Types of Massage

There are a variety of different styles, types and techniques of massage utilized by massage therapists. I combine aspects of several techniques to provide a unique experience of therapeutic and relaxation massage. A description of techniques is provided below.

Medical Massage
Advanced Myoskeletal Alignment Technique
Deep Tissue Massage
Myofascial Release
Prenatal Massage
Sports Massage
Swedish Massage
Lymphatic Drainage
Aromatherapy for Emotional Health

Medical Massage

As St. Joseph's first and only Certified Medical Massage Practitioner, I have completed over 45 hours of continuing education in Medical Massage Training. Medical Massage training provides efficient and effective techniques to abate pain, limited range of motion and bolster rehabilitation associated with overuse, injury and trauma to soft tissues of the body. The massage is prescribed by your physician and the massage techniques are carried out following the directives of the physician (doctors orders). Medical Massage Practitioners work with your physician to treat the condition and improve your recovery time.

Advanced Myoskeletal Alignment Technique

Myoskeletal Alignment is a set of treatment protocols used for the relief of tension, trauma, injury and poor posture held by the body. It is used for pain management, correcting poor posture, reprogramming muscle memory, restoration of mobility and flexibility. The techniques used help accelerate the pace in which clients reclaim their normal posture and body mechanics.

Deep Tissue Massage

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 patients 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. I work within your tolerance to provide the best benefit without causing undo soreness later. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic dysfunction and accompanying pain and restriction of motion. This is accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation, increasing venous and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia.[2]

Prenatal Massage

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, modification 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. 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]

Sports Massage

Sports massage is actually a form of Swedish massage that is delivered to athletes. Most commonly, sports massage focuses on increasing blood and lymphatic fluid flow, reducing and eliminating pain as well as tender trigger points, and increasing range of motion of the affected area. Sports massages can be broken into 4 distinct types - the pre-event sports massage, the post-event sports massage, the restorative sports massage and the rehabilitative sports massage. As the names indicate, each type of sports massage has a different focus for the athlete as they are delivered at different times during their training and performance schedule.[1]

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. 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.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic Drainage uses light touch and strokes to flush the toxic waste from the lymphatic system and lymph nodes. Because of largely sedentary life style, the lymph system doesn't work at maximum efficiency. The lymph system then becomes full and waste products build up with no where to go creating an unnecessary unhealthy environment. Lymphatic drainage includes techniques to drain the head, neck, lungs, liver, bladder, uterus, prostate and breast.

Aromatherapy for Emotional Health

Aromatherapy for Emotional Health incorporates natural essential oils to help release and calm the everyday stresses of life. When the body and mind reach their limits of stress they can hold, they react with physical and emotional symptoms. Anxiety, depression, anger, digestive issues, migraines, pain, tightness, soreness, disrupted sleep and a whole host of other issues. Along with massage, essential oils can aid the body in relaxing and recovery to bring the body back in balance and normal function.