Fall into peace
professional therapeutic massage
Annette Pulford, LMT, RYT
Oncology Certified
Who am I
During childhood, I was taught to appreciate the great outdoors and all the natural world has to offer. As an adult, I engage in and enjoy a large variety of activities including backpacking, hiking, running, biking, skiing, canoe/kayaking, traveling, education, reading, yoga, and meditation. These activities are essential to my overall mental, physical, and spiritual health. I hope to impart the well-being and inner peace that I have achieved to my clients.
Over the past 14 years, I have successfully practiced as a licensed massage therapist in Bellaire, Petoskey, and Nashville. I specialize in therapeutic massage, including sports massage, injury recovery, deep tissue, myofascial, trigger point therapy, pregnancy, stretching, cupping, manual lymphatic drainage and meditation. I administer deep massage that helps clients overcome hypertonic muscles and injuries. At the other end of the spectrum, I provide relaxing, meditative massages and am also a Reiki practitioner, yoga teacher training and meditation teacher.
I have extensive experience working collaboratively with chiropractors and other medical professionals to assess and develop therapeutic strategies for addressing a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems. I am oncology certified, receiving oncology training at Beaumont Hospital, and have nearly completed my sports therapy certification. I firmly believe that massage therapy not only benefits the body, but also the mind, and is an important part of overall health care.
Peace,
Annette Pulford, LMT, RYT
My life has been an endless stream of exploration - physically, mentally, and spiritually. In this picture I was exploring the treasures of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in Tennessee.
At peace paddling Ten Thousand Islands in Everglades National Park, Florida.
MASSAGE Techniques
applied In My THERAPEUTIC approach
Deep Tissue Massage
A technique used to address issues occurring in the deeper soft tissue and fascial layers of the body. Scarring, adhesions, and muscular spasm are all treated with the goal of restoring normal function and motion to the affected areas. Deep tissue does not necessarily mean deep pressure, but rather a concentrated, specific manner of working in the deeper layers of the body to allow for more permanent changes to occur. Because this technique is very specific, some discomfort may be experienced for up to 24-36 hours following a session. It is recommended that the client drink plenty of water following a session to expedite the elimination of metabolic wastes from the body and thereby speed recovery.
Swedish Massage
The most familiar form of massage. It uses the basic techniques of effleurage, petrissage and tapotement. Effleruage is a form of massage involving a circular stroking movement made with the palm of the hand. Petrissage is a massage technique that involves kneading the body. Tapotement involves the use of various light, quick chopping, slapping, or beating strokes on the body. Muscles are kneaded and stroked to relieve stress, increase circulation and create a better mind-body balance.
Sports Massage
The focus of this technique is to improve circulation, flexibility and range of motion, decrease recovery time from training, prevent injury, and improve muscular efficiency, which will result in better performance. Sports Massage treatments are often used during training and before and after a particular event to prevent injury and improve performance and recovery. Compression, light and fast strokes and then stretching of the limbs will be used.
Neuromuscular Therapy
This therapy Is used to restore balance to the nervous system and musculoskeletal systems. Injury, trauma, postural distortion or stress can affect nerve transmission and overall function of the body. I may employ this technique to address what are called Trigger Points, or very specific areas of irritation, to restore balance and proper neurological function to the body. By applying very specific pressure, I hope to eliminate the irritation and restore normal nerve and muscular function. Studies have shown that most pain and discomfort in the body is caused by these Trigger Points located outside of the areas of sensation. For this reason, Neuromuscular and Trigger Point Therapy can be the answer for many people who have had longstanding pain that has otherwise been untreatable.
Myofascial Release
This technique addresses superficial to deep layers of connective tissue of the body known as fascia. This web of connective tissue surrounds and connects all of the muscles, organs, and other skeletal structures. Because of the interconnected nature of this tissue, restrictions in one area can eventually spread to other areas of the body, causing postural distortions that can lead to chronic pain patterns. Using this technique, the fascia is directly manipulated with the goal of allowing the connective tissue fibers to reorganize and align themselves in a more flexible and functional manner. This technique will unwind deep holding patterns in the body, which allows for greater movement and freedom in the body.
Cupping
Refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (by using change in heat or by suctioning out air), so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (the technique is called gliding cupping). The purpose of cupping is to enhance circulation, help relieve pain, remove "heat" and pull out the toxins that linger in your body's tissues.
Oncology Massage
This is the modification of existing massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. Anyone who has ever received cancer treatment, whether in active treatment or during recovery or survivorship, are best served by a massage therapist who has received training in oncology massage. This technique can also provide tremendous relief for those at the end of life.
Prenatal Massage
During pregnancy, your body undergoes tremendous changes as your baby grows and your body prepares to bring your child into the world. Massage can alleviate the muscle tension and discomfort that comes along with your body's structural changes. The goals for prenatal massage are to minimize stress, promote relaxation, and prepare your muscles for child birth. Prenatal massage specifically addresses a pregnant woman's needs and is highly beneficial. Prenatal massage is an enjoyable and beneficial way to positively influence your pregnancy.
PRICING
Half hour $45
One hour $80
One and a half hour $110
Cupping, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Reiki can be added to any massage at no additional cost.
Ask about yoga and meditation sessions
Contact
Annette Pulford, LMT, RYT
(231) 350-1708
peacefulmindmassage@yahoo.com
HOURS
Monday - Thursday 9 AM - 7 PM
Friday 9 AM - 3 PM
Select weekends available
LOCATION
1053 US 31 N, Suite 4
Petoskey, MI 49770
(Bay View Professional Building)
