Types of Massage

There is a variety of different styles, types and techniques of massage utilized by massage therapists. We’ve provided a description of some of the more popular and well known types of massage being used today.

Neuromuscular therapy

NeuromuscularTherapyNeuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manual therapy. It is distinguished from other types of massage in that a quasi-static pressure is applied to the skin with the aim of stimulating specific areas of skeletal muscle. Often these areas of muscle are myofascial trigger points. Neuromuscular therapy is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal column and nerves) with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system. Read more

Deep Tissue Massage

DeepTissueMassageDeep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Read more

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

ManualLymphaticDrainageManual lymphatic drainage is a type of gentle massage which is intended to encourage the natural drainage of the lymph from the tissues space body. The lymph system depends on intrinsic contractions of the smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymph vessels (peristalsis) and the movement of skeletal muscles to propel lymph through the vessels to lymph nodes and then beyond the lymph nodes to the lymph ducts which return the lymph to the cardiovascular system. Read more

Body Scrubs and Wraps

BodyScrubBenefits of body scrubs

Body scrubs exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting growth of new ones. Our body scrubs include moisturizing ingredients which leaves your skin smooth, healthy and glowing.

The process of scrubbing also stimulates circulation and movement of lymph, helping to fight cellulite and improving skin tone. Read more

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal MassagePrenatal massage is similar to massage during non-pregnancy in terms of the goals (relaxation, pain relief, increased circulation & mobility, etc.). However, due to the changes undergone during pregnancy, modification are made. To accommodate swollen tender breasts and a growing belly, special pillows, positioning and techniques are utilized to ensure comfort for both the expecting mother and baby. Read more

Reflexology

ReflexologyReflexology, or zone therapy, is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on what reflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas that they say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the body. Read more

Sports Massage

SportMassageSports massage is actually a form of Swedish massage that is delivered to athletes. Most commonly, sports massage focuses on increasing blood and lymphatic fluid flow, reducing and eliminating pain as well as tender trigger points, and increasing range of motion of the affected area. Sports massages can be broken into 4 distinct types – the pre-event sports massage, the post-event sports massage, the restorative sports massage and the rehabilitative sports massage. Read more

Stone Massage

35244stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly river stones which over time, have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient’s back, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension. Read more

Swedish Massage

post-img-4Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. Read more

Trigger Point Therapy

what-are-trigger-pointsTrigger points or trigger sites are described as hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. Trigger point practitioners believe that palpable nodules are small contraction knots[ambiguous] and a common cause of the pain. Compression of a trigger point may elicit local tenderness, referred pain, or local twitch response. Read more