Massage

Deep Tissue/Myofascial Release
When an individual experiences physical/emotional trauma, scarring, repetitive movements, postural distortions, and stress, the intricate fascial webbing becomes thick, fibrous and restricted, causing excessive joint compression, nerve compression, decreased range of motion, decreased muscle efficiency and chronic pain. This technique releases tense muscles by acting on the fascia, or connective tissue through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, not necessarily because of the amount of pressure used. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a day or two.

Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) – applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.

Sports

A type of massage given to athletes to prepare them for, or recover from, athletic training or sports events.  In reality it is not a specific type of massage but a combination of massage therapy and assessment techniques.  The difference between Sports Massage and a "regular" massage is the focus of the Sports Massage Therapist and how they apply various massage techniques to help the athlete achieve his/her goals.  The Sports Massage Therapist may use several different techniques such as trigger point, stretching, deep tissue, and Swedish in order to reduce soreness, lengthen muscles, restore range of motion, and decrease pain in a manner that "fits" the athletes needs in a particular sport.

Swedish
Swedish Massage is a bodywork that is specifically designed to relax muscles. By applying gentle but firm pressure to muscles and bones, by rubbing concurrently with the circulation towards the heart, Swedish Massage purposefully enhances oxygen flow in blood and helps to rid toxins in the muscles.

Hot Stone Massage

This treatment combines Swedish massage techniques with warm, smooth stones. The penetrating, conductive quality of the stones facilitates a deeper level of relaxation providing a nurturing effect and feeling of well-being. The therapist will massage with some stones and lay others on your body at particular points.

What are the Benefits of Massage?

• Stimulates circulation providing nutrients & oxygen essential for healing
• Stimulates lymphatic system which enhances immune response
• Reduces cortisone & norepinephrine levels (stress hormones) to decrease anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Increases serotonin levels, important for maintaining a healthy mood and for improved sleep.
• Improves joint and muscle function & flexibility
• Facilitates recovery of injuries & chronic pain
• Enhances athletic recovery & performance
• Increases energy levels and body awareness
• Improves posture
• Prevents new injuries

What types of conditions can benefit from massage?

Muscle strain/spasms Back pain Whiplash Fibromyalgia Depression Scar Tissue Numbness Migraines and Headaches Rotator Cuff injury Carpal Tunnel Syndrome High Blood Pressure

TMJ Dysfunction Chronic Pain General Stress/Anxiety Insomnia Sciatica Scoliosis Tendonitis Multiple Sclerosis Plantar Fascitis Ilio-tibial Band syndrome Everyone benefits from massage