Types of Massage

There are a variety of different styles, types and techniques of massage utilized by massage therapists. I've provided a description of some of the more popular and well known types of massage I use. I have been known to use several modalities during my massage sessions. I listen to your body and whatever works for that moment, I use. I am also certified in visceral massage, infant massage, hospital based massage for the elderly or ill, and lymphatic manipulation.

INFANT MASSAGE

PEDIATRIC MASSAGE

Visceral Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Myofascial Release
Prenatal Massage
Shiatsu
Sports Massage
Swedish Massage
Trigger Point Therapy

WELCOME! Cellulite Busting Massage Program

Rates are $55 half hour, $90 per hour, $130 per 90 minute

Specialty massages are $100 per hour

Visceral Massage

Visceral Massage is manipulation of the organs to help produce proper organ function and improve posture. It is performed with the client fully clothed. During a visceral manipulation therapy session the practitioner will gently massage the body's deep tissues of the abdominal area - encouraging the body's visceral system (liver, kidneys, intestines, heart and so on) to release stress and tension. As a result the organs will glide freely, and with less tension. Now the body can begin to work as a whole, functioning more effectively overall.

*NOTE: Visceral massage is a good modality for women to receive after delivery, considering their organs have been greatly misplaced by carrying their babe.

Click here to see How the body changes during pregnancy

Deep Tissue Massage

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 patients 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.[2]

NOTE: I work deep tissues in a way that should not hurt much, if at all. Rather than go for the kill, I proceed by stripping layer by layer of muscle starting superficially. Its sort of like excavating a fossil (performed to preserve, not damage). I also include ROM (range of motion) and stretching techniques to reach deeper levels. I DON"T DO FLUFF.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic dysfunction and accompanying pain and restriction of motion. This is accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation, increasing venous and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia.[2]

Prenatal Massage/Infant massage

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, modification are made. To accommodate swollen tender breasts and a growing belly, special pillows, positioning and techniques are utilized to ensure comfort for both the expecting 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.[1]

I am also certified in infant massage, and not only can I massage your child, but offer touch therapy demonstrations. See Bonus Massagespage.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu (指圧) ("shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure.) is an eastern (oriental) born therapy that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating, and grasping. This modality of massage is also done with the client fully clothed.

Sports Massage

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.[1]

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing 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 shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. The development of Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes. The term "Swedish" massage is not really known in the country of Sweden, where it is called "classic massage".[2]

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points or trigger sites are described as hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. Trigger point practitioners believe that palpable nodules are small contraction knots[ambiguous] and a common cause of pain. Compression of a trigger point may elicit local tenderness, referred pain, or local twitch response. The local twitch response is not the same as a muscle spasm. This is because a muscle spasm refers to the entire muscle entirely contracting whereas the local twitch response also refers to the entire muscle but only involves a small twitch, no contraction. The trigger point model states that unexplained pain frequently radiates from these points of local tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. Practitioners claim to have identified reliable referred pain patterns, allowing practitioners to associate pain in one location with trigger points elsewhere.[2]

Hospital Based Massage

Light pulse massage used to improve circulation, increase energy, aid and comfort the patient. Home visits and hospital visits provided for your loved one.

Lymphatic Manipulation

Manipulation of the lymph to decrease swelling, improve circulation and promote healing. Used for injuries and breast cancer survivors.

HOT STONE MASSAGE & HIMALAYAN SALT STONE MASSAGE

A Himalayan Salt Stone Massage integrates the philosophies of Eastern medicine, Swedish massage, thermal therapy and salt therapies to create an array of possible benefits:

• Increase blood circulation
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve sleep
• Induce deep relaxation
• Improve overall sense of well-being

My stones are 100% pure Himalayan pink salt rich in 84 naturally occurring minerals and elements that revitalize the body. The stones are warmed and used as an extension of my hands to deliver a truly unforgettable massage.