Modalities
Swedish Massage:*
Is a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the
more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive
movements of the joints. A typical relaxation massage is comprised of
Swedish style strokes and some deep tissue.
Deep Tissue
-Misconceptions about Deep Tissue-
"it should be painful" "if it doesn't hurt it isn't working" "no pain no gain"
IMPORTANT: Deep Tissue massage shouldn't be extremely painful. On a scale from
1-10 your therapist should be working between a 7-8. If you ever
experience depth that reaches a ten let your therapist know immediately. A
good therapist should also ask. You are NOT a weeny if it hurts. Please
use common sense communicate with your therapist if the massage is
uncomfortable at any point Deep Tissue massage is not about pressure it
is about focus. Depth can be achieved by application not weight or
strength.
The
difference between DT and Swedish is how the stroke is applied. The
therapist will usually use elbows and blades of their arms to apply
specific pressure as well as cross fiber techniques that help release
the fascia.
Prenatal and Perinatal Massage:
Expecting a baby is usually joyful, but, let’s face it, it’s also stressful. A woman changes dramatically physically,
emotionally, and mentally, and some of these changes are uncomfortable.
Prenatal massage uses techniques designed specifically to address
pregnancy’s challenges. Research has shown that pregnancy massage:
* Encourages relaxation
* Helps alleviate muscle and joint pain
* Improves breathing and digestion
* Improves mom and baby’s health by reducing the negative impacts of stress on both
* Helps mom feel more at home and in touch with herself and her baby
* Contributes to easier, shorter labors
* And it feels so good!
After giving birth, postpartum massage therapy can help abdominal
recovery, reduce the strain of baby care on mom’s body, support
satisfying breastfeeding, and nurture mom and her family. Moms who are
massaged more quickly and fully touch their babies in loving, nurturing
ways, and that leads to a more peaceful world for us all.
http://bodytherapyassociates.com/massage-services/ppmassage.php
Hot Stone Massage:
Is an experience. It is a Swedish style massage that uses stones to
administer either hot or sometimes cold to the skin while using flowing
techniques. Many people who like the feeling of deep work will opt for
hot stone since the heat carried by the stone aids in deeper muscle
penetration and increased blood flow. Often a massage therapist will use
hot stones with combination of essential oils. The stones may be used
in relationship to the chakras and stones are place along the mid line
to open and help the flow of energy. The stones in many cases can be
used as tools to go in deeper to areas like the back and neck.
Scar Release Techniques:
SRT's are taught and used by a number of therapists. I have had the
pleasure of being taught by Marjorie Brooks in an continuing education
class. Her definition of how scar release therapy works is as follows
" Scar tissue release system that approaches the multi faceted
matrix of fascia three dimensionally. It releases and realigns the
adhered tissues from the starting point (visible scar) to the end point
(where the line of frozen fascia stops). The approach centers on the
physiological and anatomical principles of fascial restrictions, the
lengthening of the superficial to deep fascia, the breaking down of
adhesion and the increase of lymphatic and venous circulation to the
tissue. Understanding that scar tissue has the potential to spread in
any direction including internally and can restrict movement or function
anywhere in the body, from a joint to an organ, you gain a whole new
perspective on pain and physical complications in the
body."http://www.brookseminars.com/scartissue
Reflexology:*
Is a technique that uses pressure to points on the feet, hands and ears
thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body. I use the
techniques on the feet to compliment a session.
*http://www.amtamassage.org/infocenter/research_glossery-of-massage-terms.html
