Massage Types – Modalities

SWEDISH: Traditional Spa Massage designed to relax, loosen and energize fatigued muscles. Primary function is to relax body and mind.

SHIATSU: Traditional Japanese form of physical therapy that involves pressure on specific points on the body in order to balance the body’s energy, promote good health and reduce pain.

RANGE OF MOTION AND STRETCHING: Is used to help muscles relax, increase mobility, and flexibility of the joints and muscles of the body.

PRENATAL (PREGNANCY): Relieves some of the common complaints and stresses of pregnancy, both physical and emotional, during a normal pregnancy. Can also improve circulation, reduce pain and discomfort in specific areas, reduce swelling (edema) and foster a sense of balance and well-being.

PRENATAL LABOR INDUCTION: This modality can help start the labor process in a woman who is at or beyond the due date set by her physician or midwife.

TRIGGER POINT: A technique that relieves pain, and alleviates muscle spasms and cramping. Location of “Trigger Points”, which are often tender areas of the body are ascertained and then worked with direct pressure to relieve pain, spasms and congestion in those areas.

LYMPH DRAINAGE: A gentle, rhythmic style of massage that mimics the action of the lymphatic system, using precise rhythm and pressure to open the initial lymphatics and stimulate lymph vessel contraction to reduce swelling and edema.

SENIOR MASSAGE: Specifically designed to ease the physical complaints of older adults, including limited range of motion, poor circulation, pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Massage techniques are sensitive to older bodies, and can achieve powerful results. Senior clients feel physically more relaxed and energized, and have a greater overall sense of wellbeing after having been nurtured and cared-for during their massage.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE: This modality engages large areas of muscles, using slow stretching of longer duration. Muscle relaxation and pain reduction is achieved by this very effective technique.

DEEP TISSUE: Slow, direct and deep strokes are applied to loosen muscles and reduce tension and spasms. This works deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue to eliminate pain.

REFLEXOLOGY: Traditional foot and hand massage which helps identify and reduce energy blockages throughout the body, although the actual massage work is only applied to the feet and hands.

SCAR RELEASE/REDUCTION: By using cross-fiber, friction and other massage techniques, breaking down of scar tissue and adhesions occurs by aligning collagen fibers of the connective tissues of the body.

HYPNOTHERAPY FOR BEHAVIORAL CHANGE: By inducing extreme relaxation, suggestions the client has made (such as smoking cessation, stress reduction, anxiety reduction, memory gain, etc.) are repeated and imprinted so that behavioral changes can occur.