiding the rapid recovery of an athlete from an injury by encouraging greater kinesthetic awareness and in turn promoting the body's natural immune function. Sports Massage is a movement based massage and is done in loose fitting clothing.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a very relaxing type of bodywork that focuses on applying pressure to the specific nerve zones in your feet. Unlike other foot massages that intend to mostly relieve tension in the feet themselves, reflexology is a far more in-depth science that aims to harmonize your entire body. According to reflexology, every part of the human body is mapped into your feet. Reflexology treatments have been found to be highly effective for conditions such as allergies, headaches, and depression.

Pregnancy Massage Considerations

Pregnancy Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for pregnant people. Pregnancy is a time when a person's body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Using various techniques specially developed for the expectant, Pregnancy Massage helps release the pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, including emotional support, the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, and improved breathing and relaxation. Massages are done in side-lying postion with a body pillow for comfort. 

Cupping/Scraping/KinesioTaping

Cupping and scraping are used to help create blood flow and remove restrictions in the body. They are used by this practitioner as a supplemental tool in conjunction with other services and not as a stand alone service. 

Kinesiology taping is also used by this practitioner as a supplemental treatment after service to support the main area of focus. Taping can also be done as a stand alone treatment. Rock Tape brand is used by this practitioner. 

New Client Consent Form

CLIENT CONSENT FORM & MASSAGE THERAPY POLICIES

I, ________________________________ (client) understand that massage therapy provided by Marissa Ortiz, who is a licensed massage therapist in the State of Arizona, is intended to enhance relaxation, reduce pain caused by muscle tension, increase range of motion, improve circulation, and offer a positive experience of touch. The general benefits of massage, possible massage contraindications, and the treatment procedure have been explained to me. I understand that massage therapy is not a substitute for medical treatment or medications, and that it is recommended that I concurrently work with my Primary Care Provider for any condition I may have. I am aware that the massage therapist does not diagnose illness or disease, does not prescribe medications and that spinal manipulations are not a part of massage therapy; however, the latter may occur as a result of massage. I have informed the massage therapist of all my known physical conditions, medical conditions, and medication with assured confidentiality. I have received a copy of the therapist’s policies; I understand them and agree to abide by them.

WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM THE CLIENT:

• Massage requires therapeutic touch that may include the use of lotions or oils. Clients must have showered the same day as treatment for the health and safety of the therapist and client alike. A clean space free of clutter and strong scents is imperative for a therapeutic session.
• Clients are to disrobe to their comfort level. The Massage Therapist will provide clean linens for the client to be covered during the entire session. The area being worked will be properly and modestly draped according to pre-massage interview.
• Sexual propriety must be maintained at all times. Sexual harassment (innuendos, language, or behavior) will not be tolerated. The session will promptly end and the client will be charged full price and not be welcomed back.
• The Massage Therapist will arrive 10-20 minutes before the scheduled session to set up. The client is expected to be ready to receive the therapist at that time. If cancellation is necessary, 24-hour notice is required lest the client be charged a $25 late fee. Emergency cancellations will be at the therapist’s discretion. Sessions that begin late will not be discounted or extended.
• It is not recommended to receive a massage on a full stomach. Please plan accordingly.
• Alcohol, drugs, and pain-killers are not to be consumed by neither client nor Massage Therapist 12 hours prior to a session. If prescription medication is being taken for pain or anti-inflammatory purposes, please notify the Massage Therapist before the start of the session for rescheduling.
• Client must understand that payment is necessary immediately following the session in the following conditions:
  • 60 minute = $100
  • $30 per half hour after the first hour
  • Massage Therapist can perform the following modalities: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Injury Rehabilitation Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Structural Bodywork, Reflexology, Pregnancy and can use a variety of tools.
  • Clients under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian over the age of 25 present at all times. Clients under the age of 12 will only be allowed sessions up to 30 minutes.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF THE MASSAGE THERAPIST:

The Massage Therapist will provide a competent and professional session each session. Each session will be customized, addressing the client’s specific needs for that session. A single or random session may be limited to a general, nonspecific benefit. If the client chooses to use massage on a regular basis, a detailed history and assessment will be used for the Massage Therapist to determine the most effective plan of treatment. Accurate and confidential records will be used and reviewed before each session. The Massage Therapist will only work in modalities for which they are qualified. The Massage Therapist is available 24/7 to the client via an answering service or email. All queries will be responded to within 24 hours. If the Massage Therapist needs to cancel an appointment, the following planned session will be offered at 50%. All clients will be respected regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, body type, political affiliation, state of health, or personal habits.