MYOFASCIAL HEALING
Myofascial Release Therapy in Asheville, NC, Hendersonville, NC
Now Providing Pediatric Services in Asheville, NC
About Dana
Dana DeGraw, LMBT, Expert Level
Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist
License #11226
My journey into alternative medicine began when I started experiencing unexplained hip discomfort and sciatica. I went to several conventional Western medicine doctors but none of them were able to help alleviate the pain. Eventually I found my way to massage and non-traditional chiropractic practitioners which seemed to help more than anything I had tried. I enrolled in massage school in Asheville, NC and became licensed in 2011. Afterwards I completed a certification in Clinical Massage at the NC School of Advanced Bodywork in Fairview, NC in 2012.
Still struggling with some body pain, I was led to investigate a John F. Barnes Healing Seminar in 2013. While learning about the scientific aspect of how fascia works in the body, I began to understand that this may be a cause of my lingering pain. After experiencing a treatment during this seminar, I knew that this was the work I’d been looking for all along, both personally and professionally. I immediately enrolled in the first series of classes and have been taking them consistently since that time.
Dana's Approach To Myofascial Release
As a bodyworker and one who consistently receives Myofascial Release therapy, I have come to understand the invaluable tool of self-care in healing our bodies. Without this component, it is difficult for the body to break “holding” patterns and heal to its full ability. These patterns may come from injuries, postural habits, emotional trauma, and unhealthy belief systems (social conditioning).
Most of us need assistance in releasing the tissue causing pain and dysfunction, which is the role of the therapist. In my sessions with clients, I do my best to observe and tune in to the whole body so I can get a sense of where fascial restrictions are present. So often the cause lies somewhere other than where the symptom is present, and there are often multiple areas of restriction.
At the end of my sessions I give my clients the knowledge they need so that they can begin a self-care routine at home. This consists of how to stretch the fascia, areas that need releasing, and tools to help reach these areas. When clients consistently engage in self-care, the sessions are much more productive and the time between appointments can lengthen into an “as needed” state. My goal as a therapist is to help empower people to heal to their fullest and most joyful state of being.
What To Expect At Your First Appointment
I will always do a visual assessment with you standing up (in gravity) before I start a treatment. This helps me see restrictions and holding patterns you may or may not be aware of.
Myofascial Release treatment is performed directly on skin without oils or creams.
Active feedback during a session is encouraged regarding the treatment. Letting me know where you are feeling sensations other than the area I am working on, or if the pressure feels uncomfortable, helps me give you the best treatment possible. You are in control of your session at all times! Sometimes relaxation is too deep to give active feedback, in which case you are encouraged to share anything you feel is important afterwards.
Many times a person will experience immediate improvement in physical and mental well-being. Often you can continue to process and release for several days after the treatment. These feelings may include soreness, discomfort, or emotion. This is completely normal and is a temporary state of being.
Receiving treatments frequently in the beginning will result in a faster pace of healing. This is often necessary to break out of a holding pattern/s you may have in your body. After you and I see/feel significant change occurring, we will begin to spread the treatment sessions out over a longer period of time. I will always do my best to work with your schedule.
At the end of each treatment I will give you guided stretches so you may continue your care between sessions. This is crucial in facilitating lasting change and feels good!