Trigger Point Massage
A trigger point is a tight area within the muscle tissue that causes pain in other areas of the body. Trigger points are caused by muscle overuse or an injury. A trigger point in the back, for example, may trigger pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The pain may be sharp and intense or a dull ache. , and because the aches are associated with moving parts, the pain is commonly mistaken for arthritis.
Trigger point massage is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
The result of trigger point massage is the elimination of toxins in the muscles and the release of energizing endorphins. A significant decrease in pain is often found after just one treatment.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but is used to target knots and release chronic muscle tension. Other benefits include reducing inflammation and helping to eliminate scar tissue. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
Deep tissue massage uses strokes across the grain of the muscles, not with the grain as in Swedish massage. The more intense movements and techniques such as deep finger pressure may be slightly uncomfortable and cause soreness that lasts a couple of days before resulting in the desired relaxation and pain relief.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is geared toward athletes of all kinds. The particulars of the massage are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are often focused on a particular troublesome areas on the body.
Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed massage promotes flexibility, removes fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares them compete at their highest level.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a branch of massage that focuses solely on the hands and feet. Originally developed as “zone therapy” in the early twentieth century, reflexology uses specifically targeted points on the extremities to send signals to the brain and balance the nervous system.
A reflexologist stretches and moves the hands and feet, applying pressure on reflex areas that correspond to specific organs and other parts of the body. Endorphins are released throughout the entire body, reducing stress and returning the body to equilibrium. Reflexology has been known to provide relief from ailments such as tension headaches, arthritis, digestive issues and back pain.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage therapy is one of the most common types of massage. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. Swedish therapy relieves muscle tension so it can be both relaxing and energizing. It may even help after an injury.
Chair Massage
We offer onsite chair massages. Chair massages are done while you’re seated fully clothed in a portable, specially designed chair. They involve a massage of your neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, and reflexology on your feet. Typically this is a 15-20 minute massage.
