Therapy Types
Swedish
Swedish massage therapy is very gentle and relaxing. If you’ve never had massage before, this is a good one to try first. It is both relaxing and rejuvenating as it energizes the body by reducing stress, increasing circulation and oxygen supply to muscles.
Deep Tissue
Targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue for chronic pain relief by releasing tension through deep pressure. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the muscle. Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, postural problems, or recovery from injury. It is normal to feel mild soreness for one to two days after deep tissue massage.
Sports Massage
Uses deep tissue massage techniques and stretching to enhance athletic performance and recovery. This is specifically designed for people who are active and work out often. The focus isn’t necessarily on relaxation but on relaxing tight muscles and preventing injury as well as enhancing athletic performance and increased flexibility.
Active Release Techniques (ART)
is a hands-on touch system that allows a practitioner to treat soft tissue injuries in muscle, tendon, fascia, and nerves. Specific injuries that apply are repetitive strains, adhesions, tissue hypoxia, and joint dysfunction. If you have any recurring pain in your upper body, lower extremities, or head/neck/spine area, Active Release Techniques can relieve it. These are shorter sessions done fully clothed. It often takes 2-4 treatments to fully resolve the issues.
Shiatsu
A form of Asian bodywork that combines lightly compressing pressure in a rhythmic sequence over acupuncture meridians with stretching, holding, and leaning body weight. Each point is held for for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards.
Pre/Postnatal Massage
Geared toward expectant or postbirth mothers, this massage is tailored to the client to position the woman’s body and modify techniques to avoid areas contraindicative during pregnancy. It works out tight muscle areas, decreases swelling, relieves aches and pains, and is relaxing.
Hot Stone Massage
Heated, smooth stones are used to massage the body with light to moderate pressure to warm and loosen tight muscles in the body. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage. Speak with the therapist to decide if this modality is right for you.
Pediatric Massage
Children enjoy therapeutic touch as well. These massages are typically limited to a half hour and use light touch to relax muscles and gentle stretching to increase flexibility. This modality is especially helpful for adolescents who are highly active in sports or spirit.