Noonan MLD & Massage Therapy Modalities
We've happily served the Greater Philadelphia Area for over a decade. Five star ratings on numerous social networks (reviews).
Massage Therapy Services and Modalities
Manual Lymph Drainage, Swedish, Pre-Natal, Deep Tissue, Cupping, Trigger Point, Sports, CranioSacral, Reflexology, Oncology, Himalayan Salt Hot Stone, CBD and Myofascial Release.
All Noonan MLD & Massage Therapy sessions have these massage therapy techniques incorporated, where needed, into every service no matter what modality is the main focus.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle manipulation of the bones of the skull with light pressure in key areas of the craniosacral system. The therapy is a noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system. This manual therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes and has proven effective in treating a wide range of medical problems involving pain and dysfunction. Since the craniosacral system consists of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system could cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities. Craniosacral Therapy, sometimes called cranial sacral therapy, encourages the body’s natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, to dissipate the negative effects of stress, to enhance health and resistance to disease, and to move energy through the client’s cranium, spine and lower back.
The Craniosacral Therapy practitioner uses light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system. Generally, therapists use only five grams of pressure, roughly the weight of a nickel, on a fully clothed client to test for restrictions in various parts of the craniosacral system. It is often possible for the evaluation itself to remove the restriction and allow the system to correct itself.
Some common problems that are treated with Craniosacral Therapy include chronic pain, eye difficulties, whiplash, chronic headaches, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, muscle tension, the common cold, learning problems and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system.
Himalayan Salt Hot Stone Massage Therapy
Himalayan Salt Hot Stone Massage Therapy provides 84 naturally occurring essential minerals and trace elements including iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and potassium. The minerals provide a gentle exfoliation on the skin. In addition, today’s electronic devices such as cell phones, PCs, etc. can disrupt our body’s natural electromagnetic field. The salt stones create a balance between the overabundance of positive ions with needed negative ions, helping reduce inflammation.
The greatest benefit from Himalayan Salt Hot Stone Massage Therapy is the stones ability to promote deep relaxation. When a client can rest and relax, it allows the mind and body to heal and rejuvenate. When the stones are applied to the body, the heat sends a signal to the brain to turn off stress and turn on the relaxation state of being. When the nervous systems are able to switch into a relaxed state of being, it allows not only the mind to relax, but also the muscles begin to relax as well.
As the heat from the hot stones penetrates into a client’s deeper body tissues, their blood vessels open, resulting in increased circulation and a continuing calming effect on the nervous system. This state of well-being helps lower blood pressure, heightened mental alertness, relieve anxiety, increase the sense of tranquility, and address insomnia. Himalayan Salt Hot Stone Massage Therapy may also help a client combat arthritis, osteoarthritis, and
some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
A vital system of lymphatic vessels are one of the main elimination channels in the body. The Lymphatic System clears toxins, unwanted proteins and waste that cannot be removed by any other means. The system helps to transport lymphocytes and hormones throughout the body, filters harmful substances and bacterial infection, maintains the balance of fluids in the body’s tissues, and recovers substances that have escaped into the body. This network of delicate vessels and lymph nodes is the primary structure of the Immune System. The lymph nodes act as checkpoints along the pathways of the vessels filtering the fluid (called lymph) and serve as the home for lymphocytes -- little Pac Man-like cells -- that attack and destroy foreign bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells such as cancer cells.
Because the Lymphatic System has no pump, its functions are dependent upon muscle contractions, diaphragmatic breathing, and body movement. It is not uncommon to develop a sluggish lymphatic flow. Inactivity, consuming the wrong food and drink, as well as not drinking enough water can lead to poor lymphatic drainage flow. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a massage technique that is designed to stimulate lymph drainage circulation, reduce sympathetic nervous activity, stimulate the defenses of the Immune System, and adjust the flow and volume of lymph drainage fluid. A benefit of filtering the vessels' fluids helps reduce swelling, ease discomfort and promote healing/recovery while restoring healthy skin contour and smoothness from such surgical procedures as Plastic Surgery, 360 Liposuction, SmartLipo, Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), C-Section, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Facelift, Necklift, Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (Diastasis Recti from Pregnancy/Abdominal Hernia, etc.) and more.
When the Lymphatic System is sluggish or blocked -- say after surgery or injury or Lipedema (buildup of adipose tissue/fat) and/or Lymphedema (excess fluid collects in tissues) -- clients may incur swelling, feel tired, or be more susceptible to colds and infections. When the Lymphatic System works well, clients feel healthy and have a strong defense against illness. Several studies on the effectiveness of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) in the treatment of Fibromyalgia indicate that MLD can help relieve pain and stiffness and improve sleep and general health. The technique involves the use of gentle, rhythmic strokes and pumping movements on the body toward the direction of the lymph nodes. Noonan MLD & Massage Therapy therapist, Patrick Noonan, LMT, has been certified for almost a decade on Dr. Emil Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage method.
Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is a system of structured palpation or movement of the soft tissue of the body. Massage Therapy may include, but is not limited to, such techniques as stroking, kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, vibration, compression, and passive or active stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement. In addition, massage therapy may involve effleurage (either firm or light soothing, stroking movement, without dragging the skin, using either padded parts of fingertips or palms); petrissage (lifting or picking up muscles and rolling the folds of skin); or tapotement (striking with the side of the hand, usually with partly flexed fingers, rhythmic movements with fingers; or short, rapid movements of the side of the hands). These techniques may be applied with or without the aid of lubricants. The purpose of massage therapy is to enhance the general health, unwinding, healing, and well-being of the recipient.
Medical Oncology Massage Therapy
Medical Oncology Massage Therapy modifies existing techniques to enable the therapist to work safely with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. Medical oncology massage therapy trained therapists meet clients where they are with their cancer. Therapists apply a highly individualized massage therapy treatment to comfort, nurture, and support clients. Anyone who has received cancer treatment -- those in active treatment, those in recovery and those in survivorship -- may benefit from a medical oncology massage therapy.
Scientific literature recognizes that oncology massage helps improve quality of life. Benefits include deep relaxation and improved sleep. Medical oncology massage therapy may also reduce anxiety, stress, pain, depression, fatigue, constipation, and nausea. Medical oncology massage therapy can increase alertness, mental clarity, and feelings of well-being while pleasantly distracting clients from their discomfort.
"We know that massage therapy makes everyone feel better, whether they’re ill or whether they're healthy. “It is becoming more prevalent in the health professional community" said Terri Ades, RN, the American Cancer Society Director of Health Content.
Personal goals when receiving a medical oncology massage therapy can include the desire for a respite -- a relaxing pleasurable experience in the midst of everything that is going on. Other goals may be to relieve nausea or other symptoms such as pain and peripheral neuropathy.
A common complication after surgery for breast and ovarian cancer is edema, said Dr. Julie Gralow, a professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Washington and Director of Breast Medical Oncology at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Dr. Gralow said, “Lymphedema is basically the backup of lymph fluid frequently caused by scarring and swelling in the area. Massage therapy helps move the fluid through the whole lymph system.” Noonan MLD & Massage therapist, Patrick Noonan, LMT, is certified in Medical Oncology Massage Therapy.
Pregnancy Pre-Natal Massage Therapy
Among all the other benefits of massage therapy, studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.
Reflexology
Reflexology involves the manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, or ears that correspond to certain parts of the body (internal glands and organs). It is based on an ancient Chinese therapy. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, Reflexology bodywork involves the application of pressure to reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, Reflexology works with the body’s energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. The technique is used to reduce pain, ease addiction, relieve stress, relieve tension, and improve nerve & blood flow, including lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illnesses and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.
Swedish Massage Therapy
Swedish Massage Therapy is the most common and well-known type of massage therapy. It involves long, fluid strokes of muscles and tissues with pressure that varies from light to medium to firm. Swedish Massage Therapy is considered to be one of the most relaxing massage therapies.
The client is covered, with only the area being worked on exposed. Massage therapists use a combination of kneading, effleurage (either firm or light soothing, stroking movement, without dragging the skin, using either padded parts of fingertips or palms), petrissage (lifting or picking up muscles and rolling the folds of skin), cross-friction of muscles, rolling and percussive movements. A lotion is applied to reduce friction on the skin.
Among the many benefits of Swedish Massage Therapy are relaxation of the mind while energizing the body, promoting tissue health, and the reduction of stress.
Massage Therapy comes to mind when I hear the words: Stress...Pain...I need to Relax...
Noonan Massage Therapy uniquely integrates many specialized massage modalities to assist each individual message therapy session's healing power with educated therapeutic touch. Stay safe, healthy and happy!
Service Area
We are happy to be serving the Greater Philadelphia Area and Montgomery & Bucks Counties for 9 years!