What is massage?
Massage applies various techniques to muscular structure and soft tissue including pressure, friction, kneading, and stroking to alleviate muscle pain and tension. Regular massage can help reduce stress, and can help you become more connected to your body.
Benefits of massage:
- Reduces stress
- Reduces back pain
- Reduces scar tissue
- Increases energy flow
- Reduces muscular pain
- Relieves tension headaches
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- Increases lymphatic circulation
- Increases peristalsis (digestion)
- Increases cardiovascular circulation
- Loosens adhesions in muscle fibers
- Increases muscle flexibility and function
- AND MORE
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Styles of massage:
RELAXATION - One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, relaxation massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The use of a variety of strokes such as effleurage, petrissage, vibration, and friction to help calm the body of stress and anxiety.
MET's (MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE) - Muscle energy is a direct, noninvasive manual therapy used to normalize joint dysfunction and increase range of motion with little effort on the part of the client. The practitioner evaluates the primary areas of dysfunction in order to place the affected joints in precise positions that enable the client to perform gentle isometric contractions. These directed movements help correct neuromuscular and joint difficulties.
REFLEXOLOGY - Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex areas on the hands and feet that correspond to other parts of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body's energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. This technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids.
DEEP TISSUE - Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. The use of fingers, knuckles, thumbs, and elbows in a slow deep fashion to relieve muscle tension. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
THERAPEUTIC - The manipulation of soft tissues of the body to achieve specific goals. Deep massage loosens tense muscles and stretches ligaments. Lighter touch therapy increases circulation to the skin and underlying muscles. Enhanced circulation relaxes healthy tissues and encourages a healthy tone. The use many different techniques such as positional release, static pressure, drags, and myofacial release. This may feel like a slight stretching or burning sensation, but is VERY effective. Helps with acute and chronic pain.
NEUROMUSCULAR - This comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation balances the body's central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. Based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system initiates and maintains pain, the goal is to help relieve the pain and dysfunction by understanding and alleviating the underlying cause. Neuromuscular therapy can help individuals who experience distortion and biomechanical dysfunction, which is often a symptom of a deeper problem. It is also used to locate and release spasms and hypercontraction in the tissue, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, assist venous and lymphatic flow, and restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics, and flexibility to the tissues.
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