Massage Therapy

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is used for both pain relief and relaxation. In this massage, the therapist focuses on realigning and loosening deep layers of muscles and connective tissue. Some people complain about painful “knots” in their back or shoulders. These are tight tissues in the muscles or tendons, which may be blocking circulation causing inflammation and pain. With a deep tissue massage, these tight adhered tissues or knots are broken down for pain relief. This type of massage is very effective for people with stiff necks, sore shoulders, and or back pain. Many people who work at a desk and sit all day find alleviation from a deep tissue massage. The therapist may use their knuckles, elbows, hands, fingertips and forearms during the massage, and you may even be asked to take deep breaths at times when work on the tense areas is in progress. While it's true that the pressure of deep tissue is generally more intense than that of a Swedish massage, it shouldn't have to be painful to be effective. For a deep tissue massage, remember to communicate with your therapist. It's correct etiquette to alert the therapist when this discomfort occurs and ask them to apply less pressure. Don't worry – they want to know how you are feeling!

Sports Massage

Designed to prevent and treat injuries, improve flexibility, and enhance athletic performance, sports massage can be used by athletes of all abilities to prepare for or recover from athletic or sports events. The idea behind sports massage is to manipulate the body's soft tissues, and focus on certain muscle groups depending on which sport the athlete plays.

In sports massage, the strokes are generally faster than a typical Swedish massage. The therapist may also include compression, pressure point therapy, and friction. This specialized form of massage is used to prepare athletes for peak performance and is given before, during and after sports events. Sports massage is considered beneficial for athletes at all levels. Sports massage is sought out to help maximize training and performance for an event, and recover from any sports-related injuries or soreness. With this type of massage, the benefits include:

• Increase of blood flow
• Increased flexibility and range of motion
• Quicker elimination of lactic acid, which is an exercised-induced chemical compound
• Faster recovery from intense training or race days

Medical Massage

A medical massage is used for chronic pain relief or injury recovery, and is often prescribed by a physician. Insurance companies may cover massage therapy sessions if prescribed by a physician as part of a treatment plan.

• Releases tight and sore muscles which can cause Ischemia
• Helps relieve nerve compression or entrapment
• Deactivates Myofascial Trigger Points
• Decreases Pain and Inflammation
• Alleviates Stress and Improves Circulation
• Aids in Digestion: Massage can improve digestive motility
• Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion
• Calms the Nervous System
• Improves Posture and Coordination
• Medical Massage may also help to prevent future chronic pain conditions

As powerful as this form of therapy can be, in certain cases it may be contraindicated. Please consult with your physician or health care provider to determine the appropriate treatment protocol.

Prenatal (pregnancy) Massage

Prenatal massage is customized to an expectant mother's needs but is most often used to promote relaxation. Since many pregnant women suffer from lower back pain and swollen ankles especially in the later months, prenatal massage is a relatively safe, drug-free way to provide relief. Prenatal massage can refer to any type of modality of massage where the session is custom-tailored to fit the needs of expecting mothers. Pregnancy puts additional stress on the low-back, shoulders, neck (and the rest of the body!), and prenatal massages can offer relief from tension and improve posture. The benefits of your session can vary depending on the modalities employed and the background of the massage therapist. You should always consult with your doctor before getting any prenatal massage.

Before your massage, try not to eat a heavy meal. Also, try to come into the massage feeling relaxed.

After the massage: It's important to drink plenty of water – this helps flush the metabolic waste from the tissues. You may experience a little pain or tenderness in massaged areas for a day or two, but this will wear off.