About Shelly Sparks
I
have always wanted to nurture others and help them on their healing path.
My first career choice was in Nursing. However, after attending school for
only two quarters, a family crisis took my focus away from my studies and
I dropped out of school. After working in a Nursing home for a couple of years,
I returned to school to study my second love, which is Music. I received my
Bachelor's degree in Music Education in June of 1989. I did some substitute
teaching and worked as a secretary on the Bone Marrow Transplant unit at James
Cancer Hospital for several years.
As I was searching for a new career direction, some painful bursitis in my shoulder forced me to seek "alternative" treatment when medication didn't work. I received Massage several times at the student clinic at one of the local Massage schools. After several years of searching, I had stumbled upon something I thought I would enjoy doing as a career. I received my diploma for Massage Therapy in March 1998 from Massage Away School of Therapy. (Now known as American Institute of Alternative Medicine) To expand my knowledge, I was certified in Neuromuscular Therapy and Myofascial Release by Timberlake Massage Therapies in 2000. This helps me to treat more specific conditions and usually helps relieve pain longer than a relaxation type of Massage. I have also studied Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, which are energy therapies.
I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist for nine years. I have treated a pretty diverse group of patients ranging in age from eight to eighty-eight years old. I have worked on all different body types. I have worked on people with specific injuries and conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, etc. I have done Massage on pregnant women, athletes and Geriatric patients. I usually end up doing a combination of Swedish Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy (also known as Trigger Point). Most of my patients like pretty deep work, but I can adjust the pressure of my touch. I can also do Hot Stone Massage and Reiki. I haven't done whole sessions consisting of only Reiki, but I usually incorporate it into my massages.
Most of my appointments are done in my office but I also have done Chair Massage at both corporate and charity events. I also travel to people's homes to do Massage on a portable table. I have donated my time and also gift certificates to several charities such as Arthritis Foundation and Ohio Cancer Research Associates. I completed a marathon five years ago with the Arthritis Foundation's Joints in Motion team. It was a great experience.
I love to read and continue to expand my knowledge of bodywork and energy work therapies. I have also written articles on Massage Therapy that have been published in Dreamweaver Magazine and the Grandview Heights Chamber of Commerce newsletter. I plan to continue writing and hope to publish articles on topics such as Massage for patients with Fibromyalgia and the role spirituality plays in healing.
Swedish Massage is the most widely known and utilized massage technique in the United States. It is the technique most Massage schools in Ohio teach and is what we are tested on for our licensing. In Ohio we are licensed by the State Medical board after passing a test on Massage, Anatomy and Physiology. Some benefits of Swedish Massage are enhanced relaxation, increased venous and lymphatic circulation and pain relief. Massage is much more than placing your hands on the body and manipulating skin, muscle, and fascia (connective tissue). Skillful application of massage strokes is a blend of hand movements, as well as pressure and depth, length, rhythm and continuity, speed, duration and sequence. Intention is as important as skill. Massage can be defined as organized, intentional touch. Its purpose is dependent upon the intent of the therapist and the goals of the client. Massage may be used for relaxation, rehabilitation or injury prevention. As the therapist begins to palpate the tissue and administer the massage, the objective findings of the therapist are taken into account in altering the application of techniques.
There are five basic strokes used in Swedish Massage: effleurage, petrissage, friction, percussion and vibration. Most therapists are taught a routine using all of these techniques in Massage school. When we begin working on clients we pull from these and use a combination based on the needs of the client. Effleurage is a gliding movement that follows the contours of the client's body. It pushes the tissue and can be applied with the hands, fingers, forearm or elbow. The pressure can be deep or superficial. Effleurage is done toward the heart to increase venous and lymphatic circulation. The benefits of effleurage are: aids in moving wastes out of a congested area, creates length in a muscle, warms the tissue and prepares the area for deeper strokes, aids in the relief of insomnia.
Petrissage is a lifting of the muscle tissues away from the bone with the palm of the hand in a kneading or squeezing motion. It is done to milk the tissue of metabolic wastes and draw new blood and oxygen into the tissues. Some other benefits of petrissage are: reducing local swelling, improving cellular nutrition, it relieves fatigue and relaxes the muscle, creates a sense of space in the muscle, produces pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins.
Friction is a brisk, heat producing compressive stroke that is done either superficially or deep. Deeper friction is often done without a lubricant to increase the "drag "on the tissue. Friction dilates the capillaries and increases circulation. It improves the glandular action of the skin. Friction breaks down adhesions, freeing restricted areas. It also reduces tender and trigger point activity.
Percussion involves repetitive striking movements of the hands, with loose wrists and fingers, to stimulate muscle tissue. The strokes vary from a light tapping with the fingers to a "karate chop" action depending on the area of the body. Percussion stimulates nerve endings initially but becomes more sedative if continued. It tones atrophied muscles, relieves pain and can desensitize a hypersensitive area. It can also aid in decongesting the lungs.
Vibration is a rapid shaking, trembling or rocking movement applied with the hands to induce relaxation. Vibration like the other massage techniques increases circulation and relieves pain. Abdominal vibration stimulates peristalsis of the large intestine and diminishes gas in the lower gastrointestinal tract. When applied with traction, vibration can stimulate synovial fluid production in joints. It can relax myofascial tissue and desensitize trigger points.
I personally use the first three techniques in all of my massages and very rarely vibration or percussion. It depends largely on the client. Some people will request percussion if they have had it before. Sometimes just touch or compression of the tissues is appropriate if people want to remain clothed or are hypersensitive. Others may have body image issues. Its best to discuss your personal preferences with the therapist and tailor the treatment to best suit your needs.
References:
Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice. Susan G. Salvo. W. B. Saunders Co. 1999.
The Art of Massage. John Harvey Kellogg. Modern Medicine Publishing Co. 1929.