Our expert therapists are trained in a variety of massage techniques and can use any and all of these disciplines to meet your specific needs, immersing your every sense in the art and science of massage.
Swedish
The term Swedish massage describes a system of massage developed approximately 100 years ago. It involves a classic set of techniques including stretching and compression that are designed to increase circulation, mobilize scar and connective tissue and induce relaxation in the parasympathetic nervous system. Many other modalities have evolved from traditional Swedish techniques, and often incorporate them to achieve a relaxing and therapeutic session.
Results from Swedish massage include increased flexibility and a renewed positive outlook on your day. You can expect to feel relaxed and rejuvenated; you may also feel warm, fluid and more open in joints and tendons. Swedish massage uses oil or lotion.
- * Hernandez-Reif M, Field t, Krasnegor J, et al. (2000). Lower back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy. Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation 22:191-195.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage describes more targeted techniques designed to release adhesions (or knots), improve range of motion and alleviate muscular pain. If you have a specific area of discomfort where you need focused, sustained and possibly intense work, this is the treatment for you.
Deep does not imply that the work uses strong pressure, but rather that it is accessing the deeper tissues of your body’s structure. The techniques of deep tissue are often combined with Swedish strokes to create a unified and balanced session, helping to relax the nervous system while decreasing the discomfort of chronically contracted or adhered tissues.
- * Diego M, Field T, Sanders C, et al. (2004). Massage Therapy of moderate and light pressure and vibrator effects on EEG and heart rate. International Journal of Neuroscience 114:31-44.
Trigger Point
Trigger point therapy is a modality that focuses on the source of chronic pain or spasm in a muscle or muscle group. A unique characteristic of trigger points is their ability to register and affect referred pain from other pars of the body. Many complaints in the hands, arms and head stem from trigger points in the neck muscles. Sciatica-like pain patterns can be referred from gluteal and hip flexor muscles.
When you’re injured, your body quickly develops a protective pattern. Think of how when you bang your knee, you automatically curl up to hold your knee. Your body has a powerful memory, and will hold on to patterns for long periods of time. Trigger points develop within that pattern of protection. Through compression and stretching, trigger points can be released. The result is often relief to a much larger area of discomfort.
We frequently combine trigger point work for a specific muscle with Swedish or deep tissue massage. If you have an area of chronic discomfort or pain that has not been properly addressed, you may find trigger point therapy helpful.
Orthopedic
Orthopedic massage is a specialized approach to therapy aimed at reducing pain, realigning scar tissue and helping recover range of motion. While orthopedic massage therapy is generally used to help heal soft-tissue injuries, many athletes and dancers receive orthopedic massages regularly to enhance performance.
Our therapists have been trained to assess, strategize and manipulate areas of injury. As massage therapists, we do not diagnose any structural injury, nor do we prescribe treatment. If you have an injury, please receive diagnosis and advice from your care practitioner; we are happy to work with them to aid in your rehabilitation. Orthopedic techniques can be combined with Swedish or deep tissue massage.
Myofascial
Literally translated, the term “myofascial” means muscle connective tissue. Every part of your body, down to every cell wall, is connected to and surrounded by fascia (connective tissue). The fascia attaching muscles, bones and skin is the most susceptible to postural habits, injury, scar tissue and overuse, which create patterns of holding in the body. When fascia is holding in an inappropriate area, it will constrict nerves and cause pain and reduce range of motion.
Myofascial therapy addresses the muscles and joints in three dimensions, using pulls, stretches and broad compression to achieve movement. The techniques can be quite subtle or applied deeply, and typically employ long holds, giving the fascia time to melt and release its powerful grip. The work can achieve very profound results in decreasing pain and increasing range of motion. Regular myofascial work can result in improved posture and gait and significantly improved circulation, especially in the joints.