About Chris Brindley,
Originally from the Washington DC area, Chris graduated from Maui School of Therapeutic Massage in Hawaii. Since the beginning of his education, he focused on learning specific deep tissue techniques that give the client lasting therapeutic results. Through active pursuits such as marathon training, surfing, weight training/personal training, and various forms of yoga, he found deep tissue bodywork to be necessary to keep his body healthy. To supplement his education, Chris has had the opportunity to work through a variety of his own musculoskeletal issues, through which he has gained valuable insight that he now applies to his own treatments. ART/Active Release Technique is one of the more specific techniques that Chris incorporates into his massage sessions to give a deep, relaxing, yet effective massage focused on pain relief for the client’s individual needs.

What is ART/Active Release Technique?
Every ART Session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART Provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. These treatment protocols are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie cutter approach.

For More ART info, see http://www.activerelease.com

Rates: 30min = $40 / 60min = $75 / 75min = $90 / 90min = $105

Available on Sundays at Yoga Pearl.
To schedule, call Yoga Pearl at 503-525-9642. For questions call Chris 703-819-4216

THE BENEFITS OF DEEP TISSUE BODYWORK

What happens to the body under stress (What is CTD)?
With repetitive overuse, whether it is too much computer work, or an intense phase of active training, the body may not have adequate time to recover. If left unchecked, this tightness starts a cycle, which can lead to overuse injures and chronic pain. Overuse causes the soft tissues to tighten, which will increase tension and pressure in the overused area, and if this muscular tension is severe enough, it can restrict circulation. With chronic tension, a lack of oxygen or ‘hypoxia’ causes fibrosis (scar tissue) and adhesions to occur in and between the body’s tissues. This hypoxia and fibrosis causes additional tightness and continues the cycle of tension and restriction in the soft tissues. The chronic tightness leads to weakness, slower recovery, and even more tension as the cycle continues.

Compensation
Furthermore, when tissues are compromised, the result is altered biomechanics or compensation. If muscles are too tight or weak in one area of the body, another area is going to have to work harder. For instance, if the hamstrings are chronically tightened, the opposing muscle groups: the hip flexors and quadriceps are going to have to work harder to bring the leg forward, putting these muscles at risk for overuse. With this new overexertion, the same tightness cycle begins in another area of the body.

Breaking the Cycle
Specific deep tissue work from a soft tissue expert is ideal for breaking the tension cycle described above. When tissue is damaged, the body heals by laying down fibrous tissue in a disorganized pattern (scar tissue.) This scar tissue accounts for the stiff, tight, or painful feeling that follows an injury. A well trained soft tissue specialist can detect these restricted areas through touch, then work to break up the fibrotic tissue, and release the tension. This allows circulation to enter the area and flush out stagnant waste products and toxins. The blood brings oxygen and nutrients and metabolizes the broken up scar tissue and, over time, allows the compromised area to return to its healthy state.

Self Care
Activities that focus on core strength and flexibility, such as yoga, pilates, general stretching, and self-massage are all excellent preventative measures and help keep the body in balance. But in times of high stress or heavy activity, soft tissue therapy from a qualified specialist can keep the body healthy and pain free.

Chris Brindley, LMT & Soft Tissue Specialist.
Available on Sundays at Yoga Pearl.
To schedule an appointment, call 503-525-9642