MY MODALITIES
“Massage Therapy” encompasses many different modalities and disciplines. Each of these modalities use different techniques to achieve their specific goal(s). The massage goal spectrum runs from a pure relaxation type of massage to a massage session that breaks down and rebuilds muscular/tissue ‘choke points.’
Relaxation massages are the foundation of all massage therapists. Relaxation massages are great – and I utilize them when when needed and when requested. Sometimes life circumstances dictate that you just need a bit of pampering and relaxation! And sometimes relaxation massages are necessary in the cycle of tissue breakdown and rebuilding massages. I love administrating relaxation massages because the results of the treatment are so immediate! I personally feel that Hot Stone massage therapy is the best relaxation massage.
I specialize in deep tissue and deep muscular work. This is what is commonly referred to as ‘Body Works.’ This is where the magic happens! Whether you are a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or a parent chasing around rambunctious children, our muscles and tissues become tight and set in their ways through repetition. Using my specialty massage modalities of myofascial, sports, deep tissue, and trigger point, our mutual goal is to release pain and position your body to excel in every facet of your life!
Myofascial
Also known as Myofascial Release. The fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and nerves. Myofascial pain often occurs due to tightness/contraction of muscles and the the fascia. Myofascial release therapy starts with gentle massage of the myofascial tissue specifically looking for stiff and tightened areas. Normal myofascial tissue should be pliable and elastic. If, and when, we find myofascial tissue areas that are not functioning as they should, we use presure to ‘release’ the blockage – thus improving muscle fucntion and reducing pain.
This is my favorite massage treatment to do!
Sports Massage
The Athlete’s massage! We focus on active stretching during this massage. This is a great massage for the beginner to advanced sports athlete! Sports massage therapy is a specialized form of massage therapy designed to address the needs of athletes and active individuals. This therapy aims to improve performance, prevent injuries, and promote recovery. Using specific techniques our goal is to: decrease muscle pain; improve recovery; and improve overall range of motion and flexibility to support your athletic movement. We address specific muscles and muscle groups in order to promote muscle relaxation, pain management, and pain reduction. Anyone can benefit from this massage, not only for the recovery and relaxation aspects, but for the positive conditioning to prevent future injuries.
Deep Tissue Massage
Using deep pressure, this massage gets into the deeper muscle layer in order to relive pain and muscle tension. Unlike a traditional Swedish massage which focuses on surface-level relaxation, deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscles and fascia. Using sustained pressure and slow, deep strokes, we target the inner muscle layers and connective tissue. Using this targeted approach, our goal is to alleviate chronic pain and tension caused by stress, overuse, and/or injury. Ultimately, we are striving to reduce chronic pain, improve mobility and flexibility, and reduce inflammation.
Trigger Point
With this massage we focus on neck, back and shoulder pressure points. This technique uses targeted, deep pressure to release tension and pain in specific, tight areas (the trigger points) of the muscles. Not only is pain felt in these immediate areas, the pain is often felt in other areas of the body. These trigger points are often felt as hyper-sensitive muscle spots that feel like knots or tight bands. To combat this, I use sustained pressure on these trigger points aiming to release the tension and reduce pain. Although this may feel uncomfortable at first, the pain at the trigger point will be released as well as any downstream pain caused by the initial trigger point. Once the initial pain blockage is released, general massage relaxation procedures are often beneficial.
With the exception of Myofascial Release, this is my favorite massage modality because the results are so great.
Hot Stones
Hot stones are the ultimate in relaxation and muscle relief. Heated stones are strategically placed in order to provide heat therapy to your muscles. In addition to pure relaxation, the heat from the stones promotes reduced tension and reduced pain in the targeted muscles. Muscle and tension melt away, Stress and anxiety melt away. It is a wonderful thing!
Hot stone therapy by itself is great. But when used together with the other deep tissue / deep muscle therapies, the results are amazing. While one area is intensely being worked, the hot stones are relaxing another area. Please take note: if you incorporate hot stones with one of the more intense massage modalities, you may want to arrange for a ride home. It t=is that intense!