Service Descriptions
The pressure sensation that you experience during a massage is dependent on how much force the therapist exerts, as well as the client’s current level of tension. Everyone’s comfort level for massage pressure is different and that is okay. Certain areas of your body may also respond differently to the pressure you are experiencing; let your therapist if you are experiencing discomfort, at any time. It is important for both you and the massage therapist to openly communicate with each other when you feel that the pressure needs to be increased or reduced during the massage. This will ensure that you are comfortable and are receiving the massage that you want.
Swedish Massage
This massage style employs long gliding movements, kneading, and friction motions with light to light-medium pressure. Focusing largely on massaging the skin sets off a chain reaction that produces relaxing, positive effects on all layers and systems of the body. It increases circulation and activates reactions within the nerves, muscles, and glands of the body.
Deep Tissue Massage
This massage style is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and connective tissue (also known as fascia) of the body. The therapist focuses on massaging the muscles located below the surface of the body’s superficial muscles through the use of strategic techniques and movements to release muscle tension. This type of massage is often used to alleviate musculoskeletal complaints. Deep Tissue work should not be associated with deep, sustained pressure.
Hot Stone Therapy
This massage technique employs the use of heated, rounded stones that are utilized on areas of the body to warm up the surrounding muscle, making it easier to reduce muscle tension and achieve muscle relief. Our therapists incorporate the Hot Stones into their massage movements, instead of just positioning them on the body to provide heat effect. They first transfer the heat of the Hot Stones to the body and then use the heated stones to complete portions of the massage. The stones are used to achieve some of the effects of Deep Tissue muscle release by warming up the muscle and allowing your therapist to massage the deeper layers without using as much pressure.
Sports Massage
This massage style is typically used before, during, or after athletic events to prepare the body for peak performance. The techniques employed vary depending on the needs of the athlete, but can include light sweeping movements, cross-fiber friction in the muscles, trigger-point work (that reduce and release sensitive muscle “knots” in the soft tissue), stretching, and joint mobilization. These techniques are designed to drain away fatigue, relieve swelling, reduce muscle tension, promote flexibility, and prevent injury.
Trigger Point Therapy
This massage technique is used to reduce and release sensitive muscle “knots”, called Trigger Points, in the body’s soft tissue. These constricted, tight areas of the muscle can often cause pain or discomfort in other parts of the body. This technique uses a cycle of isolated pressures and movements to reduce the Trigger Point and alleviate the muscle constriction. It usually takes more than one massage treatment to completely release the effects of a Trigger Point, because of its size, location, and cause. However, you typically experience a significant decrease in tension around the area of the Trigger Point, which can provide noticeable relief after just one treatment. Regular Trigger Point Therapy is used to combat these muscle knots and continue to provide relief from any discomfort they cause.
Pre-natal and Post-natal Massage
This massage style is tailored to relieve the tension and aches associated with the body during and after pregnancy. It is used to relieve typical pregnancy discomforts (like backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, and headaches, reduce edema swelling, reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, encourage blood and lymph circulation, and reduce some of the effects of hormonal changes). The massage techniques utilized during the massage are adjusted to meet the needs of the individual. You can receive pre-natal massage at any point in your pregnancy, but you must let your therapist know so they can avoid contraindications.
Myofascial Release Therapy
This massage technique focuses on manipulating the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds the body’s muscle. Since fascia connects parts all over the body, tension or trauma in one part of the body can affect areas of another. It is not uncommon for your therapist to utilize Myofascial Release techniques in a separate area of the body, instead of the area where you are experiencing discomfort. The therapist will strategically massage parts of the fascia to release any effects of inflammation and trauma that can lead to tension and discomfort.
Lymphatic Drainage
This massage technique involves applying light pressured sweeping motions over areas of the body to promote the flow of Lymph Fluid across the body. The Lymphatic System is a body system that is responsible for removing cellular fluid from tissues and aids in proper digestion. This system is also responsible for the body’s immunity because it transports white blood cells to and from the body’s lymph nodes into the bones. Lymphatic Drainage is used, if needed, to reduce swelling in particular areas and promote healthy metabolic flow. Lymphatic Drainage can be incorporated into a standard massage session.
TMJ Massage Therapy
This massage focuses on concentrated techniques to the neck, jaw, and head to relieve the effects of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction. TMJ can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement, for a variety of different reasons. Your therapist will tailor their work to help reduce any tension and discomfort you may be feeling as a result of TMJ. Regular TMJ Massage may be needed to continually reduce TMJ discomfort, but one treatment can often provide noticeable relief. TMJ Massage can be incorporated into a standard massage session.
GI Massage Therapy
This massage focuses on concentrated techniques to the abdominal area to relieve issues connected to the GI (gastrointestinal) system. GI Massage can help improve digestive function, relieve constipation symptoms (particularly after a recent surgery), reduce bloating, and alleviate menstrual pain. Your therapist will use light sweeping movements across your abdomen to achieve these effects. GI Massage can be incorporated into a standard massage session.