MASSAGE THERAPY

Experienced - Trusted - Recommended

Robert Byrnes has been providing massage therapy in a professional setting since 1994, and integrates several modalities for a unique treatment that is individualized to each client's needs.

He provides therapeutic treatments by appointment in Phoenix, Arizona office.

By appointment only. Please call 602-334-1919 or send an email.

Check out Robert's Channel to see video demonstrations of his work. These videos can also be found on this website under Services offered.

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Corrective, Relaxation and Rejuvenation, or Energy Work

Robert integrates any of several bodywork modalities for a unique treatment that is individualized to each client's needs:

• Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy

  Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy

  since 2012

  With this innovative method, I work on you using my feet instead of the Western method of hands, forearm, and elbow. Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is incredibly effective with profound results. I encourage EVERYONE to experience this type of deep tissue massage. You will be completely amazed at how effective it is. And you won't even be able to tell that you're being worked on with my feet!

  One Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy session can give the same result as two or three consecutive Western style massages.

  The forces from the broad pressure of my foot spread the body open and allow us to work deeper. Any blockage or stiffness in the muscles, joints, or spine releases. Your body feels lighter with more freedom of movement, and freedom from pain. The Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy works systemically on many body systems - the myofascia, the lymphatic, the nervous, the cardiovascular, and perhaps the endocrine system. We are working on the whole body, at the same time that we're focused on any one area of the body.

  Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is also known as Deepfeet Bar Therapy. Pronounced "ah- she- hot- sue". "Ashi" in Japanese means "foot." "Astu" means "pressure." Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy uses gravitational force and gliding effleurage from the therapist's feet, instead of the hands. Parallel bars, attached to the ceiling, are used by the therapist for balance and proper weight distribution. The larger size and padding of the soles provide a push-pull-pump technique that is not only deeper, but more comfortable than traditional hands massage. Feet, compared to hands, have a greater affect on the client's parasympathetic nervous system, which allows the client to dive deeper into relaxation.

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• Chinese Cupping

  Chinese Cupping

  since 2006

  See Video Demonstration

  Cupping is a safe, and wonderful treatment that I use on the muscles of the back. Cupping employs the use of a glass cup that looks like a miniature gold fish bowl. A burning alcohol swab is used to burn off the air inside the cup just before the cup is placed on the back. The lack of pressure in the cup creates a vacuum that slightly pulls the skin and muscle tissue into the cup. This suction draws stagnant blood and fluid to the surface where the body can more easily remove it. Instead of compressing, pushing, or stripping the body tissue against bone structure and against itself, as we do in normal hands-on massage therapy, cupping allows us to pull the body tissue out and away from the body. Cupping is a classic deep tissue massage technique in reverse!

  The cupping technique I use is called sliding cupping because we slide the cup up and down the back and up around the shoulders. We can adjust the intensity of the experience by increasing or decreasing the amount of suction into the cup. However, the over-all experience is very relaxing. People experiencing cupping for the first time almost always bruise. These hickies, created from the suction, are not painful and are a normal effect of the treatment. They disappear within a few days. As one receives cupping more frequently, we find that the bruising no longer occurs. This shows us that the stagnant blood and fluid has been removed and that the tissue is healthier.

  Ask to have cupping incorporated into your next hands-on massage treatment. You'll be glad you did!

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• CranioSacral Therapy

  CranioSacral Therapy

  since 1997

  CranioSacral Therapy is a light-touch treatment that accesses core membranes in the body with profound results. The craniosacral rhythm is the most basic, yet, the most subtle motion in the body. When this rhythm is in disharmony, the entire body is adversely affected.

  I use the Upledger CranioSacral ten-step protocol as the format for my treatment. As I begin the CranioSacral Treatment, I get myself grounded and centered so that I may tune into the craniosacral rhythm of the client's body. With my hands placed lightly on the client's body, I focus my intention on "listening" to the body and I simply allow myself to relax into their energetic field, the most subtle place of motion in the client's body, the craniosacral rhythm.

  I energetically invite the client's body and awareness to move into that place of deep relaxation where transformation and healing can occur. The very act of my tuning into the client's craniosacral rhythm with my hands begins to affect it. I perceive the subtle disharmonies in the craniosacral system that is out of balance, and the client's body immediately begins the process of self-correction. Then, with an extremely light and gentle touch, I slowly lead the client to a more functional place of balance and harmony.

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• Deep Muscle Corrective Massage

  Deep Muscle Corrective Massage

  Sports Massage

  since 1994

  See Video Demonstration

  The deep tissue massage therapy I perform allows your body to literally transform during and after the treatment session. The therapy releases restricted body patterns and removes the physical blocks to vibrant health. Harmony and balance are integrated back into the body structure as techniques appropriate to one's condition are applied.

  When your body experiences trauma, it can become physically locked into unhealthy and unbalanced patterns. Additionally, pain, tension and stress will create physical blockages and restrictions. This can literally weigh the body down since tight, inflexible muscles require more energy for the body to move. You unknowingly expend extra energy in your efforts to achieve equilibrium and correct posture. And as you counteract the structural disharmony and restrictive patterns, this effort can exhaust your body's energy.

  With my therapeutic massage techniques, we remove the trauma, pain, tension and stress from your body. This elevates your vitality and gives you more energy to heal. Released from the restrictions, the energy in your body goes where it can be better utilized. During, and after the treatment, your body begins to re-pattern itself so that it functions in a more harmonious and healthy way. You will actually feel lighter, with more flexibility and greater range of motion.

  With my treatment, your equilibrium is restored and the mechanics of your body become more efficient. Less energy is expended in movement and in responding to the pull of gravity, and an increase in energy is experienced as your vitality improves. My massage therapy treatment can boost physical performance, speed recovery periods, and will allow you to experience vibrant, radiant health.

  more...

• Deepfeet Bar Therapy

  Deepfeet Bar Therapy

  since 2012

  With this innovative method, I work on you using my feet instead of the Western method of hands, forearm, and elbow. Deepfeet Bar Therapy is incredibly effective with profound results. I encourage EVERYONE to experience this type of deep tissue massage. You will be completely amazed at how effective it is. And you won't even be able to tell that you're being worked on with my feet!

  One Deepfeet Bar Therapy session can give the same result as two or three consecutive Western style massages.

  The forces from the broad pressure of my foot spread the body open and allow us to work deeper. Any blockage or stiffness in the muscles, joints, or spine releases. Your body feels lighter with more freedom of movement, and freedom from pain. The Deepfeet Bar Therapy works systemically on many body systems - the myofascia, the lymphatic, the nervous, the cardiovascular, and perhaps the endocrine system. We are working on the whole body, at the same time that we're focused on any one area of the body.

  Deepfeet Bar Therapy was also known as Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. Pronounced "ah- she- hot- sue". "Ashi" in Japanese means "foot." "Astu" means "pressure." Deepfeet Bar Therapy uses gravitational force and gliding effleurage from the therapist's feet, instead of the hands. Parallel bars, attached to the ceiling, are used by the therapist for balance and proper weight distribution. The larger size and padding of the soles provide a push-pull-pump technique that is not only deeper, but more comfortable than traditional hands massage. Feet, compared to hands, have a greater affect on the client's parasympathetic nervous system, which allows the client to dive deeper into relaxation.

  more...

• Esalen Swedish Massage

  Esalen Swedish Massage

  with Aromatherapy

  since 2002

  See Video Demonstration

  Esalen style Swedish Massage is a meditative approach that promotes deep relaxation. Esalen emphasizes the use of slower and longer, flowing techniques. This fluid style not only relieves stress but integrates the entire body system, bringing it into balance.

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• Maternity Massage

  Pregnancy Massage

  Prenatal Massage

  since 1994

  I have been working on pregnant women for as long as I've been doing massage. My deep understanding of the body, and the way in which it changes during this miraculous period allows me to work with confidence on the pregnant woman. I understand the development of the fetus and how the anatomy and physiology in the woman's body changes.

  My approach is gentle and non-invasive. I ensure that the mother and baby are comfortable and well supported on the table. I use a special full body support system known as the bodyCushion^TM that allows the mother to comfortably lay face down while on her belly.

  Extra care is taken to not over-stretch the joints and ligaments which are more flexible during this time. Great care is taken to avoid deep pressure, especially on specific points (primarily located on the feet hands, arms, and lower legs) that are known to to exert too much influence on the energy flow through the pregnant woman's body.

  The intention is to provide relief, especially in the lower back and legs, from the transformation in weight bearing and the possible changes in water retention. We work just deeply enough to release stress and induce relaxation, but not too much that we stress the baby (or the mother) through dramatic changes in the mother's blood flow and body "chemistry."

  Pregnancy is one of the most important periods in which to receive caring and supportive, therapeutic touch. I invite you to nurture your body with prenatal massage therapy during this time of dramatic transformation.

• Myopractics

  Myopractics

  since 1996

  Myopractics is a gentle form of dynamic manipulation and soft tissue techniques. Myopractics restores the body's normal movement and flexibility, and eliminates tension and pain.

  A basic principle of Myopractics is that life is motion. The body is a fluid and dynamic system that is in constant motion. Anything that obstructs this life movement and restricts body tissue will manifest as aches and pains, tension and stress, or limited mobility. When there is a lack of motion in the body, this is referred to as a "restriction". A restriction causes an imbalance in the body that typically results in increased muscle tension in the area of the restriction and in adjacent areas. The body will typically produce this muscle tension in an attempt to counteract the restriction and re-establish structural harmony.

  For example, many back problems are directly related to some structural imbalance from restrictions in the pelvic region. This area is especially important to the Myopractor. The pelvis is the foundation and weight bearing center of the human body. If there is a lack of motion in the pelvis, the body may shift the burden and tension of weight bearing into another area, such as the back. In this way, muscle tension is created in the back in an attempt to maintain balance and to establish normal posture. Once proper weight transfer of the body into the pelvis is restored through Myopractic techniques, the structural relationships are anatomically correct and harmonious, and the rest of the body structure can become normalized.

  Myopractics brings one's entire body into balance and harmony. Through Myopractic techniques, motion is restored in the body so that one regains freedom of movement, maximum functioning and, consequently, freedom from stress.

• Pregnancy Massage

  Maternity Massage

  Prenatal Massage

  since 1994

  I have been working on pregnant women for as long as I've been doing massage. My deep understanding of the body, and the way in which it changes during this miraculous period allows me to work with confidence on the pregnant woman. I understand the development of the fetus and how the anatomy and physiology in the woman's body changes.

  My approach is gentle and non-invasive. I ensure that the mother and baby are comfortable and well supported on the table. I use a special full body support system known as the bodyCushion^TM that allows the mother to comfortably lay face down while on her belly.

  Extra care is taken to not over-stretch the joints and ligaments which are more flexible during this time. Great care is taken to avoid deep pressure, especially on specific points (primarily located on the feet hands, arms, and lower legs) that are known to to exert too much influence on the energy flow through the pregnant woman's body.

  The intention is to provide relief, especially in the lower back and legs, from the transformation in weight bearing and the possible changes in water retention. We work just deeply enough to release stress and induce relaxation, but not too much that we stress the baby (or the mother) through dramatic changes in the mother's blood flow and body "chemistry."

  Pregnancy is one of the most important periods in which to receive caring and supportive, therapeutic touch. I invite you to nurture your body with prenatal massage therapy during this time of dramatic transformation.

• Prenatal Massage

  Maternity Massage

  Pregnancy Massage

  since 1994

  I have been working on pregnant women for as long as I've been doing massage. My deep understanding of the body, and the way in which it changes during this miraculous period allows me to work with confidence on the pregnant woman. I understand the development of the fetus and how the anatomy and physiology in the woman's body changes.

  My approach is gentle and non-invasive. I ensure that the mother and baby are comfortable and well supported on the table. I use a special full body support system known as the bodyCushion^TM that allows the mother to comfortably lay face down while on her belly.

  Extra care is taken to not over-stretch the joints and ligaments which are more flexible during this time. Great care is taken to avoid deep pressure, especially on specific points (primarily located on the feet hands, arms, and lower legs) that are known to to exert too much influence on the energy flow through the pregnant woman's body.

  The intention is to provide relief, especially in the lower back and legs, from the transformation in weight bearing and the possible changes in water retention. We work just deeply enough to release stress and induce relaxation, but not too much that we stress the baby (or the mother) through dramatic changes in the mother's blood flow and body "chemistry."

  Pregnancy is one of the most important periods in which to receive caring and supportive, therapeutic touch. I invite you to nurture your body with prenatal massage therapy during this time of dramatic transformation.

• Reiki

  Reiki

  since 1997

  Reiki is "energy" work and operates on the energetic field of your body. This is not a massage, and you are clothed. My hands are placed lightly on your body. I tune into your "energy body" and "channel" the healing Reiki energy where it is needed.

  I have received the Reiki Levels I and II attunement and have access to three symbols by which the healing energy is transmitted. The power of these symbols can only be used for good, and will work for no other purpose.

  I balance out the energy in the body where ever it is needed. And I give particular attention to the energy chambers in the body known as the chakras. Our understanding of the chakras comes to us from the ancient yogis of India. There are seven main chambers, from top to bottom; sahasrara, ajna, vishuddhi, anahata, manipura, swadhisthana, and mooladhara. Each chakra is an energy center for the various emotional and mental states and we can influence these fields in the body by leading the chakra into balance.

  Additionally, I always incorporate some CranioSacral Therapy into the Reiki treatment.

  Testimonial: Just wanted to say thank you! My body and spirit was relieved from so much anxiety and stress today. I have never had a reiki experience like I did today. It was very intense and helpful! I feel like I faced a lot of fears and released a lot of things that I was holding on to! wow. It was like a acid trip without the acid. lol.
  By the way, I had been very bundled up in my stomach (constipation, irritation) for the last few weeks and I knew that you were so in tuned when you mentioned that. I felt a difference in my stomach immediately. Anywho, just wanted you to know that you made my day and I'll definitely be seeing you again soon!
  Teneia Sanders, Musician, Avondale, AZ

• Reflexology

  Reflexology

  (on the feet and/or hands)

  since 1994

  Reflexology is more than just a good foot rub. It is a method for activating the healing powers of the body. Reflexology was founded on the principle that there are energy zones that run throughout the body, and reflex areas in the feet that correspond to all the major organs, glands, and body parts. Working on the feet is an ancient art, as is evident from historical artifacts, texts, and illustrations, and its therapeutic effects have been well recognized in many cultures.

  In the early part of the twentieth century, Dr. William Fitzgerald and Dr. Edwin Bowers gave life to their theory that parts of the body correspond to other parts of the body. In the same way that a hologram contains the whole picture in each of its parts, so too does the body contain a picture of the whole in each of its parts. In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham discovered that the feet, because they are the most sensitive, allowed the greatest access to the energy zones that run throughout the body, and that every part of the foot corresponds with a specific area in the body. She proceeded to map the entire body onto the feet and discovered that an alternating pressure on the various points had a tremendous therapeutic effect. Hence, reflexology was born.

  How reflexology works is through the energy zones that run the length of the body. Reflexologists specify that there are ten of these zones; five on each side of the body that run from the head and tips of the fingers down through the body and into the feet. These zones can be thought of as meridians that give access at specific points on the body to other specific points within that zone in the body. The energy of life and the Universe flows through our bodies. Sometimes, this energy flow becomes blocked. But, because the whole of our bodies is contained within the feet, a reflexologist is able to reopen the energy flow to specific areas in the body that are blocked by working the corresponding part of the foot. This process brings balance and harmony to the body and can greatly aid the body in healing itself.

• Thai Massage

  Thai Massage

  Nuad Boran

  since 2001

  See Video Demonstration

  You are fully clothed in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. This massage is performed on a mat on the floor, and no oil or lotion is normally applied. The treatment consists of passive, yoga-like stretches, with rhythmic compression and precise pressure point work along the "Sen" energy lines and muscles in the body. Thai massage opens up the body and frees it of restrictions, bringing new vitality to tight or tired muscles, and balancing the life force energy in the body. Thai Massage can be a very relaxing treatment, or it's effects can be therapeutically corrective when more pressure is applied. It all depends on your needs and desires.

  more...

  Chiang Mai, Thailand, summer 2008. Read the blog!

• Trigger Point Therapy

  Trigger Point Therapy

  since 2001

  Myofascial trigger points (TPs) are extremely common and become a distressing part of nearly everyone's life at one time or another. Latent TPs, which may cause some stiffness and restricted range of motion, are far more common than active TPs. A myofascial TP is a hyperirritable locus within a taut band of skeletal muscle, located in the muscular tissue and/or its associated fascia. The spot is painful on compression and can evoke characteristic referred pain and autonomic phenomena. A myofascial TP is to be distinguished from a TP in other tissues, such as skin, ligament, and periosteum.

  The likelihood of developing pain-producing active TPs increases with age into the most active, middle years. As activity becomes less strenuous in later years, individuals tend to exhibit chiefly the stiffness and restricted motion of latent TPs. Researchers found that laborers, who exercise their muscles heavily every day, are less likely to develop active TPs than are sedentary workers who tend to indulge in occasional orgies of vigorous physical activity.

  Active TPs are most likely in postural muscles of the neck, shoulder and pelvic girdles, and the masticatory muscles. The upper trapezius, scalene, sternocelidomastoid, levator scapulae and quadratus lumborum muscles are very commonly involved.

  The mere passage of time often fails to bring about recovery from a myofascial pain syndrome.

  When injured, most tissues heal, but muscles "learn"; they "learn" to avoid pain. Active TPs develop habits of guarding that limit movement of that muscle. Chronic muscular pain, stiffness, and dysfunction result. With adequate rest, and in the absence of perpetuating factors, an active TP may revert spontaneously to a latent state. Pain symptoms disappear, but occasional reactivation of the TP accounts for the typical history of recurrent episodes of the same pain over a period of years.

  When patients mistakenly believe that they must "live with" TP pain because they think it is due to arthritis or a pinched nerve that is inoperable, they restrict activity in order to avoid pain. Such patients must learn that the pain comes from muscles, not from nerve damage, and not from permanent arthritic changes in the bones. Most important, they must know it is responsive to treatment. This give the pain a new meaning. When these patients realize the twin facts that their pain is myofascial and is treatable, their lives take on new meaning and they are started on the road to recovery of function.

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• Yoga Chikitsa

  Yoga Chikitsa (Body Therapy)

  since 2010

  In Yoga Chikitsa, we use the wisdom of the classic yoga asanas (postures) and yoga vinyasa (movement) to intelligently guide the body back into structural strength and stability. We evaluate your specific postural structure and body mechanics, and look for any restricitons in your body's ability to move freely and/or without pain or discomfort. We then seek to restore normal range of motion and healthy function to the body using both passive stretching (from Thai massage) and active stretching, or PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.)

  Learn about my yoga practice.

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Testimonials

My name is Robert Byrnes and I am a Nationally Certified, Licensed Massage Therapist practicing in Phoenix, Arizona since 1994. I have worked very hard to establish my massage practice and my professional standing. I have built my reputation as a safe, trustworthy, and caring individual. I create a safe and nurturing environment where clients can relax, heal, and rejuvenate themselves. The most common response I hear again and again from clients at the end of their session is, "That was the best massage I've ever had!"

Robert Byrnes was voted the best Massage Therapist in Phoenix and in Scottdale.

It seems over the years, my clients generally fall into two categories. I have people who come to me regularly that enjoy a deep, relaxing massage. Then I have people who come to me so that I can "fix" them. Generally, these people have a specific area, or complex, on which they want me to focus. After a few visits, their body has stabilized or normalized, and I might not see them again for some time.

With both categories of clients, those who want relaxation and those who want to be fixed, I seek to facilitate increased awareness into their bodies. My yoga practice has taught me much about mindfulness. By focusing on the breath and quieting the mind, the client can relax even more into the present moment. The client is feeling instead of thinking. From this place of being grounded and centered in the body, we discover a deeper connection, and the transformative, healing energy intensifies.

I graduated from the 1500 hour Massage Therapy and Myopractics program at the Institute for Natural Therapeutics in Mesa, Arizona and I am certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. (NCBTMB)

I continually improve my skills every year through on-going studies and advanced training. Since the fall of 2012, I have been performing a lot of Deepfeet Bar Therapy treatments. In the fall of 2010, and the spring of 2012, I attended Erik Dalton's Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques seminar, and was blown away by the effectiveness of his methods. This work fits in beautifully with my corrective massage therapy techniques. In the summer of 2008, I studied Traditional Thai Massage in Thailand for 30 days. I have performed the Esalen style of massage since the summer of 2002, when I first began integrating the Esalen approach and philosophy in earnest. In the Esalen style, I integrate detailed structural work with long, flowing strokes that relax and reconnect the whole-body; top to bottom, front to back, and side to side.

My massage work is meditative and connected to Spirit. I am trained in Myopractics whose roots are early Osteopathy. I employ the principles and stretching of Traditional Thai Massage. I use techniques that come from the pioneering efforts of Milton Trager. I connect with energy in the spirit of Reiki and the CranioSacral work of John Upledger. I am strong and I can work deeply. I am sensitive and I can work subtlety. Most importantly, I strive to create a unique treatment that is individualized to each client's needs.

I provide therapeutic treatments by appointment in Phoenix, Arizona. Please call 602-334-1919 or send an email.

• Acupressure
• Adhesive Capsulitis
• Alphabiotics
• Aromatherapy
• Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy
• Ashtanga Yoga
• Asian Bodywork
• Baby Shower Gift
• Barefoot Massage
• Best Massage Therapist
• Bodywalking
• Bodywork
• Cancer Massage
• Chinese Cupping Therapy
• Cranial Sacral
• CranioSacral
• Deepfeet Bar Therapy
• Deep Muscle Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Esalen Massage
• Frozen Shoulder
• Geriatric massage
• Hands On Healing
• Manual Therapy
• Manuel Therapy
• Massage Therapist
• Materity Massage
• Myofascial Release
• Myotherapy
• Myopractics
• Myopractor
• Myropractics
• Myropractor
• Naprapathy
• Neuromuscular Reeducation
• Neuromuscular Therapy
• Nuad Bo Ran
• Nuad Boran
• Oncology Massage
• Physical Therapy
• Perinatal Massage
• Postnatal Massage
• Pregnancy Massage
• Prenatal Massage
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Relaxation Massage
• Rotator Cuff
• Sciatica
• Self Care
• Sports Massage
• Stress Reduction
• Swedish Massage
• Tendonitis
• Thai Yoga Massage
• Therapeutic Massage
• Traditional Thai Massage
• Trager
• Trigger Point
• Yoga
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Entire contents copyright © 1997 - 2013 by Robert Byrnes