Types of Massages
Swedish
Firm, but gentle pressure to promote circulation, ease muscle tension
and aches, improve flexibility and create relaxation. The therapist generally uses massage
oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body.
Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage,
including sports, deep tissue and aromatherapy.
Deep Tissue
Many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure
will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage,
as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots
(also known as "adhesions.")
Sport
Designed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover
after a big event, or function well during training. However, sports massage is also good
for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. Sport massage is a
type of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids.
Some sport massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down
adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.
Hot Stone
Melt away tension, ease muscle stiffness, increase circulation and metabolism.
Hot stone massage therapy promotes deeper muscle relaxation through the placement of
smooth, water-heated stones at key points on the body. Our professional massage
therapists also incorporate a customized massage, with the use of hot stones
which offers enhanced benefits.
Prenatal
Therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care.
It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves
many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches,
stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling). In addition,
massage reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph
circulation, helps to relax nervous tension which aids in better sleep and
can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
Must be in second trimester.
Hands & Feet
Tired and achy feet or typing all day on the computer? Whatever you are doing, you will
immediately feel the tension release with a foot or hand massage.
PNF
Stretching, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching, is often a
combination of passive stretching and isometrics contractions. The most common
PNF leg or arm positions encourage flexibility and coordination throughout the
limb's entire range of motion. PNF is used to supplement daily stretching and is
employed to make quick gains in range of motion to help athletes improve performance.
Good range of motion makes better biomechanics, reduces fatigue and helps prevent
overuse injuries. PNF is practiced by athletic trainers, chiropractors,
physical, occupational and massage therapists.
*Include PNF stretching in your massage at no extra charge.