Massage Techniques & Services

Massage

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and to promote relaxation and well-being.

Massage is a "hands on" treatment in which a therapist manipulates muscles

and other soft tissues of the body to improve health and well being. Varieties

of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft

tissues to deepen manual techniques. Massage has been practiced as a healing

therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. It helps relieve

muscle tension, reduce stress and evoke feelings of calmness. Although massage

effects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the

musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper

layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and

pains and contracted areas such as stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg

muscle tightness, and sore shoulders. Some of the same strokes are used as classic

massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and

concentrated on areas of tension and pain in order to reach the sub-layer of muscles

and the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). When there is chronic

muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of pain-ful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist uses massage oil and often uses direct deep pressure. Muscles must be relaxed in order for the therapist to reach the deeper musculature.

Orthopedic Massage

This unique, total system consists of orthopedic assessment, clinical reasoning, multi-disciplinary and multi-modality therapies, and precise corrective stretching and strengthening exercises. The focus is to restore balance, posture, function, and pain free living.

Myoskeletal Massage

Myoskeletal Therapy is Deep Tissue Massage combined with joint stretching and myofacial (muscles and connective tissues) mobilization techniques. This is soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle im-mobility and pain. The therapy aims to relax contracted muscles, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles. The direct myofascial release method engages the myofascial tissue "restrictive barrier" where tension exists. The tissue is loaded with a constant force until "release" occurs through this treatment. Practitioners use knuckles, elbows, or other tools to slowly stretch the fascia. Direct myofascial release is an attempt to bring about changes in the myofascial structures by stretching or elongation of fascia, or mobilizing adhesive tissues. The practitioner moves slowly through the layers of the fascia until the deeper tissues are reached.

Hot Stone Massage

During a Hot Stone Massage, smooth, flat, heated rocks are placed on the body to promote circulation and relax the muscles. Sufficiently heated stones are placed onto specific points on the body, such as the back, hands, neck, etc. Additional stones are held by the massage therapist and used to work the muscles for deep relaxation.

Warm Bamboo Massage

Warm Bamboo Massage is fusing nature with deep relaxation. Warmed bamboo canes are used to dissolve knots and kinks in the body. The bamboo cane replaces the therapist's hands, and it is able to give a deeper,

firmer massage. The cane is held by the therapist and rolled over the muscle with the same

strokes they would use with their hands. Hands are used to work over the muscles and

the cane is used to focus on knots. The muscle is then kneaded, which assists in the

release of tension and easing of knots. The bamboo canes can be used as a treatment

in their own right or in conjunction with Deep Tissue, and other trigger point work.

Massage Cupping

There are many potential benefits to vacuum massage cupping, including:

Improved circulation: Cupping can help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected area. This can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle stiffness.
Release of toxins: Cupping can help to release toxins from the body through the skin. This can help to improve overall health and well-being.
Reduced pain: Cupping can help to reduce pain by stimulating the production of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
Improved respiratory function: Cupping can help to improve respiratory function by loosening mucus and phlegm in the lungs. This can help to relieve respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.