Types of Massage
Deep Tissue
What does "Deep Tissue Massage" mean? In short – many things! A variety of styles and techniques (often referred to as "modalities") exist promoting work with the deeper tissues in the body. Our therapists and trained in a variety of modalities including Hydrotherapy, Attachment Therapy, Compression, Friction, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation, Gua Sha Cupping, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Muscle Stripping, Myofascial Release, Pin-and-Stretch, Rocking/Oscillations, Vibration, Joint mobilization/Joint play, Traction/Unwinding, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, all of which use varying pressures and angles to treat tension in the muscles or connective tissue.
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We believe that deep tissue massage doesn't need to be painful to be effective. That being said, occasional discomfort – referred to as "therapeutic pain" – can occur when working with particularly sensitive areas. When working on areas of focus, we use a slow and steady increase in pressure just up to the client's edge of tolerance and check in to see how the person is handling the work. Although we have many tools at our disposal to interpret how the pressure feels, only the person on the table has access to his or her own nerves, and how it feels to them is the most important feedback. We feel strongly about empowering our clients to speak up and let us know if adjustments need to be made.
Relaxation
Relaxation massage works to engage the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). When the PNS activates, it stimulates the body's own systems for relaxation – lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) production, deepening the breath, and aiding in digestion.
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The main Relaxation modality we use is Swedish massage – a variety of flowing and kneading strokes which aid circulation and muscle relaxation. This type of massage is often associated with spas.
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Relaxation massage is a great option for anyone needing to destress – whether that stress is from work, school, family, or physical exertion. It can be particularly helpful to clients who are especially sensitive to pressure.
What to expect during your session:
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You can expect a clean, comfortable, and calm atmosphere with good light, soothing music, and a non-judgmental, open welcome from your therapist. Before getting you on the table, we will do a short check-in about your needs and goals for the session and may do some range of motion testing.
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Massage therapy is performed most effectively over bare skin; however, our first priority is for our clients to feel comfortable. You are welcome to remove some or all clothing, knowing that there will be appropriate and modest draping during the massage. You will be given privacy to disrobe to your comfort level and get under the sheets and received knock on the door before before your therapist re-enters the room.
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Most sessions contain a combination of techniques to address our client’s specific needs at the time (unless otherwise requested). If you are seeking a total relaxation massage, we can happily provide that. If you are coming in with several specific pain areas you are looking to address, we engage our clients to book a longer length session in order to effectively address the issues.
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You may experience “massage brain” following a session – we recommend leaving some time directly following the session before your next obligation to integrate the work. It may take several days to feel the full effects of the massage and it is not uncommon to feel some discomfort following deeper work, especially around chronic pain areas. Trust the process as your body adapts and integrates the new shifts that have occurred. Since all bodies are different, we cannot always accurately predict how your body will respond to the techniques used. We encourage feedback during and after the session so that we can continue to provide you the best care possible!
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