PAIN MANAGEMENT

Relief from pain is the most common reason people seek massage. This outcome is achieved by your massage therapist providing the “classic” relaxation foundation massage session adapted to address generalized or local pain sensations. Your massage therapist will integrate a variety of methods which may include a variety of pressure levels from light to deep targeting restoration of normal blood and lymphatic movement, normalizing connective tissue pliability to reduce stiffness, reducing trigger point activity and quieting the nervous system. Modalities such as myofascial release and gentle stretching may be used. After a Pain Management therapy session, clients often report feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and are “ready to take on the world”.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

The Stress Management massage session is built on the “classic” relaxation massage session with additional focus on reducing physiological stress responses such as anxiety, mild depression and fatigue. Your massage therapist will include a focus on and reduction of generalized body aches. Included in the massage session are a variety of methods some of which may require functional breathing, deeper focused pressure to reduce trigger point activity in muscles used for breathing and in the neck and shoulder area. All methods integrated into the massage focus on deep relaxation and supports restorative sleep. Clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity as well as a sense of rejuvenation after receiving a stress relieving massage.

FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY

The focus of this massage session it is structured to provide ease of movement without pain, stiffness, or aching. Building on the “classic” massage foundation, your massage therapist will target joint movement and muscle function from surface to deep tissue layers. This massage session may include methods using deeper pressure and movement to reduce trigger point activity, support normal myofascial pliability and increase flexibility in tissues that are short and stiff. Those who are physically active or beginning an exercise program will find that massage sessions that support mobility will support a physically active lifestyle.

WELLNESS/RELAXATION

The Wellness/Relaxation outcome is achieved with our “classic” massage foundation and will leave you feeling relaxed and renewed. Your massage therapist will use an integrated series of gliding (effleurage) and kneading (petrissage) methods, combined with gentle rhythmic joint movement. A variety of comfort based pressure levels are used during the session. Similar to the modality known as “Swedish massage” your session will also include variety of massage approaches that can result in deep relaxation and a feeling of wellbeing. If you have never received a massage before, this is a good place to start. The Wellness/Relaxation massage session can be adapted for pre-natal, geriatric, minors, sports, and any other unique situations.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).

A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people’s blood pressure fell after a single 45 to 60 minute deep tissue massage. Additionally, a 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage modalities like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.

Please talk with your professional massage therapist to see if a deep tissue massage therapy would be beneficial for you.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports massage therapy is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the sports massage technique are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice. Focusing on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.

Aspects of sports massage therapy are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage therapy can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed sports massage promotes flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries and prepares their body and mind for optimal performance.

One of the key benefits of Sports massage therapy compared to other modalities is its ability to target muscle-tendon junctions. A 2010 study in the journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that even a 30-second massage improved hip-flexor range of motion. Another study conducted by Margaret Jones, Ph.D. of the American College of Sports Medicine, demonstrated a notable trend toward decreased muscle soreness in the athletes who received massage either before or after exercise.

For anyone participating in regular physical activity, Sports massage therapy every week or two may be a great addition to your normal regimen. It’s best to talk with one of our professional massage therapists to find a plan that will work best with your schedule, level of activity and budget.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.