Types of Massage Offered by Professional Massage
There are a variety of different styles, types and techniques of massage utilized by massage therapists. Please review the descriptions below of modalities that I offer.
SWEDISH MASSAGE uses five strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross-fiber), and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has been shown to be helpful in reducing pain and joint stiffness. It has also been shown to be helpful in clients with poor circulation. The medical community has suggested that 90% of disease is stress related. The basic Swedish Massage can reduce stress, leading to decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, decreased fatigue, increased circulation, improved concentration, and greater energy.
MEDICAL MASSAGE is the use of specific massage techniques to work on specific problems related to injuries or chronic problems. Treatment is administered after a thorough consultation with the client, sometimes including consultation with the client's physician or physical therapist.
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 heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and clients who have sustained physical injury. It is also 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 calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work, it is important to communicate what you are feeling to your therapist.
PRENATAL MASSAGE is similar to massage during non-pregnancy in terms of the goals (relaxation, pain relief, increased circulation & mobility, etc.). However, due to the changes undergone during pregnancy, modifications are made. To accommodate swollen tender breasts and a growing belly, special pillows, positioning and techniques are utilized to ensure comfort for both the expectant mother and 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.
SPORTS MASSAGE is actually a form of Swedish massage that is delivered to athletes. Most commonly, sports massage focuses on increasing blood and lymphatic fluid flow, reducing and eliminating pain as well as tender trigger points, and increasing range of motion of the affected area. Sports massages can be broken into 4 distinct types - the pre-event sports massage, the post-event sports massage, the restorative sports massage and the rehabilitative sports massage. As the names indicate, each type of sports massage has a different focus for the athlete as they are delivered at different times during their training and performance schedule.
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE not only offers relief from physical symptoms of cancer treatment, some patients say that massage helps them feel "human" again. Massage for cancer patients can reduce pain, anxiety, nausea, fatigue and depression. Some people fear that massage can spread cancer cells throughout the body, but this is not the case. Cancer cells may be present in the lymphatic system, and may be spread by the circulation of lymphatic fluids which occurs naturally in the body. Massage does not cause cancer to spread.
GERIATRIC MASSAGE is a gentle Swedish massage designed for the unique needs of the elderly. This type of massage addresses issues specific to the elderly, such as fragility of the aging skin, and limited mobility due to stiffness and joint problems. The gentle touch of a geriatric massage can stimulate circulation, boost the immune system, and relieve the aches and pains associated with aging.
HOT STONE MASSAGE uses heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly river stones which over time, have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are glided along the client's skin, they transfer heat which deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension.
