Massage Styles
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The field of massage therapy is very diverse.  There are a number of techniques that fall under the heading of massage therapy. These are the techniques I use as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and to relax you, relieve you of stress, and reduce or eliminate pain:

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Hot Stone MassageReflexology | Reiki | Ortho-Bionomy | Trigger Point Therapy | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage | Couples Massage

 

bulletSwedish Massage:  This is the relaxing, stress-reducing type of massage most people think about when they want a massage.  Swedish massage includes gliding, kneading, and striking strokes as well as friction strokes, stretching, joint movements, gentle shaking, and rocking.  Generally, Swedish massage is full-body and is very relaxing and has therapeutic benefits.  Swedish Massage technique can also focus on one area of the body such as the back if that is the client's desire.  Swedish Massage sessions are typically 1 hour to 90 minutes, but can be shorter or longer as desired.  How often should you get massage?

Myofascial Release | Sports MassageMedical Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Hot Stone Massage | Reflexology | Reiki | Ortho-Bionomy | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage

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bulletNeuromuscular Therapy:  Also called NMT or sometimes Trigger Point Therapy.   Neuromuscular Therapy is a system of soft tissue manipulation techniques that seek to balance the nervous system with the musculoskeletal system.  This is one of the methods I use to help clients experiencing pain and it's very gentle and effective.   Stated in simplest terms, I release trigger points in muscles,  and help correct muscular imbalances that can cause pain and discomfort.  Additionally, Neuromuscular Therapy uses soft tissue manipulations on tendons and other connective tissue to assist in muscle balance.  Neuromuscular Therapy also addresses nerve pain caused by pressure from soft tissues including muscles, fascia, and tendons.  Neuromuscular Therapy is effective in helping with conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD), Back pain, Neck pain, Scoliosis, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia (FMS), and Migraines.

Swedish Massage | Myofascial Release | Medical Massage | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | ReflexologyHot Stone Massage | Reiki | Ortho-Bionomy | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage

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Trigger Point Therapy:   This type of therapy targets the sore, irritable, tight spots in muscles called trigger points.  These trigger points can cause the whole muscle to be tight and painful, or even restrict movement in a joint.  They can also "refer" pain to areas elsewhere in the body.  In Trigger Point Therapy the Massage Therapist carefully seeks out the trigger points in muscles and uses specific compression techniques which allow the trigger points to release.  This technique is often employed as part of NMT or Deep Tissue procedures and is a great method for relieving muscular pain and tension. 

Neuromuscular Therapy | Swedish Massage | Medical Massage | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | ReflexologyHot Stone Massage | Reiki | Ortho-Bionomy | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage

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bulletMyofascial Release:  This technique, while it doesn't feel like other types of massage, is another gentle and highly effective form of soft tissue manipulation (massage) used by the therapist to help release of restrictions in your fascia (a widespread connective tissue) that can cause tightness and pain.  If you feel that you could relieve your discomfort or pain if you could "just stretch that area" then Myofascial Release could be just what you're looking for.  The gentleness of Myofascial Release makes it the treatment of choice for many who suffer from Fibromyalgia, some forms of Scoliosis and Torticollis, Lupus, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, and other painful conditions. 

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Medical Massage | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Hot Stone Massage | Reflexology | Reiki | Ortho-Bionomy | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage

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bulletSports Massage:   Sports Massage is generally used to help improve athletic performance.  Most often the Sports Massage is focused on the muscles and tissues most often used in the athletes sport, i.e., runners focus on their legs and hips.  The techniques used include those used in Deep Tissue or Swedish Massage but may be combined with other techniques like Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), Myofascial Release (MFR), and stretching (PNF and MET).  The Sports Massage session might also include Orthopedic (Functional) Assessment.  Exactly how it is done depends on whether the massage is being used to prepare for an event, recover from an event (helping with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), or assist in treating an injury. 

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Medical Massage | Myofascial Release | Deep Tissue Massage | Hot Stone Massage | Reflexology | Reiki | Ortho-Bionomy | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage

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bulletDeep Tissue Massage:   Deep Tissue Massage is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit.  Deep Tissue Massage is a massage of the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues of the body.  Deep Tissue Massage is used to provide a more therapeutic effect by massaging all layers from superficial (closer to the skin) to deep (closer to the bone).  It relaxes the muscles, rids them of built up metabolic waste, and helps release adhesions between muscles and connective tissues.  It can also be useful in preventing scar tissue build up from injuries to muscles and connective tissues. 

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Medical Massage | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Reflexology | Hot Stone Massage | Reiki | Ortho-Bionomy | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage

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bulletHot Stone Massage:  This massage is among the most luxurious of them all.  The therapist combines a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage with the healing properties of Hot Stones.  The energy and penetrating heat of the stones help tension just melt away as though it had never been there.   The stones are used both to perform massage strokes and to bring relaxing warmth to the body.  It's been said that one massage stroke with a hot stone is equivalent to ten strokes without the hot stone.  Try it, it's wonderful.

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial ReleaseMedical Massage | Sports MassageReflexology | Reiki | Ortho-BionomyPregnancy Massage | Chair Massage

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bulletReflexology:  Usually applied to the feet and/or hands, Reflexology stimulates points on the body/feet/hands called "reflexes" that correlate to other parts of the body.  Practitioners believe that the entire body is reflected in the hands and feet and can be affected through massage of "reflex" points.  Try it, you will be pleasantly surprised!

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue MassageHot Stone Massage | Reiki | Ortho-Bionomy | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage | Medical Massage

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bulletReiki:  In Reiki the practitioner channels a form of life energy that is used to help people in healing.  Many people receiving Reiki feel a tingling or temperature variation during sessions, and report a feeling of well-being afterward.  While difficult to put into words, once you experience Reiki you'll want to do it again.  I am a trained and experienced Reiki Master.

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Hot Stone Massage | Reflexology | Ortho-Bionomy | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage | Medical Massage

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Ortho-Bionomy:   Ortho-Bionomy is a non-invasive, gentle form of bodywork based on the work of Osteopathic physician Arthur Lincoln Pauls.  It is very effective in pain management and relief, correcting structural imbalances, and helping relieve chronic stress.  Ortho-Bionomy works by engaging the body's own corrective reflexes within the neuromuscular system using gentle movements to positions of ease, and light compression of joints.  Ortho-Bionomy may be used alone or incorporated into a more traditional massage.  I've found it to be quite effective, safe, and relaxing.  For more information about Ortho-Bionomy

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Hot Stone Massage | Reflexology | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage

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Pregnancy Massage:   Pregnancy massage has gained tremendous popularity by helping the mother-to-be remain comfortable during her pregnancy and in many cases have an easier delivery.   Pregnancy massage relieves muscle spasms and cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.  It also reduces stress and teaches the mother to relax.  Relaxation is one of the keys to labor and delivery.  The gestation process is enhanced through increasing blood circulation, lymph circulation, reducing edema, increasing cellular respiration. Pregnancy massage also provides emotional support and physical nurturing which may be passed on to the baby.  Pregnancy massage also assists in reducing the stress in the weight bearing joints and the muscles, helping to enhance breathing capacity which is needed during labor and delivery.  Pregnancy massasge may be used in conjunction with other types of therapy including Neuromuscular Therapy and Ortho-Bionomy.

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Hot Stone Massage | Reflexology | Pregnancy Massage | Chair Massage

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Onsite Chair Massage:  Chair massage, or Seated massage, is performed while the client remains fully clothed and seated in a specially designed massage chair.  The massage chair allow the Massage Therapist to massage the client's head, neck, back, and arms in a typical 10-15 minute session.    The high portability of the massage chair and the fact that client's are fully clothed means that massage sessions can be completed nearly anywhere.

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Chair massage makes a great gift for employees or special clients.    Receiving chair massage in the office has been shown to reduce stress and increase employee productivity.  Chair massage is also a popular attraction at trade shows and conventions.

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Hot Stone Massage | Reflexology |Pregnancy Massage

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Couple's Massage:  Couple's massage isn't actually a different massage...it's a special arrangement that allows a couple to receive their massages at the same time, in the same room with two massage therapists.  The massage may actually be any type of massage such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, or even Hot Stone.  You could even mix and match.  Couple's massage is a great way to share the power of massage.  Couple's massage does take some notice since I need to coordinate with another independant therapist, but it's worth it!!

Swedish Massage | Neuromuscular Therapy | Myofascial Release | Sports Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Hot Stone Massage | ReflexologyPregnancy Massage

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