Massage Therapy

Benefits of Massage Therapy

• Relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety
• Improve energy alertness
• Increase nourishing blood supply to tissue
• Aid in the recovery of pulled muscles and strained ligaments

Along with these benefits, a chain of healthy responses is set into action, all of which can help to strengthen the immune system, calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, improve posture, and increase joint flexibility or range of motion.

Read more about using massage as an effective way to combat back pain.

Types of Massage

You do not need to know what type of massage will help you most. You can print and complete a client information form before you come, or arrive early to complete one before your appointment. The client information sheet will give your therapist an understanding of your specific needs and goals. Your therapist may use a combination of massage styles within a single session to achieve the best result for you. However, to give you a general idea, here is a list of the different types of massage we offer if you already know what you need. If a specific service does not show up as an option when scheduling online with a particular therapist, it means the therapist does not perform that modality.

Aromatherapy Massage - Essential Oils/Aromatherapy can be added as an accompaniment to any therapeutic massage. Combining well chosen and high quality Simply Earth essential oils with a carrier oil can promote relaxation, reduce stress and/or help to improve circulation and reduce swelling and pain. Your therapist will work with you to find just the right aromatherapy combination... whether you are looking to reduce pain, re-energize or reduce stress.

Swedish Massage - This type of massage is good for relaxation and stress relief. It is generally a full-body massage which lasts one hour. Long, gentle strokes are applied to major muscle groups, gentle music is played, and warmed lotion is used for an idyllic “vacation massage”.

Deep Tissue Massage – For clients experiencing muscle tightness, this type of massage might be a good solution. Gentle pressure is used at first to loosen the major muscle groups; then a firmer pressure is applied to target the deeper muscles and tendons. Because this type of massage is ineffective if it hurts, it is important to let your therapist know if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort during the course of your session.

Sports Massage – Athletic injuries can inhibit future participation in sports and interfere with your daily life. We can help speed up your recovery through massage and offer suggestions for home treatment, such as stretching and exercises.

Neuromuscular Therapy – This form of bodywork is designed for individuals suffering from acute or chronic pain. Rather than trying to work the entire body, the therapist maximizes time by focusing on the specific muscles at the source of the pain, as well as other muscles and fascia (tissues) which may be involved in the pain syndrome. Because of the sensitivity of the tissues being treated, an ongoing dialogue is encouraged.

Myofascial Release – This form of massage works to release the superficial fascia covering all muscles, bones, organs, and veins. Restrictions in fascia of one part of the body can hinder movement in other areas of our body. Releasing this tissue helps restore movement and flexibility.

Hot Stone Massage – This modality uses smooth river rocks as extensions of the therapist’s hands to perform the basic movements of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage. The heat transfers from the rocks to penetrate deeply into the muscle tissue providing an overall relaxation and deep release of tight muscle tissue.

Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage – This massage is performed only after the first trimester of pregnancy is complete. Prenatal massage is used to reduce low back pain and focus specifically on the issues facing an expecting mother. A pregnancy pillow or side-lying position is used to achieve a comfortable position for this massage.

Lymphatic Drainage – This is a gentle massage technique similar to Swedish that focuses on reducing swelling and fluid retention.

Reflexology – This is massage performed directly on the hands and feet to achieve relief throughout the body.

Reiki - Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduced stress and anxiety through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing.

Himalayan Salt Stone Massage - One reason Himalayan salt stone massages feel so rejuvenating is because the stones contain 84 natural minerals that generate positive health effects. They also produce negative ions, which are known to have uplifting effects on your mind and spirit. This restorative massage provides deep relaxation and helps to relax body, mind and spirit. When our meridians are balanced, maximum vitality and health are experienced. The specific points of the body are stimulated to balance the entire system and effectively start working energy in the right pathways, helping to unblock areas of congestion. This treatment is for everyone, and with the addition of the Himalayan salt stones and heat, it is a truly memorable experience.

Cupping - Cupping is a safe, traditional treatment that helps resolve chronic muscle tightness and pain faster than massage therapy alone. Cupping increases circulation and can help relieve muscle tension and promote cell repair. Cupping gives your body a boost in releasing those toxins. Focused blood flow helps your body by flushing built-up toxins through the lymphatic system.

Biomagnetic Cupping - in addition to the benefits of cupping listed above, use of magnets with cupping creates a biomagnetic blanket across the treatment area that enhances the body's biomagnetic field and promotes healing. The "blanket" is usually spread across the back and shoulders to address chronic pain, but can also be used on the low back, calves, IT band, and other areas. Biomagnetic cupping is NOT for you if you have a pacemaker, insulin pump or are pregnant.

Acupressure - Therapist use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the body's meridians. Sometimes, acupressure also involves stretching or acupressure massage, as well as other methods.

Craniosacral Therapy - is a gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity.

Guasha - (pronounced gua-sa) involves progressively vigorous scraping of skin with a metal or porcelain smooth-edged tool. This raises small red rash-like dots called transitory therapeutic petechiae and produces an immediate and extended anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and immuno-protective effect. It resolves spasms and pain, and promotes normal circulation to the muscles, tissues and organs. Guasha of the face is not currently offered.

TMJ - a technique is applied to alleviate symptoms related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD). TMJD affects the jaw joint, which connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull. It can cause various issues, including pain, restricted movement, and clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth.