What is deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage targets chronic tension in muscles that lie far below the body’s surface. Deep muscle techniques involve slow strokes, direct pressure or friction movements that go across the muscle grain.

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. (National University)

Benefits

May help back pain

A 2017 study looked at the effects of deep tissue massage in 31 males with ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis.

The researchers divided the participants into two groups to receive either deep tissue massage or therapeutic massage without deep tissue massage techniques.

All participants had 10 massage sessions across 2 weeks, each session lasting for 30 minutes.

The study found that deep tissue massage significantly reduced pain compared to therapeutic massage.

May reduce high blood pressure

Research shows that sports massage may reduce heart rate and high blood pressure. However, there are limited studies that look at the effects of deep tissue massage on this condition.

Aids recovery after injury

Research suggests both deep and soft tissue release may aid recovery after an injury, such as an ankle injury.

Massage can help:

• relieve pain and stiffness

• improve circulation to reduce swelling or buildup of fluid around the injury

• speed up healing of muscle strains and sprains

• restore range of motion

Pregnancy

A 2016 case study suggests deep tissue massage helped reduce lower back pain in a 28-year-old pregnant person.

After 12 sessions of deep tissue massage lasting 30 minutes each, twice a week, the participant reported a reduction in lower back pain. Massage increases serotonin, which can relieve pain in the legs and back.

Massage therapy websites also suggest deep tissue massage can support better sleep, improve sports performance, and break up scar tissue.

Therapeutic massage, including deep tissue massage, may also help with:

• Mental health: Massage may help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also offer relaxation and improve coping mechanisms.

• Chronic lung disease: Massage may help improve respiratory function.

• Digestion: In addition to other therapies, massage may help with chronic constipation.

• Pain relief: Massage may help manage pain in conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and sciatica. It may also help treat headaches and control pain during childbirth. (Medical News Today)

What is Swedish Massage

It involves the use of hands, forearms or elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles to improve mental and physical health. Active or passive movement of the joints may also be part of the massage. The benefits of Swedish massage include increased blood circulation, mental and physical relaxation , decreased stress and muscle tension, and improved range of motion.

Benefits

Assist with treatment lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, stress and tension headaches. Also assist with lowering anxiety and blood pressure, while increasing circulation. Sleep quality can also be improved. As with most massage techniques, Swedish can just be a relaxing experience to enjoy.

What to expect? 

Swedish massage involves long, kneading strokes combined with rhythmic tapping strokes and movement of the joints. This type of massage targets the uppermost layer of muscles and aims to relieve muscle tension. Undress to your comfort level. Draping is used appropriately. Session can be requested; 60, 90, or 120 minute sessions.

What is a sports massage?

A Sports massage is exactly what you think it is. Pre-event massage takes place before a competition or a big game. Post- event is performed after that competition or big game. Pre-event is fast paced and should be perform no more a hour or so before the invent so it is important to communicate with your therapist.

Post-event is a game changer for the healing process. Sore, tired, and taught muscles have a just started recovering when a massage is incorporated. 

Benefits

Pre-Event:

• Injury prevention

• Better range of movement

• Enhanced muscle flexibility

• Improved blood circulation

• Less muscle tension

• Increase in overall performance

 

Post-Event

• Reduced/prevented delayed soreness

• Minimized build-up of tensions

• Decreased fatigue

• Faster recovery time and return to training

• Better relaxation

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What to expect during your session

Pre- fast paced stimulating massage for a duration of 30-45 minutes. Post- is more traditional massage the focuses entire body addressing issues as they are found. 

What is Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)?

PNF is an advanced massage technique which assists in ROM and flexibility. PNF relies on reflexes to produce deeper stretches which improves flexibility. While there are multiple PNF stretching techniques, all of them rely on stretching a muscle to its limit. Doing this triggers the inverse myotatic reflex, a protective reflex that calms the muscle to prevent injury 

Benefits

A wide range of benefits include: 

• Improve your performance in physical activities

• Decrease your risk of injuries

• Help your joints move through their full range of motion

• Increase muscle blood flow

• Enable your muscles to work most effectively

• Improve your ability to do daily activities

• assist in stroke rehabilitation 

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What to expect during your session

I incorporate PNF into almost all of my massages because I have found it to be effective in combating sore, tight, and shortened muscles. Stretches are guided and assisted during your session. Contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. PNF has been a life changer during my recovery.  

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It’s based on a theory that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems.

Benefits

Several studies indicate that reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms, such as stress and anxiety, and enhance relaxation and sleep. Given that reflexology is also low risk, it can be a reasonable option if you're seeking relaxation and stress relief. (mayoclinic.org)

Treat symptoms of:

• Back pain

• Migraine

• Poor digestion

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Respiratory problems

• Asthma

• Headache

• Bladder problems

• Menopausal symptoms

What to expect during your session

Your session will begin with a very brief discussion about current health level and/or any specific reasons for the visit. The majority of time is usually spent focusing on the feet but may include hands and ears as well based on the client's assessment. I offer 30 and 45 minute session (longer if requested). You remain fully dressed, excluding you feet, of course.

What is integrated massage?

Integrated massage incorporates various applications of techniques which includes multiple modalities; stretching, and Neuromuscular. Pressure will vary depending on muscle region, technique, and comfort level of client. Integrated massage normally extends to the entire muscular skeleton system (full body massage) but can focus on just 1 or 2 regions as well.

Benefits

Benefits are numerous.

• Relaxed muscles and connective tissue

• Movement and manipulation of soft tissues can ease pain and dysfunction

• Restoration of function and overall structural balance

• Speeds recuperation

• Activates the body’s natural healing powers

• Prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal, lymphatic, and visceral meningeal dysfunctions

• Alleviated pain and inflammation

• Loosen adhesions and scar tissue

Depending on the reason for the visit, the body will depict what technique is used, what pressure is applied, and what flow of massage is reverent to provide the best overall impact for total homeostasis. 

What to expect during your session

Undress to your comfort level and cover with provided draping. Session will normally start face down, with therapist working from head to feet then moving to face up in the same matter. 

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