Your Fascia is a Map
Updated: Oct 8
Some people notice the paint color in a room; I notice your left shoulder is higher, your knees lock when standing, and your breath is high in your chest even when relaxed.
This isn't a party trick. It's my brain's way of working and the foundation of my work at Naptown Massage and Movement.
An Analytical Mind in a Hands-On Profession
As an INTJ, I look for patterns, ask "why," and build a plan. My ENTP side is curious and improvisational, testing hypotheses and trying new angles when necessary.
In the treatment room, I use a strategy based on your input and my observations. I adjust in real-time based on feedback from your body.
Seeing Habits, Then Feeling Them
As a massage therapist and Pilates instructor, I observe body movements and habits:
The desk worker with a forward head and slumped upper back.
The runner compensating for an old ankle sprain.
The parent carrying a baby on one side.
The person tensing their jaw and neck under stress.
I don't stop at seeing these habits; I feel them in the tissue, guiding my focus. My Pilates background helps me recognize when the body is overworked or disengaged.
The Tools I Use
I use various techniques tailored to each body:
Tui Na: A rhythmic Chinese bodywork style effective for tension.
Myofascial Release: Restores glide between muscle layers with slow pressure.
Neuromuscular Technique (NMT): Focuses on trigger points with precision.
Orthopedic Myofascial Techniques: Combines tissue work with joint and movement understanding.
I blend these techniques based on your body's needs. Two clients with "tight shoulders" may receive entirely different sessions.
Why I Work Well with Neurodiverse Clients
Many neurodivergent clients feel comfortable with me because I understand different brain processes. This includes:
Clear communication: I explain what I'm doing and why.
Predictable structure: I outline the session plan beforehand.
Sensory flexibility: Adjustments to lighting, music, pressure, and conversation.
Permission to speak up: You can change anything at any point.
No social performance required: Just be in your body.
Why I Work Well with Hypermobile Clients
Hypermobile clients need a different approach. I focus on:
Calming overworked muscles without overstretching joints.
Careful positioning and support to avoid joint strain.
Respecting guarding: Working with protective muscle tightness.
Connecting it to movement: Using Pilates for lasting stability.
What to Expect in a Session with Me
Expect questions about your habits and activities. I'll observe your movements and tailor the session to your body, not a template.
My therapeutic massage, Anchored Mind and Body, and sports massage, Regatta Reset, cater to different needs.
If you feel like your body is a puzzle, that's the kind of challenge I enjoy.
Book a session at Naptown Massage and Movement in Annapolis or Edgewater, or call 443-266-2550 or Meadow Hill Wellness, (410) 263-0411 with questions.
Massage therapy isn't a substitute for medical care. If you have a diagnosed condition, I'm happy to coordinate with your provider's recommendations.
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