Techniques

CUPPING

This is a targeted treatment where there is little to no massage is included (massage is just to warm up the tissue).

After we’ve warmed the tissue, the cups will be applied and you will lay with the cups on for 20 minutes.

Cupping is the perfect service for somebody who wants a targeted treatment, who has had an injury come up, or a limited budget for treatment.

TRIGGER POINT MASSAGE

Trigger points are highly irritated bands of tissue located in or alongside a muscle. The small point of irritation can cause tightness throughout the entire muscle and referred pain throughout the entire body.

The symptoms of trigger points can vary from local discomfort in the muscle to headaches, numbness, tingling, and restricted mobility. Sometimes trigger points can even mimic or be one of the causes of repetitive stress injuries. Trigger point massage can be extremely effective at relieving these symptoms.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater.

Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery, and vein as well as all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain, and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption. In this way, you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

DEEP TISSUE

Deep tissue is extremely effective in relieving the stress of working at a computer to the neck and shoulder region. It is also used by athletes and dancers on a regular basis to help maintain their bodies as they put them under daily stress. It decreases the chances of injury and reduces recovery time between workouts. It is normal to feel a bit sore the day after a deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage draws on western clinical techniques to address specific muscular and connective tissue structures in the body. It requires extensive knowledge of anatomy and pathology.

It is specific to each client’s needs and is an effective way to:

• Balance muscular structures,

• Remove metabolic waste buildup from tissue,

• Restore normal range of motion to joints

• Increase the client’s relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s system to create a relaxed metabolic state).

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports Massage is used by athletes to optimize their training and event performance. It involves techniques to stretch, mobilize, revive and maintain the structures of the body placed under the intense demands of athletics.

Most professional athletes receive sports massage as an essential component of their training as it has been shown to:

• Decrease recovery time from workouts by assisting the elimination of metabolic waste.

• Decrease the chances of injuries by stretching muscles and mobilizing joints.

• Decrease post workout soreness.

• Increase flexibility and mobility of joints.

• Help athletes with specific areas of difficulty in their bodies.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

Swedish Massage promotes deep relaxation of mind and body, full body health maintenance and detoxification through the movement of blood and lymphatic fluid. This modality directly affects the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems, and is primarily used for decreasing tension, overall stress relief, improving circulation and enhancing the functionality of the immune system. Swedish Massage focuses on rhythmically kneading, wringing, and gliding across the body to gently warm, stretch and open muscles and tendons, and calm the sympathetic nervous system. Swedish massage leaves you feeling both energized and deeply relaxed.

CRANIOSACRAL

CranioSacral therapy has it’s roots in osteopathy. This modality embraces the understanding of the rhythmic pulse of cerebral spinal fluid and the revolutionary idea that the plates of the skull can move independently to accommodate the flow as it circulates through the cranium. Restrictions in the structures surrounding the central nervous system can disrupt the flow, as a disrupted flow can reversely cause restrictions. This modality utilizes light touch (about the weight of a nickel) to work with this pulse as it moves through the cranium, through the spinal column and back to the cranium, ultimately affecting the entire body. The therapist skillfully moves through a series of seemingly static holds to work with the body’s natural healing system to release restrictions, improve nervous system functionality and bolster the immune system. The benefits of craniosacral therapy range from relieving migraine headaches to alleviating stress and tension to working with scoliosis and other orthopedic conditions.

PRENATAL MASSAGE

Prenatal massage shares many of the goals of regular massage ­– to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good. But it's also tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies, and therapists who are trained in prenatal massage adjust their techniques accordingly.

How can prenatal massage help me?

Prenatal massage may decrease stress and promote relaxation, helping you cope with discomfort even if it doesn't specifically alleviate or prevent it. Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that the extra weight you're carrying and you may find you've got an aching lower back.   

If you’d prefer a silent appointment please indicate this in the notes upon booking!