Deeper pressure can absolutely be part of a session when it's appropriate, but more pressure doesn't always mean better results. My work takes a slower, more myofascial-focused approach, giving the tissue time to respond rather than simply applying more force. I use pressure intentionally, based on what I'm feeling and how your body responds, with the goal of creating change rather than chasing intensity.

Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles and other structures throughout the body. When an area becomes restricted, it can affect how the tissue moves and sometimes influence areas beyond where you're actually feeling tension or discomfort.

Myofascial release uses slower, sustained pressure and movement to work with those restrictions rather than simply pressing harder into the muscle. I incorporate this approach throughout my sessions to help restricted areas move more freely and create more ease in the body.

Buccal massage is an intraoral technique that allows me to work with the muscles of the jaw from inside the mouth. It can be especially helpful for people dealing with jaw tension, clenching or grinding, TMJ discomfort, headaches, and persistent tension through the face, head, and neck.

At Gray Space, buccal work is just one part of a more comprehensive session focused on the upper back, neck, shoulders, chest, scalp, face, and jaw, with plenty of myofascial work throughout. The intraoral portion itself is relatively brief and approached gradually. Some areas may feel tender, but the work should never feel excruciating or like something you need to push through.

Gua sha, sometimes referred to as muscle scraping, uses a smooth-edged tool to work with areas of muscular and fascial tension. At Gray Space, I often use heated stone gua sha tools, which combine warmth with slow, focused strokes to help tissue relax and improve movement. It can be especially helpful in areas that feel dense, restricted, or difficult to release with hands-on work alone.

Gua sha doesn't need to be aggressive or leave significant marks to be effective. I adjust the technique and pressure based on the area being treated and how your body responds.

Gray Space is located inside the Kimball Arts Center at 1757 N. Kimball Ave., in the Logan Square/Humboldt Park area of Chicago. You'll find me in Suite 205D on the second floor.

A small parking lot is available on the south side of the building, with ample unpermitted street parking along Kimball Ave.

A valid card is required to reserve your appointment but will not be charged at the time of booking. Cancellations or rescheduling with less than 24 hours' notice are charged 50% of the service fee, and missed appointments are charged the full service fee.