Swedish Massage

With Swedish / Relaxation Massage the goal is to relax the entire body and improve blood circulation. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart.

Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet. On part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body. This technique keeps the proper body temperature so that full relaxation will take place. Some of the techniques include strokes, circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending, stretching and vibrating. Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports and deep tissue. ( top )

Massage with Acupressure

Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TC), like Acupressure along with massage is a great way to not only relax, but balance the chi along the meridians that run throughout our body. Acupressure is a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In acupressure, the same points on the body are used as in acupuncture, but are stimulated with finger pressure instead of with the insertion of needles. Acupressure is used to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain.

Chinese medicine is at least 2,000 years old and has developed acupuncture, acupressure, herbal remedies, diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and other remedies as part of its healing methods.

Acupressure massage can be very effective both as a prevention and as a treatment for many health conditions, including headaches, general aches and pains, colds and flu, arthritis, allergies, asthma, nervous tension, menstrual cramps, sinus problems, sprains, tennis elbow, and toothaches, among others. Acupressure points can also be stimulated to increase energy and feelings of well-being, reduce and stimulate the immune system. ( top )

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas. Using slow strokes and deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain, deep tissue massage first warms the soft tissue before targeting deeper muscle groups.

Deep tissue massage breaks down scar tissue, loosens muscles, releases toxins and allows blood and oxygen to circulate properly. It is important to drink plenty of water afterwards to flush away the toxines released during the massage.

• Elimination of blocks that cause muscles tightness
• Increases circulation of blood, lymph, cerebra-spinal and interstitial fluids
• Can resolve many chronic pain patterns by releasing deeply held emotions that cause tension
• Improves posture and mobility
• Helps to reduce tension and the automatic reflexes to stress

Deep tissue massage can be very effective, but one has to be realistic about how much can be achieved in one session. Simply asking for more pressure and thinking that by applying more pressure all tension will be released within an hour is unrealistic. Chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime can only be addressed with a series of massage treatments. ( top )

Sports Massage

An Athlete's peak performance may be dependent upon the proper use and application of sports massage. More than a treatment for injuries, sports massage produces overwhelming benefits for athletes physically, physiologically, and psychologically.

Sports massage is designed to prepare the athlete for their best performance, reduce fatigue, and relieve muscle swelling and tension. During physical activity -especially strenuous- muscle tension builds up in the body's soft tissue. Due to over-extension or overuse, minor injuries and lesions occur in these tissues that can cause a great deal of pain and poor athletic performance. Sports massage helps alleviate pain and prevent such injuries that greatly affect flexibility, mobility, response time, and overall performance in athletic events.

Muscular strain is a common sports related injury with the potential to chronically impair performance when sound principles of injury recognition, immediate treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention are ignored. When preventive techniques such as sports massage are applied, according to Glen A Holvorsoo, MD, severe muscular strain may be avoided.

Sports massage should be applied before and after athletic events, with many "maintenance" sessions in-between meets or competitions. Pre-event sports massage focuses on warming-up the major muscles to be used and improves tissue pliability. It also helps get the athlete in a good mental state for competition and prepares them to reach their athletic performance potential. Post-event sports massage is given following an athletic event and is mainly focused upon recovery. This type of sports massage is geared toward reducing muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occur with vigorous exercise.

Integrated into a weekly training regimen, athletes may avoid DOMS, relax and revitalize muscles, and feel calmer and more focused before and after events. ( top )

Prenatal Massage

• Eases backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches that may be caused by muscle tension and shifts in posture to accommodate increasing weight.
• Decreases pain in the pelvic/hip area
• Increases circulation
• Improves digestion
• Reduces fatigue
• Improves skin elasticity that can help reduce stretch marks
• Helps reduce swelling in such places as hands and lower legs
• Can alleviate the stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees, which are impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby
• Promotes relaxation and deep breathing
• Helps stabilize hormone levels by lessening anxiety

Taking time for yourself during pregnancy can be uplifting emotionally. The soothing essence of massage allows pregnant moms to unwind and feel serene, healthy, and comforted during a period of added physical and emotional stress.

Some women also choose to incorporate such elements of massage during childbirth to cope with delivery. Massage therapy can also be a therapeutic treatment after pregnancy as your body returns to its normal state, and you begin your exciting life with baby. New moms are also learning how to bring the benefits of touch therapy to their children through infant massage classes.

All expectant mothers should check with their doctors prior to getting a massage. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or are on the early stages of pregnancy, prenatal massage my not be recommended. It is important to share information about your condition and your preferences with your massage therapist when you arrive for your appointment. The massage therapist will adjust your prenatal massage to make it as soothing and as useful as possible based on your personal needs and preferences. ( top )

On-Site Chair Massage

Chair massage is an increasingly popular offering of wellness programs in the workplace. It is becoming more popular as businesses explore ways to reduce stress on the job and to prevent job-related injuries. The massage is given directly through the clothing and lasts about 15-20 min, so it will not interfere with your work schedule. The benefits include:

• Reduces physical/mental effects of stress, thus helps prevent burnout
• Relieves physical problems associated with repetitive tasks
• Improves alertness and ability to focus
• Is thought to improve immune system functioning for better health and resistance to colds and other illnesses
• Calms the nervous system and increases circulation, which boosts energy and alertness
• Thought to improve immune system functioning for better health and resistance to colds and other illnesses

The effects of stress are cumulative and, without time to relax and recharge, can lead to:

• Headaches, backaches, eyestrain, neck pain
• Repetitive use injuries such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome
• Listlessness, poor concentration, anxiety, depression, irritability, or anger
• Lowered resistance to colds and infections, high blood pressure and heart disease
• Physical and emotional exhaustion, also known as "burn-out"

On-site massage is also a great way to recognize birthdays or service anniversaries, provide incentives awards for good attendance or an accident-free period, or give a bonus for achieving company and individual goals or completing projects. ( top )