• Types of Massage

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

During a massage session, I will incorporate various types of massage techniques in order to achieve the goals we have mutually agreed on. You may experience more than one modality during your session.

• Deep Tissue Massage
• Prenatal Massage
• Stone Massage
• Swedish Massage
• Trigger Point Therapy

Deep 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 clients 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. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.[2]

Prenatal 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, modifications 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. Side-lying is a common positioning. With increasing weight, a changing center of gravity and the many other changes associated with pregnancy, prenatal massage can help provide relief and a sense of well being that is much deserved.[1]

A stone 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.[2]

Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes to massage. 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[2]

Trigger points or trigger sites are one of the more common ailments that affect the muscles in the human body. It is also one of the most painful considering the pain does not occur in just one area, but can cause tingling, numbness, and various other discomforts in areas at a distance from the source of the trigger point itself. Trigger points can make themselves apparent in visible knots or in tight bands of muscle fibers. After locating the trigger point or points, several different finger techniques of varying pressure can be used on and around the points in order to break down the build-up of the knot. Because of the direct pressure applied to the area which is affecting the guest the most, this can be uncomfortable. Depending on the size of the trigger point, it may take several visits in order to be assured that the entire trigger point has been deactivated.[2]