Bodywork

Deep Tissue

Deep Tissue is great for all clientele looking to get receive relief for specific issues. It utilizes much of the same techniques as other massage modalities, but a much deeper pressure is key to making this modality most beneficial with aiding in more painfully chronic problem areas. The focus is on the deepest layers of the muscle tissue's, tendon's, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints). The term "deep" can vary between client and therapist so please provide feedback to the therapist in terms of pressure.

Sports Massage

Another favorite for athletes or those that partake in any type of physical fitness. Sports Massage is typically a combination of deep tissue accompanied with stretching for specific muscle groups and trigger point therapy. A Sports massage is ideal to treat injuries as well as a preventative treatment dealing with the health of muscle and connective tissue, range of movement, tone, symmetry, balance of muscle and quality of posture.

Trigger Point Therapy

When pressed, trigger points feel like "knots" or tight bands in the muscle, and are usually very tender. Trigger points may refer pain both in the local area and/or to other areas of the body, and common patterns have been well-documented and diagrammed. These are called "referral patterns." Approximately 74% of the time trigger points are not located where you feel symptoms, and working on the area you feel symptoms does not give you relief. These referral patterns do not necessarily follow nerve pathways. Pain levels can vary depending on the stress placed on the muscle and any of other the perpetuating factors that keep trigger points activated. Trigger points can cause symptoms not normally associated with muscular symptoms, such as sweating, ringing in the ears, dizziness, urinary frequency, buckling knees, and tearing of the eyes. Trigger points may cause other muscles fibers to contract. They will also cause weakness and loss of coordination of the involved muscles and an inability of the muscles to tolerate use. People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop trigger points than those who exercise occasionally and overdo it.

Cupping Methods

Cupping is an ancient bodywork artform that dates all the way back to ancient Greece, Egypt, Europe, Islamic practice, and Chinese medicine. During the beginning different cultures have used different cupping methods and techniques to suction out any "unwanted materials in the body", draw out sickness, pain, and even "evil spirits". Some cultures still believe in many of the ancient traditions today in regards to the cupping practice. In society now, cupping has changed on many levels due to the amazing science we have now. So what is it? Cupping works to lift the tissue with negative pressure by way of suction, or "pulling", which allows for the separation of fused or adhered tissue. Any tissue (fascia) that is "stuck", restricts optimal functioning. Tissues can be stuck from things like dehydration, chronic inflammation, repetitive use injury (when muscles stick together from fascial binding), and more. The same "pulling" or negative suction can draw out interstitial debris (old blood deposits, cellular waste that the lymphatic system could not draw out, lactic acid, medications, toxins...), and even pull up stagnant ink from tattoos! Cupping also has a powerful effect on blood. The cup acts as a vacuum to draw up fluids into the area while encouraging the fluid exchange process (filtration). This allows nutrient rich fluid to feed cells while removing waste materials at the same time. It's the combination of negative suction and vasodilation (action of widening blood vessels) that makes the fluid exchange possible. By way of suction, cups also encourage the rehydration of dehydrated or malnourished tissues. Thus making cupping a great benefit to working with scar tissue. Other ways cupping can benefit a person are through encouraging proper circulation, helping to clear congestion or stagnation (ex: limited movement of a joint), cellulite, rebuilds healthy tissue, and can even alleviate excess pressure on sensory organs in soft tissue (leads to a reduction in pain). Cupping aftercare is equally important and although cupping can be for everyone, there are some contraindications. Please consult your MT before adding on this body bonus.

Therapeutic Massage/Touch

All massage is therapeutic in nature because it affects the largest organ in your body—your skin. All massage will increase circulation, decrease blood pressure, and promote relaxation. The intention and techniques are what make a therapeutic massage different from a relaxation massage. A therapeutic massage is intended to affect CERTAIN areas whereas a relaxation massage GENERALLY covers most areas of the body. Many therapists use specific neural muscular therapy and connective tissue release techniques during a therapeutic massage. A massage does not have to be either a therapeutic massage or a relaxation massage. A massage session can be a combination of both. In fact, most massage sessions are a combination, making Therapeutic tied with Swedish Massage in popularity. Sometimes it can be a challenging balance, but the results are worth it!

Synergy Stones

Ergonomically designed with the MT in mind, Synergy Stones come in many shapes/colors/sizes. Being made of ceramic, they naturally hold heat longer and glide really well on the skin. This is not a set-it-and-forget-it approach to hot stones. These are designed to work with the movement at varying pressures. Heat combined with pressure is a wonderful additive to those that prefer deeper work. They allow you to work heat into the tissues to loosen them before deeper pressure is applied. This makes the job of the therapist not only easier in a sense, but also therapeutic for our hands and body as well. Interestingly enough, these work just as well cold from the freezer for headache relief and it's an added bonus on hot summer days. Please let your therapist know ahead of session which you would prefer.