Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is a healing art that varies by therapist and modality
(technique). Modalities consist primarily of Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular
Therapy, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage and Shiatsu. Massage is commonly
used to release stress, ease muscle aches and pains, stimulate blood and
lymph flow, help remove toxins from the body and provides an overall sense
of well being. More and more, people are using massage and other forms
of bodywork to reconnect the mind/body/spirit and restore peace and harmony
within themselves.
Swedish Massage
Relaxation Swedish massage is a gentle full body massage, using rocking in conjunction with long calming strokes of the superficial layers of muscle to improve circulation and relax nerves. Deep kneading and friction techniques on specific areas of muscle tissue reduces tenderness and relieves tension, providing an over all feeling of relaxation and well being.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage, therapeutic in nature, focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, and often a specific area of the body. Massage is proven to ease the damage of physical problems that arise from injuries, repetitive use, or an accumulation of stress. These techniques do not inflict pain; they bring out the pain that is present within the body. Deep bodywork brings an awareness of tension and holding patterns within our structure, allowing our body and mind to synchronize. With enhanced body awareness, you can face the challenge and open up to release, when the tendency is to tighten-up and hold.
Long slow strokes and firm pressure along the length of muscle bundles loosens fascia, allowing muscles to move freely. Short rapid friction across the grain of muscle tendon and fascia reduce adhesions. Deep manipulation of specific muscle groups decrease acute or chronic pains and tension of the body.
The effects of Deep Tissue Massage can take several days to be fully absorbed. You may feel stiff and sore, much like a good hard work out. Typically, this is a sign that stored toxins within the tissues of your body are working their way out.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy is clinical, treatment-specific massage therapy
that addresses the CAUSE of soft-tissue pain, literally head-to-toe!
When no specific cause of pain can be identified and diagnostic tests are negative, the origin of pain is usually soft-tissue. Neuromuscular Therapy combines techniques from well-known physicians and therapists for targeting pain (soft-tissue release, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular reeducation, etc.). Significant results are usually observed in one to four sessions. Typically, one feels better immediately following the session. The goals are reduced pain and increased mobility.
A unique aspect of NeuroMuscular Therapy is the focus upon six factors that create or intensify pain. Briefly, these factors are ischemia (diminished blood flow), trigger points, nerve entrapment or compression, postural distortion, nutrition, and emotional well-being or stress.
Some common problems addressed by this therapy include TMJ, dizziness from a soft-tissue origin, neck pain with or without weak discs, shoulder pain (rotator cuff), arm pain (thoracic outlet syndrome), carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain with or without weak discs (piriformis syndrome), IT bands of runners and other sports injuries, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and others.