Adhesion: A fibrous band of scar tissue that binds together normally separate anatomical structures. Prohibits normal movement of the connective tissues and can cause patterns of pain.

Central Nervous System: Consisting of the spinal cord and brain, it is the center of thought and emotion. It is responsible for the coordination and control of bodily activities and the interpretation of information from the senses (sight, hearing, smell, etc.)

Connective Tissue: Tissue that serves as the framework of the body, surrounding, supporting and connecting organs, muscles, joints and other body parts.

Cranial Sacral Massage: Gentle manipulation of the head and spine, aimed at relaxing and recharging the central nervous system

Deep Tissue Massage: Slow, deep strokes aimed at improving the function of the body’s connective tissues and muscles. Softens muscle fibers and breaks up adhesions.

Fascia: Fascia is a specialized connective tissue layer which surrounds muscles, bones, and joints, providing support, protection and giving structure to the body.

Ligament: Bands of dense fibrous tissue connecting one bone to another forming a joint.

Muscle: Body tissues, which consist of cells that contract when lengthened or straightened.

Range of Motion: The full spectrum of a joint’s possible movements. The shoulder joint has a greater range of motion than any other joint in the human body.

Scar Tissue: Tissue that results from healing of wounds; It is composed of collagenous fibers which will restrict normal elasticity of tissue involved.

Soft Tissue: Tissues of the body that are not bone. This includes muscle, tendon, ligaments, and fascia.

Stretching: The act of elongating muscle and connective tissues to improve range of motion around a joint.

Swedish Massage: Longer, quicker strokes aimed at relaxing the muscles and increasing blood flow to the soft tissues.

Tendon: The connective fibers attaching the muscles to bones. When a muscle contracts, or shortens, it pulls on the tendon, which moves the bone.

Trigger Point: A taut, palpable spot in muscle that is painful to touch and refers pain to another body area.

Trigger Point Massage: Specifically applied pressure to release these centralized points of tension and pain.