Learn about Massage Therapy Techniques

Many of our clients are interested in learning more about the different massage therapy techniques. As a Wellness and Pain Relief center our focus is on the deeper, muscular and structural techniques. We do offer Therapeutic  Swedish as well, and the following videos should answer any questions about what to expect with the different types of massage therapy.

Therapeutic Swedish Massage Therapy

The term “Swedish Massage” can refer to a variety of massage techniques. You may be most familiar with a combination of deep tissue and kneading with lots of oil. Our Therapeutic Swedish Massage is designed to be more medically therapeutic by focusing on the oxygen flow in the blood and releasing toxins from the muscles through lymphatic massage. While the heart continuously pumps blood through the blood vessels, the lymphatic system relies on the movement of smooth muscles to transport fluid through the lymph vessels. Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs, where it can causing swelling, causing lymphedema.

Techniques
Therapeutic Swedish Massage techniques include: very light pressure using long strokes. Our technique is specifically based on a more clinical approach, focusing on lymphatic drainage, encompassing gentle massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. We also designed our approach to relax muscles by applying very light pressure to them, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart, kneading, and more passive/active movements like bending and stretching.

Benefits
Therapeutic Swedish Massage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. Our focus Incorporates the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well-being. People can develop lymphedema as a result of infections, cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes, and any condition that damages the lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. It is also quite beneficial for those who may be sensitive to touch (Highly Sensitive Person).

Clinical Deep Tissue Massage Therapy

Deep tissue massage involves slow strokes with deep pressure.
Firm pressured strokes towards the heart decreases sensitivity. Pressure is applied in the opposite direction of muscles that cause pains and aches. This type of massage benefits people who experience muscle tension, chronic inflammation, muscle pain and physical stress.

Benefits
Deep tissue massage offers several mental and physical benefits. This massage style relieves stress and promotes relaxation. Deep tissue massage also relieves pain and muscle stiffness associated with athletic injuries, arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, carpal tunnel syndrome and whiplash.

Clinical Sports Massage Therapy

Clinical Sports massage involves firm pressure towards the heart with stretching and deep tissue massage.

Benefits

Promotes increased mobility, increased blood flow and decreased lactic acid in muscle system while helping you to recover from high activity events.

Clinical Structural or Medical Massage Therapy

Clinical Massage therapy is based on the premise that true healing lies in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. The closer we come to balance the healthier and happier we are. Therapy assists the patient at becoming more integrated in their body through a comprehensive program combining all types of massage, including soft tissue manipulation techniques that aim to bring upon homeostasis between the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves) and musculoskeletal system (muscles and bones).

This process is begun by discussing the type and location of your pain. This determines which muscle needs to be worked in order to lengthen or shorten it, thereby breaking the pain cycle. Deep massage focuses on pain patterns and “cause and effect.” Deep massage following structural discrepancies such as “high” shoulder, “high or low” hip, rounded shoulders, and forward head positioning. These structural asymmetries or distortions cause pain or pain cycles that never seem to go away. The procedure includes the application of pressure to the muscle, causing a release of stored tension. Ideally, the individual will become more aware of his body and how he contributes to his pain cycle. Clients will also learn the importance of maintaining relaxation, especially in highly stressful environments. With time and successive treatments, the muscle will regain its proper shape. In most cases, this therapy along with cleansing, stretching, and proper exercise can permanently alleviate chronic pain. Therapy may include myofascial release, triggerpoint therapy, craniosacral therapy, active release and energetic healing techniques.

Manipulation of the soft tissues of the body can produce amazing and dramatic results — see for yourself!

How many treatments does a patient need? This question varies with each individual depending upon the severity of their condition, nutritional health, age, fitness, emotional health, the skill of the therapist, etc, etc. One person may need only one session, some may need 8 sessions. Generally after about 3 to 5 sessions the patient feels a great improvement in their health. When the problem is eliminated, the patient should have a treatment monthly to maintain their health and help prevent future imbalances from occurring.

For more information on pain free living please call 704-332-7700