


Hollis works extensively with clients recovering from repetitive strain injuries and chronic myofascial pain syndrome. She is skilled at working sensitively with clients who are in pain but who need very specific work to recover. This includes post-surgical patients, expectant mothers, and children. Regular clients find that their posture improves, they can do more without pain, and they move more fluidly. Hollis encourages her clients to develop an awareness of their bodies and teaches self-care techniques, including proper stretching and simple exercises.
Education and Training
Hollis over 1000 hours of professional training (see
list) and fourteen years of experience. She is Nationally
Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (1993), a Professional
Member of the American Massage Therapy
Association (1995) and is certified in Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy
(2002). She currently sees private clients in Palo Alto, California
and provides inpatient massage at Stanford Hospital and Lucille Packard
Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, California. Hollis emphasizes client
education, self-care techniques, and gaining control of one's own recovery.
Hollis can help you with:
Let go of pain.... Let your body be free!
Myofascial Release and CranioSacral Therapy
Myofascial release, as taught by John Barnes, is a safe, gentle and
effective technique producing lasting results for clients with chronic
pain and postural dysfunction. It speeds recovery from repetitive strain
and traumatic injuries and temporal/mandibular joint disorders. Fascia
is a tough connective tissue that connects the body in a three-dimensional
web from head to foot. Trauma, poor posture, or inflammation can bind the
fascia, resulting in pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones
or organs. The fascial system resists suddenly applied force. However,
the gentle application of sustained pressure allows the fascia to elongate,
producing positive structural changes. Home myofascial stretching exercises
help maintain these changes. Myofascial unwinding helps eliminate subconscious
holding or bracing patterns that may be perpetuating structural dysfunction.
Hollis has received advanced training in myofascial release including attending
a skill enhancement seminar at John
Barnes' "Therapy on the Rocks" clinic in Sedona, Arizona.
The craniosacral system extends from the skull to the sacrum, and includes the membranes and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Imbalances of the craniosacral system can be caused by fascial pulls from outside the system (such as the trapezius muscle) or by restrictions within. Craniosacral therapy uses very gentle touch to release these restrictions and often results in a significant reduction of chronic pain and improvement of motor coordination. Hollis has received her training in Craniosacral therapy from both John Barnes and from the Upledger Institute, Inc.®.
Neuromuscular Therapy/Clinical Deep Tissue MassageHollis incorporates into her work neuromuscular and muscle energy techniques as taught by Leon Chaitow; the deep transverse friction protocols of James Cyriax, M.D.; the trigger point therapy protocols of Janet Travell, M.D. and David Simons, M.D.; and stretches from the PNF system (contract/relax or CRAC methods) and Aaron Mattes. Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT-Chickly Method)Eliminate trigger points Reduce pain Reduce scar tissue and fascial adhesions Balance muscle tone Increase functional mobility
Prenatal and Postpartum Massage
Prenatal massage eases the discomforts and stresses of pregnancy, reduces
labor complications, and facilitates postpartum recovery. Specific
techniques for the pregnant woman are designed to safely:
Pediatric Massage (ages 2-18)
Children, particularly those with special healthcare needs or those
recovering from traumatic injury or medical procedures, benefit from massage
as well. Gentle touch techniques can help reduce pain and help a
child regain comfortable movement and a sense of wholeness. Hollis has
studied Pediatric Myofasical Release and Massage for Children with Special
Health Care Needs. Discounted rates apply.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular massage can help you maintain your good health and reduce stress!
Multi-session packages are available at a discount.
Appointments and Gift Certificates
For appointments, please call 650-493-0607 or email hollis@bodybefree.com.
Gift certificates may be ordered by phone.
For inpatient massage at Stanford Hospital, please contact the Department of Guest Services at 650-498-3333. Inpatient massage for pediatric and antepartum patients at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital is provided through the Patient Relations department 650-498-4847.
Let go of pain.... Let your body be free!