A Few Massage Modalities and Descriptions
Focused Tissue Muscular Therapy is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. "Deep Tissue" Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. A common misconception is that deep tissue work needs to be painful to be beneficial, but working the deeper layers of tissue should be done with ease and intention. Your focused tissue work should be full of sensation, never painful. If you are in pain, your muscles are engaged and working against your practitioner. When your muscles are relaxed and warm, it is much easier to access the deeper fibers of the tissue, which will provide better results.
Swedish (light/medium/firm/deep pressure) - A scientific system of manipulations used on the muscles and connective tissues of the body. Used for the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation, or health maintenance. Swedish massage therapy is comprised of five basic strokes and their variations: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration.
Deep Tissue technique (light/medium/firm/deep pressure) - Deep tissue massage is also called deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy. It is an umbrella term for bodywork systems that work deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains. A common misconception is that deep tissue needs to hurt to work. If you are in pain because your massage is too deep, your body is working against your therapist. Deep tissue technique can be done with light, medium, or firm pressure, all with amazing success.
Myofascial Release - Myo means muscle, and fascia is the elastic connective tissue wrapped around muscles and other parts of the body. During myofascial release, restrictions (stuck areas) are located and gentle sliding pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction to stretch the tissues. The stretching of tissues and the heat imparted by the practitioner's hands help produce a softer consistency of fascial tissues.
Neuromuscular Therapy - A systematic approach to myofascial treatment that attempts to interrupt the neuromuscular feedback that maintains pain or dysfunction.
Reflexology - Reflexology is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Foot reflexology, in which pressure techniques are applied only to the feet, is the most common form of reflexology
Sports Massage - Sports massage is applied to athletes to help them train and perform free of pain and injuries. Massage therapists blend classic Swedish strokes with such methods as compression, pressure-point therapy, cross-fiber friction, and joint mobilization to meet the needs of high-level performers and fitness enthusiasts.
Trigger Point - Trigger point massage utilizes ischemic compression of individual areas of hypersensitivity (hypotonic = knots) in muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. These trigger points are defined by their referral of pain to distant locations in muscles, connective tissues and organs.
Aromatherapy – The use of plant materials and aromatic plant oils, including essential oils (mixed with a base lotion or oil) for the purpose of altering ones mood, cognitive, psychological, or physical well-being.
Lymph Massage – Lymphatic drainage is used to decrease edema (tissue fluid) and has the side effect of improving the immune system. We use a smooth, gliding motion along the path of the lymphatic vessels to return tissue fluid to the heart.
Please note: I no longer provide prenatal, infant, or hot stone massage, but I will be happy to connect you with colleagues that do!