Types of Massage
Types of Massage
Swedish Massage is considered medium to light pressure. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long and slow strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, sometimes using light vibration and tapping to help relax and soothe tender sore muscles.
Myofascial Release is considered medium to deep pressure. It involves the therapist lifting up the upper layers of tissue known as “Fascia” in a direction that causes the therapist to feel for increases or decreases resistance.
Trigger Point Massage is considered deep to medium pressure. This massage focuses on specific area of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries, overuse and postural distress. These specific knots or “trigger points” can refer or send pain, numbness, tingling and or burning to other areas of the body. Direct finger pressure is applied to help break up the trigger point in the muscle and thus calm the adjoining nerves which refer pain.
Integrative Neurosomatic Therapy (NST) is considered medium to deep pressure that involves first assessing/identifying structural imbalances, which then result in postural dysfunctions. Upon these findings specific muscle isolation is performed, in conjunction with trigger point therapy and myofascial techniques.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) often used in physical therapy is when a specific muscle group is targeted then held in a stretch for 30-60 seconds. The therapist will have the client resist while the therapist applies counter pressure to stretch the muscles to the client’s comfort level.
Prenatal is considered light pressure with the patient lying on their side supported by pillows. Prenatal massage will focus on common issues related to pregnancy such as low back discomfort, tight shoulders and water retention in extremities.
Hot Stone Massage is considered medium to light pressure. Smooth stones of different sizes are heated in water and are placed on the clients’ body at critical energetic points. The therapist will also massage with the stones. This session is great for anyone with circulation issues, general tension areas, or just wanting to distress.
Sports Massage is a style of bodywork that addresses the particular needs of athletes. Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events, as well as off-season, pre-season and post-season massage. The purpose of the sports 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.