Massage Therapy
More information about Massage below!
Who can Benefit from Massage?
Massage may seem like a luxury service, but it is maintenance. It improves your health and state of mind. When you feel peaceful and relaxed, it will be felt by everyone you come in contact with, in a cascade-effect. Massage therapy can help a wide range of people. It is safe to say that almost everyone could benefit from it. Massage can greatly help:
Athletes
Fibromyalgia
Insomnia
Anxiety
Chronic neck pain
Stress in cancer patients
High blood pressure
Tension Headaches
Depression
Types of Massage:
Swedish Massage
Generally regarded as the most common form of massage. Swedish massage involves a combination of five basic strokes, and concentrates on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for improved circulation, relaxation, pain relief, and overall health maintenance and well-being. Swedish massage is also one of the less demanding techniques for massage therapists to practice, as it usually does not involve deep-tissue work.
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage is a general term that covers a variety of specific techniques. Where Swedish massage tends to be for general relaxation, this type of massage is typically best for clients who have chronic pain or nagging troublesome spots that they want their massage therapist to address. Usually, your therapist is able to tell how much pressure to employ based on how your muscles respond to treatment.
Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage utilizes slow strokes, and direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep Tissue massage penetrates into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains; its purpose is to reach the fascia beneath the surface muscles.
For more information, check out: Do I Need a Deep Tissue Massage?
Myofascial Release (MFR)
MFR deals specifically with the fascia, or connective tissue, of the body. The fascia is connected to every other part of the body, and actually helps to support the body's very structure, including the musculoskeletal system. When injury, inflammation, or physical or emotional trauma occurs, the fascia can become tight and cause pain and/or restricted range of motion. Myofascial Release -- as its name suggests -- aims to release tension in the fascia and return it to a state of normalcy, by applying gentle pressure to the restricted areas. MFR can help with a number of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and stress-related illnesses.
Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage is a gentle form of massage used to stimulate the lymphatic system, and encourage the movement of lymphatic fluids through the body. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from the tissues. Because the lymphatic system is only stimulated by body movement, people with limited mobility, people with health problems such as fibromyalgia or cancer recovery, or those who have recently undergone surgery may have lymph fluid build-up or swelling. These clients may find lymphatic massage very beneficial.
Note: While our LMTs do not specifically offer lymphatic massage, the movement of lymph is a benefit of all types of massage to varying degrees.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone massage is best for those with very tight and sore muscles. It works by placing heated stones strategically on certain parts of the body. By doing this, the heat from the stones helps your muscles to relax and release. After the stones heat your muscles, the actual massage becomes very easy for you and the massage therapist. The heat from the stones also helps improve your circulation and calms your nerves.
Oncology Massage
For anyone who has ever been through a cancer treatment, having a massage therapist who is trained in Oncology massage is ideal. Their knowledge of the disease itself, plus having the ability to modify any massage to better serve the client, makes a significant difference in their comfort level. Many of the changes that will be made to your session will be almost undetectable, but they are essential to your safety and the proper support of your wellbeing.
Prenatal Massage
Receiving a massage during your pregnancy can help to relieve extra stress caused by hormones. Pregnant women have special needs that are different to the typical patient, in terms of positioning on the massage table. The massage therapist may utilize cushions to support a growing belly in a side position, or to support the lower back. Prenatal massage can also help women who are experiencing swelling in certain areas, as well as the standard aches and pains associated with pregnancy.*
*Massage is typically not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy, so it is important to check with your doctor before scheduling a massage during that time.
Prepare For Your First Massage Appointment
Review and complete the forms for your first massage appointment here.