Offering evidence-based, therapeutic bodywork from a myofascial perspective, Anja provides focused sessions to assist in pain management and injury recovery. Integrating techniques from modalities such as traditional Thai massage, myofascial release, deep tissue, Chinese tui-na, Japanese shiatsu, Dynamic Fascial Response, Functional Range (FR) and proprioceptive neuromuscular re-education (PIR) to help you recover from subacute and chronic injuries as well as restoring your body to its full, working range of motion. A myofascial take on traditional Thai bodywork is also available on the mat, allowing for a wider variety of passive and active stretches, and during which steamed herbal packs may be included to aid in relaxation.

What is fascia, anyway? Fascia (from "band" in Latin) is a broad term for the connective tissue that holds our bodies together. Composed primarily of collagen, it attaches beneath the skin and stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles, bones, organs and nerve tissue. When we attach the Greek root "myo" to create myofascia, we have what describes the connective tissue of the muscles. Much like tendons (which connect muscle to bone) and ligaments (which connect bone to bone), myofascia surrounds the muscles, bundling them together. Inflammation of the fascia (such as plantar fasciitis in the feet) or trauma can cause adhesions and fibrosis, a type of scarring in the connective tissue. Left unaddressed, these adhesions and fibroses can lead to long-term pain.

Integrated sessions on the table are of a focused nature (rarely a "full-body, relaxation" type massage), and while you may choose to remain fully clothed, some techniques may require contact with the skin. During Thai bodywork, which is performed on a mat on the floor, you remain clothed throughout. In either case, we recommend either wearing flexible, moveable clothing to your session (such as you'd wear to the gym) or bringing a change of clothes along with you.

Anja M. L-G Frydendal, CMT

Integrated Therapeutic Bodywork