Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic Massage is an age old remedy that has been found throughout all major civilizations past and present. Massage has long been recognized for the “feel good” effects, and in recent years is finally getting the attention it deserves for its health enhancing effects. Not only does it help with relaxation and stress reduction, but is also improves circulation, relieves muscle tension, reduces and even sometimes eliminates chronic pain, improves immune system function, increases flexibility, and speeds up recovery time of surgery, injury, or hard workouts.
By using hands-on therapy to reduce pain and create healing, Therapeutic Massage stimulates the body’s own healing power which enhances general health and well being. Because Therapeutic Massage is used for many reasons, there are many different variations and applications. Here are some of the techniques we offer:
Swedish
This is the most common form of Therapeutic Massage. It is great for relaxation, stress reduction, health and well being. It is a connective and rhythmic type of massage and can be performed using varying degrees of pressure to accommodate each persons comfort level.
Deep Tissue
This technique focuses on addressing the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Its purpose is to release chronic patterns of tension in the body with the use of heavier pressure and slower strokes. Deep Tissue can be intense and sometimes uncomfortable as the practitioner works to release the holding patterns or chronic tension in the muscles. This is normally what people refer to as “having the knots worked out”.
Myofascial Release
This is a gentle form of massage that addresses the fascia surrounding the muscle tissue (fascia is a layer of tissue that keeps the muscle in the form it should be, like a sausage tube or a pill capsule). Myofascial Release is used when there are restrictions and tension in the tissue and it works well in treating scar tissue, adhesions, and limited range of motion in a joint. It is a very slow process but is deeply relaxing.
Orthopedic Massage
Orthopedic massage was created because over time, muscle groups shorten due to issues such as prolonged pain, poor posture, or repetitive motion. Orthopedic massage uses manipulation and movement of soft tissue in order to reduce pain and dysfunction. Optimally this process restores structural balance and allows rehabilitation from muscular dysfunction and works to prevent orthopedic injuries.
Pregnancy Massage
Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase energy, relieve discomfort, and embrace the bodily changes during pregnancy. Not only can pregnancy be uncomfortable and tiring, but it is also a time of great change and potential stress, and massage can help comfort during those times. During these changes, massage can relieve pain in the muscles and joints, reduce headaches, increase flexibility, ease constipation, reduce fluid retention, and slow the process of varicose veins.
Most sessions are performed in a very comfortable side lying position using pillows to support the body,and can also be performed in an elevated seated position. The practitioner can adjust to any of the needs a client might have to aid in her comfort.
Massage can be used before, during, and after the pregnancy and even during labor. Of course, any person with a high risk pregnancy or problems during pregnancy should notify the practitioner and discuss all aspects of the treatment before beginning a session.
Sports Massage
This technique was originally developed for athletes not only to help them achieve optimal performance, but also to aid in a quick recovery and to enhance their results while training. In sports massage, the emphasis is on preventing injuries before and after an event. However, many people who are not considered athletes have benefited because it helps with injury recovery, chronic pain or limited range of motion.