Massage Types

Acupressure is a form of bodywork based in traditional Chinese meridian theory in which acupuncture points are pressed to stimulate the flow of energy or chi.

Deep Tissue Massage is also called deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy. It is a term used to describe various massage styles that focus on the deeper muscles and connective tissues of the body. The therapist uses movement and pressure to reshape and realign the muscles and connective tissue, breaking old, habitual holding patterns. Rolfing, Trager, Hellerwork and Feldenkrais are all forms of deep tissue massage.

Myo means muscle and fascia is the elastic connective tissue wrapped around muscles and other parts of the body. During myofascial release, restrictions (stuck areas) are located and gentle sliding pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction to stretch the tissues. The stretching of tissues and the heat imparted by the practitioner's hands are thought to help produce a softer consistency of fascial tissues.

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, restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics and flexibility to the tissues, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, and assist venous and lymphatic flow.

Addresses chronic pain and sports injury conditions with emphasis on knowing the underlying causes and pathology of each condition. Focus is on the entire body, with emphasis on restoring pain free joint range of motion throughout the body and integrating complete structural balance. Pain is released by combining sequences of functional assessment, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, frictioning, muscle energy, stretching, neuromuscular re-education, structural balancing, patient home care, and much more. The combination of these techniques obtains immediate and permanent results in even the most challenging and complicated clients.

The movements which involve various ways of kneading, rolling and picking up the skin and muscles, is called Petrissage. These movements help in strengthening the structures by stimulating the deep layers of tissue, and also help in increasing the supply of blood to the area. At the same time, it assists improvement of the lymph flow, and relieves congestion by reducing the edema. Petrissage techniques also make muscles more pliable, and are used to relieve soreness and hypertonicity (cramping). Light kneading eases the top muscle layers, while firmer kneading works on the deeper muscles.

Pregnancy massage is the massage of pregnant women (prenatal) and women after giving birth (postpartum). It address the special needs of pregnant women such as swollen/painful hands and feet, stress on weight bearing joints, preparation of muscles and cardio system for labor & delivery, scar tissue, exhaustion, and emotional changes.
discomforts in the low back, feet, and legs. This form of massage usually consists mainly of Swedish Massage techniques that are modified slightly to take into account the common aches and pains of pregnancy. Positioning of the client is also modified as the pregnancy progresses and the abdomen enlarges.

Reflexology is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Foot reflexology is the most common form of reflexology.

Reiki is a Japanese word pronounced "ray-kee" and means "Universal Life Energy" or Chi. Reiki is believed to date back to early Tibetan healing practices. Discovered in the 1800's by a Japanese philosopher and Christian seminary educator, Dr. Mikao Usui, Reiki was brought to the United States in the mid-1900s. As an energy healing technique, Reiki involves hands-on touch and visualization applied to the entire body, serving to align chakras and bring healing energy to organs and glands. The practitioner, trained to access and serve as a channel for the life energy, uses a passive touch which some clients experience with a warmth or tingling.

Rolfing is also called structural integration and was developed by Ida Rolf. Rolfing seeks to reestablish proper vertical alignment in the body by manipulating the myofascial tissue so that the fascia elongates and glides rather than shortens and adheres. The 10-session series can cause deep changes in the body that are physical as well as emotional.

is the application of various massage techniques to enhance athletic performance. Sports massage is applied to athletes to help them train and perform free of pain and injuries. Massage therapists blend classis Swedish strokes with such methods as compression, pressure-point therapy, cross-fiber friction, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and cryotherapy (ice massage) to meet the special needs of high-level performers and fitness enthusiasts. Sports Massage can reduce the risk of injury for an athlete, as well as accelerate the body’s natural restorative processes should injury occur.

Reflexology is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Foot reflexology is the most common form of reflexology.

Trigger Point utilizes ischemic compression of individual areas of hypersensitivity in muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. These trigger points are defined by their referral of pain to distant locations in muscles, connective tissues, and organs.