MASSAGE THERAPY
People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes,  to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness. Annie Allen, is a leader in the massage and manual therapies industry in WNY with over 25 years experience providing utilizing both hands on interventions and energy medicine, her work is powerful, cumulative and many times, beneficial days after the work has been provided. She uses a variety of modalities in which she has trained to alleviate pain and increase range of motion, ease medication dependence, enhance immunity, help athletes of any level prepare for or recover from strenuous workouts, maintain or increase joint health, and promote tissue regeneration. During her sessions she also encourages her patients to establish strong communication with their deeper intentions for healing their bodies utilizing the breath and visualization techniques.  Patterns of posture are positively affected as are patterns of thought and behavior. Massage is a valuable tool in recovery of all kinds and Annie has the skill and ability to make your experience and investment truly valuable.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massage is a very gentle manual technique widely used in Europe and in larger cities across the US to increase lymphatic flow in the body which in turn stimulates immune function. Harmful substances are removed from the system and neutralized in the lymph nodes by lymphocytes (white blood cells). The lymphatic vessels are superficial to the musculature and just beneath the skin. The protocol is very gentle, but powerful. It has been proven that an increase in lymph flow stimulates an increased production of lymphocytes (white blood cells) enhancing immune function. By address the lymph system directly we are addressing the immune system directly with measurable results.
MLD PRE/POST SURGERY :  Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have found it helpful in the regeneration of injured or burned tissue, as well as tissue that has been subject to scar tissue formation. As the lymph flow around the scar is increased, lymph vessels that have been damaged are stimulated to heal, and the increased lymph flow also draws away toxins, improving the health of the tissues.(Godart, S., “Lymphatic regeneration after second degree burn,†Progress in Lymphology, 1975/ Hutzshenreuter, P.O. and Brummer, H., “Manual Lymph Drainage used for Scar Healing,†University of Ulm).  Lymphatic drainage massage can be used to prep the body for a variety of surgeries both elective and necessary, and it has been shown to help the scarring process by enhancing circulation and immunity.
MLD FOR CONCUSSIVE BRAIN INJURY, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, AND NEUROLOGIC DYSFUNCTION : Most recently, in 2015, research from the University of Virginia has discovered lymphatic vessels throughout the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Textbooks are currently being rewritten to reflect this new awareness, as well as more research on the lymphatic system and its role in the health and maintenance of the CNS. Currently the NFL in response to the multi-billion dollar law suit regarding Concussive Brain Disorders is in the process of opening the first MLD clinic in Gainesville, Florida to research the benefits of this unique manual therapy on retired and current athletes with Parkinson’s ALS, Vascular dementias and other CNS issues that accompany Concussive Brain disorder.
MLD for ANTI AGING :Â Because of its anti aging effects to enhance the quality of the skin, can be used as an anti-aging treatment. When the lymph is flowing, the cells are being bathed in fresh fluid, cellular regeneration is increased with the increase of flow and cleaner fluids as toxins are neutralized causing the skin to look fresh glowing and alive.
MLD FOR SPORTS INJURIES :Â Lymphatic drainage massage is also useful in treating sports injuries. After the initial inflammatory stage has passed, lymphatic work can be applied regularly for period of time. This will help to clear the tissue of debris, and help to reduce the minor edema that sometimes occurs after deep use. Continued applications of lymphatic drainage while healing happens can help enhance the tissue regeneration process by keeping the tissues as healthy as possible.
MLD PRE/POST NATAL :  Expectant Mothers and New mothers especially if they have had or will have a C-section benefit from MLD. It reduces swelling, constipation, and overall discomfort during pregnancy. Post-natal benefits also include increased milk production and quicker recovery time.
Movement education uses a custom-tailored approach to improving your body awareness and movement skills. Combining problem-solving, guided-discovery, and exploratory methods, this practice inevitably leads to a stronger connection between the mind and body, creating a more natural and graceful experience of movement and interaction with other people.
 You will learn how to ignite the power of the present moment in your muscles, increasing your ability to both self monitor and self regulate. This class is not about "chillaxing", nor is it about "overdoing or overworking", it is about realizing both exist and playing the edges inbetwen. Together we will explore our somatic nature through movement and stillness, somatic activation, engagement, opening the body to a greater degree of musculature awareness in the posing and the flowing, while at the same time training the mind to relax in the present moment. Whether you are just beginning your practice or a skilled athlete, this will be of benefit to you. Learn more about yourself as you approach your physical practice with greater conscious somatic engagement.Â
Individuals with chronic illness benefit immeasurably from touch. The aim of this approach of adaptive touch is utilized to improve the health and quality of life for individuals living with chronic illness. Through using non-invasive interventions for improving the health status in patients with, neurological disorders: Ataxia, ALS, MS, Alzheimer’s, vascular dementias, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other conditions that affect the CNS individuals are living longer and enjoying more in life. Adaptive Massage promotes and utilizes both therapeutic and palliative neuromuscular interventions as well as mindfulness techniques to increase body-mind communication and awareness, which is essential when the goal is to: maintain function; encourage muscular/emotional tension relief, balanced muscular action, body/mind communication, stress relief, and chronic pain relief. For the individual approaching their end of life journey, palliative massage therapy can be a priceless gift. In her years of work with Hospice patients, Annie has come to realize the trauma living with a terminal illness can create. The power of touch is profound, as is the comfort of knowing that your loved one is receiving appropriate touch.  Touch can unwind the trauma setting up patterns of relaxation and bringing a level of comfort and even joy. Annie will come to your home, or to your loved one’s Skilled nursing home or assisted living facility. No massage table is needed for this work. The individual is massaged where he or she is most comfortable allowing for a low impact approach for caregivers and family. Depending upon the situation, doctor’s permission for treatment is needed.