Types of Massage
There are a variety of different styles, types, and techniques of massage utilized by massage therapists. I've provided a description of some of the more popular and well known modalities being used today. See my brochure for a detailed description of the massage and bodywork modalities I perform on a regular basis.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in strenuous physical activity, and who have sustained some type of physical injury. It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one individual considers deep, another individual will consider moderate. It is important to communicate what you are feeling to the therapist when a receiving deep tissue massage.
Myofascial
Release
Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic (body) dysfunction and accompanying pain and restriction of motion. This is accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation, increasing venous and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia. This modality is quite relaxing!
Pregnancy
Massage
Pregnancy massage is similar to Swedish massage in terms of the goals (relaxation, pain relief, increased circulation and mobility, etc.). However, due to the changes experienced during pregnancy, modifications are made during the massage. To accommodate swollen tender breasts and a growing belly, special pillows, positioning, and techniques are utilized to ensure comfort for both the expecting mother and her baby. With increasing weight, a changing center of gravity, and the many other changes associated with pregnancy, prenatal massage can help provide relief and a sense of well being that is much deserved. If you are pregnant, I encourage you to experience a pregnancy massage, you and your baby will both enjoy its benefits!
Sports Massage
Sports massage is often administered to athletes and active individuals. Sports massage focuses on increasing blood and lymphatic fluid flow, decreasing the presence of lactic acid in the joints, reducing and eliminating pain as well as increasing the range of motion of the affected area. Sports massage is divided into four distinct types: pre-event sports massage, post-event sports massage, restorative sports massage and rehabilitative sports massage. As the names indicate, each type of sports massage has a different focus since they are delivered at different times during the athlete's training and performance schedule. This massage feels great on the joints and connective tissues!
Hot Stone Therapy
Hot stone massage utilizes water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to specific areas of the body. Basalt stones used specifically for this treatment have been hand selected and polished making them very smooth. Large, heavy stones are placed along the recipient's back which allows the heat to penetrate deep into tired muscles; while smaller stones coated in scented oils are used to deliver relaxing strokes. I highly suggest you try a hot stone massage, it's amazing!
Swedish
Massage
Swedish massage uses a variety of strokes during a massage. The five basic strokes are
effleurage (gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement
(rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration or shaking.
Swedish massage has been shown to be helpful in reducing pain and joint
stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis and poor circulation. If you have never had a massage of any kind, I suggest you begin with a Swedish massage. It's a great way to be introduced to the world of relaxation.
Trigger
Point Therapy
Trigger points or trigger sites are described as hyper-irritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. These palpable nodules or trigger points are small contracted knots and are often a common cause of pain. Compression of a trigger point may elicit local tenderness or referred pain. It's not uncommon to have unexplained pain radiating from these points of local tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. I work on these troubled areas when I perform deep tissue massage.
