Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a technique that focuses on manipulating and realigning the deeper layers of muscles, connective tissue, and fascia. Its purpose is to release chronic patterns of tension in the body, to improve range of motion and posture, reduce pain and assist in recovery from injury. The massage therapist uses the hands, arms or elbows to apply slow, deep concentrated pressure strokes on areas of tension and pain in order to release contracted muscles and tissues. Deep tissue massage isn’t necessarily a strong pressure or “hard” massage, which means that it doesn’t have to hurt in order to be effective. However, the treatment can become intense at times due to the focused nature of the session. It is important to let the massage therapist know if the pain is outside your level of comfort so that adjustments can be made. The goal of deep tissue massage isn’t to create pain but to assist in a person’s healing process. 

Deep tissue massage is often used to treat:

-Chronic Pain

-Tension Headaches

-Limited Mobility

-Recovery from accidents and injuries (whiplash, falls, sports injury)

-Postural Problems

-Osteoarthritis Pain

-Muscle Tension or Spasm

-Repetitive Strain Injury 

-And more…

(information adapted from the article What to Know About Deep Tissue Massage)

Swedish/Relaxation Massage

Swedish massage is typically a full body massage and incorporates a number of different types of massage strokes: Effleurage (gliding), Petrissage (kneading), Vibration,Tapotement (percussion), Friction, and Posture/Movement re-education. In a general Swedish massage, the session may start with broad, flowing techniques that will help calm the nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As the body becomes relaxed, the massage therapist will gradually increase pressure to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. It is common for the massage therapist to use oil or lotion to avoid causing excessive friction to the skin. 

Benefits of Swedish Massage:

-Reduces stress

-Decreases pain

-Improves sleep

-Reduces swelling

-Increase muscle tone

-Increases flexibility

-Enhances blood circulation

-Stretch ligaments, tendons, and muscles

-Helps restore range of motion

-And more…

Thai Massage

Thai massage is an ancient form of healing that incorporates a blend of assisted stretching, acupressure and energy meridian work (also known as Sen lines). Thai massage is performed on a comfortable floor mat and clients are fully clothed in loose-fitting workout type of clothes.

Some of the benefits of having a Thai massage treatment include:

• Improved flexibility and range of muscle movement 

• Blood flow is increased, and circulation assisted

• Release of physical tension to relieve aches and pains

• Release of emotional tension held within the body, combating stress and providing a feeling of relaxation

[Note: Thai massage is not recommended for pregnant women]

Silicone Cupping

Cupping therapy is a technique that uses cups placed over the skin to create negative pressure through suction. Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures.Ancient practitioners used bamboo cups, then glass once it was available. Therapists now have the option of silicone cups, which can be moved from place to place on the skin making it an easier way to connect with the body’s layers of muscle and connective tissue. Cupping therapy is used for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. 

Gua Sha [pronounced gwa-shah]

Gua sha comes from the Chinese word for scraping. It is a healing technique used in traditional East Asian medicine. In this practice, the therapist uses a hand-held tool with rounded edges to apply pressure into the body with smooth, firm strokes in one direction and scrape the skin. This action causes transitory therapeutic light bruising, which often appears as purple or red spots known as petechiae or sha’. Practitioners will apply oil to the area being treated to allow for the tool to move across the skin more smoothly. 

Gua sha is most often used to relieve musculoskeletal disorders. Some examples include back pain, tendon strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Research has shown that it can also benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation, reduce perimenopause symptoms, and help improve diabetic neuropathy. 

Examples of when not to use gua sha include open wounds, skin irritation, chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or rosacea, sunburn, and skin moles. 

(information adapted from the article What is Gua Sha? A Guide to This Traditional Chinese Medicine Wellness Practice)

Craniosacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a very gentle form of bodywork that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. A craniosacral massage is a meditative experience for both the practitioner and client. The practitioner uses a soft touch to sense subtle movements in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and to release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CranioSacral Therapy can be used to alleviate a wide range of health problems associated with pain and dysfunction. 

Some of the conditions CranioSacral Therapy can address:

-Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury 

-Migraines and Headaches

-Chronic Neck and Back Pain

-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

-Fibromyalgia

-TMJ Syndrome

-Chronic Fatigue

-And more…

Click here for more information about CranioSacral Therapy.