What it helps

• Reduces stress and tension

• Relieves headaches, migraines, and pain associated with TMJ disfunction

• Eases chronic pain

• Supports recovery from concussion and mild traumatic brain injury

• Improves sleep and emotional regulation

• Helps infants with feeding, colic, and restless sleep

• Assists older adults with comfort and mobility

• Children and adults with a variety of special needs or chronic conditions

• PTSD

• Much more! Please reach out with any questions for specific conditions.

CST is suitable for people of all ages: newborns, children, adults, and elders. Because the technique is very gentle and noninvasive, it is often chosen when other approaches are contraindicated or poorly tolerated.

What to expect in a session

• Sessions are typically done with the client fully clothed, lying comfortably on a massage table if age appropriate, children are encouraged to move and play if needed during treatment.

• The practitioner uses light, therapeutic touch to sense and release tension and restrictions.

• Sessions last 30–60 minutes, depending on needs and preferences.

• Many people feel deeply relaxed during the session; some report sensations such as warmth, pulsing, or gentle movement.

Who benefits

• Adults with chronic pain, repetitive strain, headaches, back and neck stiffness, or recovery needs after injury or surgery.

• Athletes seeking performance support, faster recovery, or improved range of motion.

• Elders who need gentle, supportive care.

• Anyone looking to improve their overall wellness and functionality.

Core techniques we use

• Deep Tissue: Focused pressure to release chronic tension and adhesions (modulated for tolerance).

• Myofascial Release: Gentle sustained pressure to the fascia to restore mobility and reduce pain.

What to expect in a session

• Intake: Brief discussion of health history, current concerns, and goals.

• Assessment: Gentle movement and palpation to identify areas of restriction or imbalance.

• Treatment: Customized combination of techniques tailored to your needs and comfort level.

• Aftercare: Practical recommendations for stretches, posture, hydration, and follow-up scheduling.

Benefits people commonly report

• Reduced muscle pain and stiffness

• Improved sleep and relaxation

• Decreased headache frequency and intensity

• Better joint mobility and posture

• Faster recovery after exercise or injury

• Reduced effects from stress

Pediatric massage therapy uses gentle, age-appropriate touch and techniques to support infants, children, and adolescents. It’s tailored to each child’s developmental stage and needs, and can include light connective tissue work, gentle range-of-motion guidance, and soothing strokes to promote relaxation and comfort.

Who can benefit

• Newborns and infants: reducing colic and gas, supporting postnatal recovery for infants. Sessions for infants are interactive for parents and guardians, bonding techniques are taught during the session.

• Toddlers and young children: calming sensory overload, improving sleep, easing muscle tension from activity or growth, and helping with constipation or reflux.

• School-age children: ease tension from growing pains, relieving sports-related tightness, and helping with anxiety or stress.

• Adolescents: addressing posture and muscle tension from growth spurts, sports, or screen use; supporting stress reduction and improved sleep.

Common goals and outcomes

• Improved sleep patterns and calmer nights

• Reduced fussiness, gas, and colic symptoms in infants

• Decreased muscle tension and pain from activity or growth

• Better range of motion and comfort after injury or illness

• Enhanced emotional regulation and reduced anxiety

What a session looks like

• Intake: brief discussion with parent or caregiver about medical history, current concerns, and goals. For older children, we include the child in the conversation. What to expect will be explained to all care givers and children at age appropriate levels.

• Environment: a calm, warm, child-friendly space with minimal distractions. Sessions often use soft music or music the child chooses, dimmed lighting.

• Technique: gentle pressure, slow rhythms, and attention to the child’s cues. For infants, techniques are very light and often integrated with parent coaching so caregivers can continue soothing touch at home. Craniosacral Therapy may be used when needed.

• Duration: sessions range from 20 minutes for young infants and small children to 40 minutes for older children, depending on attention span and therapeutic needs.

• Parental involvement: caregivers are encouraged to be present. We often teach simple, safe techniques for home use and ways to read the child’s comfort signals.

Safety and training Pediatric massage therapists are trained in anatomy, child development, and pediatric-specific techniques. Therapists screen for medical contraindications and coordinate with pediatricians or other healthcare providers as needed. Touch is always gentle, consensual, and adjusted to each child’s tolerance.

When to seek pediatric massage

• Persistent sleep or feeding issues in infants

• Ongoing digestive discomfort such as constipation or colic

• Postnatal recovery concerns or birth-related tension

• Chronic or recurrent muscle tightness, headaches, or postural pain

• Sports-related strains or injuries in active children

How parents can support progress

• Practice gentle home techniques shown during sessions to reinforce benefits.

• Maintain consistent routines for sleep and soothing touch when possible.

• Communicate any changes in symptoms or medical status to the therapist.

• Encourage open dialogue with older children so therapy remains collaborative and comfortable.

At Total Emphasis, our pediatric approach is compassionate, gentle, and family-centered. We specialize in craniosacral therapy and other light-touch methods to help children find balance, comfort, and ease across every stage of growth. If you have specific concerns about your child, we’ll work with you to create a safe, individualized plan.

Prenatal massage is a gentle, therapeutic bodywork tailored to the unique needs of pregnant women. Our prenatal sessions are designed to reduce discomfort, promote relaxation, and support overall well-being throughout pregnancy.

Benefits

• Reduces back, hip, and pelvic pain by releasing muscle tension.

• Decreases swelling in hands and feet through improved circulation and lymphatic flow.

• Alleviates headaches and neck tension related to postural changes.

• Lowers stress and anxiety by encouraging deep relaxation.

• Improves sleep quality.

What to Expect

• Intake and assessment: We review your pregnancy history, any complications or contraindications, and current symptoms to tailor the session.

• Comfortable positioning: Side-lying with bolsters once you are no longer able to tolerate laying on your stomach or back.

• Techniques used: Gentle Swedish strokes, myofascial release, craniosacral techniques, and focused work on hips, low back, and abdomen.

• Communication: You control pressure and positioning; therapists check in frequently to ensure comfort.

Safety and Contraindications Prenatal massage is generally safe when delivered by a therapist trained in pregnancy care. We require disclosure of:

• High-risk pregnancy conditions (preeclampsia, placenta previa, severe hypertension)

• History of blood clots or clotting disorders

• Recent bleeding, or preterm labor risk

Therapists will adapt or postpone treatment if risks are present.

Timing and Frequency

• Early pregnancy: Many people benefit from gentle work to relieve nausea, fatigue, and tension.

• Second trimester: Often the most comfortable period for longer sessions and more focused bodywork.

• Third trimester: Helpful for managing back, hip, and pelvic discomfort and promoting relaxation before labor.

• Frequency depends on symptoms: weekly to monthly sessions are common; your therapist will recommend a plan based on your needs.

Aftercare Tips

• Drink water to support hydration and circulation.

• Rest as needed; gentle stretching can prolong benefits.

• Note any unusual symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns following a session.

Towards the end of your pregnancy if you would like to bring a partner with you they can learn techniques to help ease the discomfort of labor (or we can schedule a shorter session for that if you would like to relax in peace).