Acupressure - Oriental -based system of finger-pressure which treat special points along acupuncture "meridians" (the invisible channels of energy flow in the body). Rather than inserting needles, the therapist uses their fingers and palms to apply pressure to specific tsubos around the body, enhancing or diminishing the natural Chi.  The client remains fully clothed for a full acupressure session.  Acupressure points can also be utilized during a standard massage.  Acupressure helps with other problems beyond the normal stress, aches and pains.  A separate medical questionnaire based on the 5-Element and 8-Principle theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine is conducted with each session.

Acupressure along the Bladder meridian

Brimstone Island Hot Stone Therapy™ - A unique massage technique developed by Bob Jensen combining a deep tissue hot stone massage with volcanic stones that were collected on Brimstone Island off the coast of Maine.  Unlike smooth round river stones, these special stones contain magical energies from the center of the earth and are chosen for each session from an extensive collection of stones, based on the individual
needs of the client.  This treatment has been shown to have long term cleansing effects which can help get the client on a path of change.  Bob will not perform a Brimstone Island Hot Stone Therapy unless you have previously had a more standard massage session with him.

The amazing beaches of Brimstone Island

Compression - a basic technique that can be utilized to assess tissues by using the palm or to break up hypertonic areas using specific finger pressure.

CranioSacral Therapy - A technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.  CST helps you recover from physical and emotional traumas, both recent and as far back as childhood.  CST is currently being utilized with Post Traumatic Stress, Autism, ADD and other learning disabilities.  CST has also been extremely helpful in clients suffering from anxiety, depression and grief.  Bob is continually obtaining training from the Upledger Institute in Florida.  Bob uses a method of CranioSacral Therapy where the client remains fully clothed.  Some aspects of CranioSacral Therapy may also be integrated into a massage session, especially around the neck and shoulders.  SomatoEmotional Release is an advanced form of CST designed to break up Energy Cysts.  Energy Cysts are sometimes formed when a person has experienced a physical, mental or emotional trauma.  Energy Cysts often present themselves as unexplained pains in the body.  Bob has had great success helping victims of sexual assault and post traumatic stress.  CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics is designed for working with infants and children.  Bob has worked with all age groups, from newborn infants to geriatrics.

working the sphenoid bone in the cranium

Releasing the diaphragm

Photos by Barbara O'Shea

Deep Tissue - releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

deep tissue massage

Eclectic Massage - a form of massage that utilizes techniques of many other modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, CranioSacral Therapy and stretching.  This is the most popular form of massage that Bob offers, since it allows him to spend more or less time on an area of the body, depending on what Bob's hands "tell him".

Effleurage - a stroke generally used in a Swedish massage session. This smooth, gliding stroke is used to spread the lubricant and to relax soft tissue.

Effleurage -Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Facilitated Stretching - Muscle stretching that you can't do for yourself.  None of us stretch enough, which leads to limitations in our range of motion.  With facilitated stretching, the therapist assists the client to stretch specific muscle groups while using the massage table or massage chair as a support.

Stretching the hip flexors - Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Friction - A deep stroke typically used in deep tissue work. This stroke encompasses deep, circular, cross-fiber or with fiber movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. The result causes an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.

Friction on the upper trapezius - Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Lymphatic (Lymph) Drainage Therapy - This is not a typical massage, but a therapy designed to clean out and enhance the lymph system.  The lymph system collects and processes cellular waste as well as being the primary part of the immune system.  Lymph drainage helps reduce edema (swelling) and helps reduce the effects of allergies and colds.  This specific form of lymph drainage is not designed for people with lymphedema, lymphoma or damaged lymph nodes.  Because the abdomen is exposed for the treatment, women should wear a 2-piece bathing suit.

Lymph drainage to the neck - Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Lymph drainage to the torso - Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Lymph drainage to the thigh - Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Maternity Massage (also known as Pre-Natal or Pregnancy massage) - Specifically designed massages for each week of pregnancy, the focus of the massage changes along with the changes in the body.  Bob Jensen is Certified in Pregnancy Massage and utilizes the Body Cushion System to keep clients comfortable.  The massage may or may not include the abdomen, depending on the wishes of the client.  Bob also offers labor support and post partum massage.  His training allows him to work with many high risk pregnancies.

The Body Cushion System.  The large variety of cushions are fully adjustable and adapt to the size of the abdomen, providing full support. 

Client prone and safe

Client supine and very comfortable

Myofascial Release - a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to re-balance the body by releasing tension in the fascia and increase flexibility. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension.  While the process is slow, the results are amazing. 

Neuromuscular Therapy - a technique used primarily for injury rehabilitation work.  The therapist works in a focused manner in a specific area, trying to reduce muscular tension and break-up adhesions and scar tissue on a deeper level.  Elements of myofascial release and trigger point therapy are also used. 

Petrissage (also called kneading) - involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and usually follows effleurage during Swedish massage.

Petrissage to the shoulder - Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Reiki - Universal Energy brought to the client to help where it is most needed.  The client remains fully clothed during a Reiki session.

Sports Massage - massage therapy focusing on muscles relevant to a particular sport. There are different forms of sports massage, primarily Pre-Event, Event, Post-Event and Training or Rehab work.  Facilitated stretching is a major component.

Bob Jensen at CT Special Olympics

Working the hamstrings - Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Stretching the psoas - Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Swedish Massage - a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. 

Tapotement - A stroke typically seen on television, it is executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating percussive taps to the client.  Tapotement stimulates the system and is often used at the end of a massage when a client needs to be awake.  Tapotement can also be helpful with breathing conditions like bronchitis.

 Trigger Point Therapy - applies concentrated finger pressure or specialized tools to "trigger points" (painful contracted & irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.  Trigger points typically refer pain to other areas of the body.  A trigger point in the neck may cause headaches while a trigger point in the hips can cause low back pain.

Releasing a trigger point - Photo by Barbara O'Shea 

Vibration - a traditional Swedish massage stroke that can be created by manual or mechanical means.  Vibration helps break up congested areas of muscle tissue.

Workplace Massage (also known as chair massage, on-site or corporate massage) - is administered while the client is clothed and seated in a specially designed chair. These chairs most often slope forward allowing access to the large muscles of the back. On-site massage usually lasts between 5 and 30 minutes and is intended to relax and improve circulation.

Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Photo by Barbara O'Shea

Avila massage chair by Earthlite

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call (203) 253-5576 and ask for Bob Jensen.  You may also email me: healinghands@snet.net