Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is one of the most basic techniques that are taught to professional massage therapists. The focus of Swedish massage is general relaxation, stimulation of circulation, enhancing muscle tone and is also therapeutic in reducing muscle tightness. The basic techniques of Swedish massage are Effleurage, Pettrissge, Tapotement, Vibration, nerve strokes and Swedish gymnastics.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is a form of massage that focuses on releasing the deeper myofascial restrictions of the deeper muscles, tendon and ligaments of the body. This work is also sometimes referred to as myofascial release and is used by many massage therapists, physical therapists and osteopaths. There are many theories and concepts that have evolved around doing deep tissue massage from the various types of therapists that use the technique. Deep tissue massage does not necessarily mean a painful massage.
Sports Massage
Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.
A Sports Massage Therapist must understand the process of athletic training and competition, the physiology of muscle function and what happens when someone trains and competes, and the kinesiology of movement for particular sports.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork (complementary medicine) which includes manual massage techniques for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia.
The fascia is manipulated, directly or indirectly, allowing the connective tissue fibers to reorganize themselves in a more flexible, functional fashion. In addition Myofascial release can simply be considered a general manual massage technique.
Fascia is located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone, it is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures in our body. Muscle and fascia are united forming the myofascia system.
Injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. Since fascia is an interconnected web, the restriction or tightness to fascia at a place, with time can spread to other places in the body like a pull in a sweater. The goal of myofascial release is to release fascia restriction and restore its tissue health.
Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), is a gentle massage technique which manually removes blockages in the system and promotes optimal lymph flow. MLD can be used in combination with other types of physical therapy and supports and expands the effectiveness of other medical procedures.
Prenatal / Postpartum Massage
Prenatal / Postpartum Massage focuses on the mother-to-be as she goes through the changes due to pregnancy. This is not a replacement for medical care, but rather as an adjunct to aid in the health and rapid recovery of the mother.The Licensed Massage Therapist will focus treatment on the concerns of each trimester. After the mother has given birth, treatment will assist in restoring the body back to its normal condition. Prenatal massage may also help reduce and/or eliminate excess water retention. Prenata and Postpartum massage therapy enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue.