Techniques

Therapeutic - Treating a certain area of concern, instead of the full body technique.

Relaxation - is any combination of light non-invasive strokes, kneading, which produce a profound state of physical and emotional relaxation in the client.


Swedish - The term Swedish massage refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Many believe it is safe to apply light pressure in the opposite direction. Swedish massage uses five main strokes to stimulate the circulation of blood through the body; petrissage (keading), effleurage (stroking) , friction, tapotement (tapping), and vibration.


Deep Tissue - This is a general term for a range of therapies that seek to improve the function of the body's connective tissues and/or muscles. Swedish massage are generally not considered to be deep tissue techniques. Among the conditions deep tissue bodywork treats are whiplash, low back and neck pain, and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.


Pregnancy - Practitioners use a variety of bodywork techniques. It is a great way to relieve the stresses that result from the rapid and profound physical as well as mental changes that occur during pregnancy. Pregnancy massage is designed to relieve aches in the back, neck, hips, legs and weight bearing joints. It will also provide support for Moms-to-be. Postpartum massage helps restore the body to pre-pregnancy conditions and helps nurture the new Mom.


Myofascial Release - is used to evaluate and treat restrictions in the body's contractile connective tissues (muscles) and non-contractile supportive connective tissues (fascia) by the application of gentle traction, pressures and positioning. Fascia is a complex supportive web throughout the body affecting all components of the musculoskeletal, nervous and visceral (organ) systems. It surrounds groups of muscle fibers, and entire muscle groups and organs. While it is not contractile, it can be passively elastically deformed. That is how it retains tensions from physical and emotional traumas. It is also involved when a person suffers chronic pain or physical dysfunction. Chronically tense muscles restrict blood flow and fatigue the body. Both fascia and muscle tissues can become shortened if they are improperly used. As well, layers of fascia can stick together.

Myofascial Release techniques are used to coax muscles in spasm to relax, and break adhesions in the fascia. Bodies respond to these therapies by releasing tension that has been stored in the fascia, thus allowing more functional flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia and associated structures.

Chair Massage - is one name for a short (15-20 minute) massage of a client sitting in a special, portable massage chair. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used while their shoulders, neck, upper back, head and arms are massaged. On-Site is popular at some offices as an employee benefit and for some conferences, workshops and certain social events.